Analysis: A coalition of Republicans and climate-conscious Democrats pressured the president to take action on Russian oil.
For liberals, banning Russian oil — banning any oil — is a step toward reducing global dependence on fossil fuels and the power of petro-state leaders, while higher gas prices create an incentive for consumers to buy electric vehicles.
Faced with a stark choice — lead, or get rolled by Congress — Biden stepped to the front of the train Tuesday. The ban covers new purchases of oil and liquefied natural gas from Russia, and it prohibits U.S. companies from investing in Russian energy, a senior administration official told reporters on a conference call Tuesday.
It's hard to find a pollster who thinks that rising gas prices are good for an incumbent president or the members of his party in tough political races. Democrats believe — or at least hope — that voters will give them room in the fight against Putin.