The problem with Walker’s position is that it’s pandering and trying to have it both ways:
I’m against it but that will cost me votes here so, in consideration for your vote, I’m willing to suspend my previously stated ideological view on these subsidies for an indefinite period of time. Blah.
Several have posted that Congress has to act. That wasn’t Walker’s point and that’s a cop out. Even without the legislature rolling over and playing dead, the President is intended to be a strong check against the Congress’ intent.
At this point in the election cycle, issues aren’t about the dynamics of how things are done. What people want to know is basic ideology/strategy of how a campaign will come together. This is an important moment for Walker. Iowa, as a neighbor, is crucial to his success. He has to perform well there, likely top 2, or he’s done. So. He waffled on ethanol.
To suggest that his comments were about process or Congress’ role, etc., is silly. His new position is an acknowledgment of how important Iowa is to his primary strategy.
Bottom line: his ideological views CAN be bent to political expediency. This is true of most politicians. The real question is how easy and how often will this be the case...
I think what is missed by many conservatives on this site is Walker as the front runner, his biggest enemy is the liberal media...
So I look at it like he is pandering to the media, if you want to call it that, I call it smart and someone who knows how they operate...
His position is a prudent one that the media will have a difficult time using against him....
After all, all they really want is something to hang on him to drag him down and not argue his policy positions...