August 19, 2008 Touring oil rig, McCain reiterates need for offshore drilling Play video

(NECN: New Orleans, Louisiana) - John McCain campaigned in New Orleans, Louisiana today. He toured an oil rig and once again addressed the issue of offshore drilling.

"As people prepare for the winter, it is time for us to be more serious about home heating oil needs and other issues that face America, as far as energy is concerned. That means, we need to start drilling offshore at advanced oil rigs like this one. This rig survived a hurricane, they have been here for nine years and they have produced a whole lot of oil and natural gas. Senator Obama opposes new drilling. He said it won't solve our problem and that it's "not real." He's wrong and I hope the American people know it," said the Republican presidential candidate.

"We need to drill offshore and we need to do it now. If I were president, I would call Congress back into session and tell them to get to work," said McCain.