Friedman has a new book coming out that focuses on America's energy challenges and ... energy opportunities.

It will be a best seller.

And, Friedman will be on talk show after talk show, radio interview after radio interview in the coming weeks.

And, he is ready to speak strongly on these issues in the political campaign.

From this interview, for example,

Diane Sawyer:  "You've actually called him another representative of big oil.  Too tough?"

Friedman: No, I don't think so.  Given the fact that his mantra has been DRILL! BABY! DRILL! And it has not been what I think it needs to be, "Invent, Baby, Invent!"  

There is a saying down in Texas, if all you ever do is all you've ever done, all you'll ever get is all you've ever done.

If all we ever do is DRILL! DRILL! DRILL!, all we're ever going to get is chasing the world' oil price.

At this time, Tom Friedman might represent one of the strongest voices out there for a sane energy policy. Not because he has the best vision (although it is not bad), not because he is the top expert (although he is knowledgeable), but because he has the podium and is showing that he is willing to use it.

And, through using it he might help save the planet's hability for modern human civilization ... the stakes this November are that serious.

Hard to believe that I'm typing this: Tom Friedman, MUST WATCH TV!