Our fearless leader Rich Lowry got the ball rolling by noting that McCain’s change of mind on Outer Continental Shelf drilling set the stage for the GOP to pound on Democrats about drilling and suggesting that a change of mind on ANWR should be next.

The ever prudent Andrew Stuttaford has concluded that the fetid swamp that is ANWR has reached the status of Green Church holy ground, and so fighting for drilling there at this time (just as the one-sided Outer Continental Shelf debate is raging in Congress) is a political loser. (He also notes that Obama’s efforts to tie McCain to Big Oil open the door for criticism of his cozy relationship with Big Ethanol — like David Freddoso’s on Tuesday.)

Mona Charen dissents. As does Jim Manzi,who digs the dollars that come from drilling. But Andrew wants the offshore oil now, and ANWR is a distraction. Mona wants more than oil.

For the record, I’m still with Rich — and Charles Krauthammer — and Jonah Goldberg.

Here’s a little unsolicited advice for Team McCain: visit one of the new rigs in the Gulf. See the latest, greatest drilling technology. Then take a trip up to ANWR (as Jonah Goldberg did in 2001), preferably now, while that pristine environment is at its ripest, and I suspect you’ll change your mind. It may be pristine, but Mother Nature does come up with some clunkers. Bring the cameras with you. Show America exactly why ANWR shouldn’t be considered holy ground. Then tell us why you were wrong and have changed your mind.