As Michelle Malkin notes, Nancy Pelosi called offshore drilling a "hoax unworthy of serious debate" back in July.

But then the Demcorats realized just how much of a liability the price of gas is, so they held a vote on offshore drilling last night. As CQ reports: "After watching Republicans gain political traction in recent weeks with calls for more offshore drilling, Democratic leaders hope the legislation will provide political cover for moderate members of their caucus who face tough re-election fights."

On what was pretty much a party-line vote, Democrats passed a bill to allow drilling 50 miles offshore--which prevents drilling for the estimated 18 billion barrels of oil within 50 miles of the shore.

Talk about a hoax.