Planet at Stake in US elections?

I have quite a few colleagues from the United States working with me at the moment.
Understandably, they are very excited about the elections. Mark has been lobbying people to vote and distributing stickers to those who have. (Do they have to show you proof Mark?)
Over dinner last night, several of them joined in a lively debate over the candidates for Vice-President.One said Joe Biden is not the diplomatic “elder statesman”-type he’s made up to be and surprised us with a tale or two. Another disagreed, seeing him as an ideal future vice-president.
But Mrs Palin seems to be the one, once again, who arouses most emotions. Emily from Alaska can’t understand how she got to be governor, let alone candidate for vice-president. Her “Drill, baby, drill” slogan points to potentially disastrous consequences for the climate, your Ice Blogger is convinced about that. You’ll find a brief analysis of the two candidates’ energy policies here:
Journalist Leah McDonnel’s assessment for Living Planet
A friend and colleague from Australia came up with this extreme comment: “Drill Baby, Drill…through your foot”.
Now come on CH, you’re usually a non-violent, peace-loving guy…”
I know he doesn’t mean it literally. And I suppose the pun would be too obvious if we said he had a “point”…
So how important is (or was, so many people have voted already) climate policy to you folks in deciding who to vote for?