Simple. With the cost of gas going up which is not only effecting people's pocketbooks at the pump but also jacking up the costs of everything else due to trucking companies paying more, close to 70% of the people are calling for a change in our energy policies including domestic drilling AND nuclear power.
So when Democrats keep shooting down realistic fixes such as domestic drilling and nuclear, the voters take notice. THAT is what will force congress to go along eventually....the threat of being voted out of power.
McCain doesn't even have to deliver on the statement himself. He and others are putting the Democrats in the spotlight.