What’s the top issue on most American minds this election? The economy. But what part of the economy is on most American minds? Gas prices and energy. With Barack Obama opposing expanded drilling (which most Americans think needs to be done), that leaves the GOP with a real opportunity here. Unfortunately, Republicans have done a horrible job of owning the issue.

Congress will likely break for the summer without passing legislation to curb high gasoline prices. But Americans are fashioning their own energy policy, founded on conservation and support for more production.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC news poll finds that energy — including gasoline and utility costs — ranks as the economic issue that voters say affects them the most personally. ….

Polls indicate voters trust Democrats over Republicans, by substantial margins, to do a better job on energy. The Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found that 42% of respondents preferred Democrats for dealing with energy policy, versus 22% favoring Republicans.

The poll indicated that Democrats’ edge on the issue may be slipping; the July poll gave Democrats a 20-point advantage on the issue, versus a 28-point lead in a January poll by The Wall Street Journal and NBC News.

So we’re doing better, but that’s still not enough. As I said, most top elected Democrats oppose domestic drilling, while John McCain supports it. Most Americans take the Republican position on the issue, and Republicans need to make sure they know that. They can’t wait for the Obama-infatuated media to do it for them, they need to make a stink and soon.