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I agree, cynus, the GAO report is big news. However, it's not that there will be new information for those of us who have been following it. (For new information, one has to come to TOD.)
What's new is that peak oil will be getting official confirmation from a respected source, assuming Rep. Bartlett's hints about the report correctly describe it.
The Government Accounting Office (GAO) has a good reputation as an objective and independent voice within the U.S. government.
The report may just be the crack in the dam, making it politically permissable to talk about the subject -- just as the Hirsch Report gave peak oil added credibility a couple of years ago.
Already, as Byron King points out ("The Shell Answer Man"), the statements from the oil companies indicate they have reached similar conclusions as we have about peak oil -- they are just avoiding the term "peak oil", as well as by fuzzing the issue by talking up non-conventional sources of oil. I think that Leanan is right in suspecting that po skeptics will make full use of this tactic.
Part of the suspense, I think, is finding out whether or not this story will ever precipitate a panic as the news of PO reaches a critical mass. How the MSN handles it, will be key. Presenting the PO skeptics side in conjunction with the GAO report, for example, may actually be a good thing.
I remember the shock that learning about PO was to me several years ago and how I felt like I had been punched in the stomach for a month or so. I can't imagine what it will be like when hundreds of millions of people get that feeling all at once.
Take it further....
Imagine how they react with their assets they currently perceive as valuable. Last one out loses....
http://thefinancedude.blogspot.com
also....Perfect storm....PO, recessions, & GW.... YEH.....better be grabbin some cold ones and finding your spot to watch.