In defense of the show (this particular episode), that information wasn't completely acurate. The president's aid was making a passable lie that he would hope is good enough in the president's view to let the pieces fall where they may, which was really just an attempt to slow CTU down long enough, which it did.
The truth of the plot of this episode is that the terrorists are taking the WMDs out of America with the intention to use them on their own people because of the treaties the US and Russia signed just hours earlier.
The aid (who is in league with the terrorists) was merely trying to "seduce" the president with the promises of oil so he would agree to letting things go according to plan, with the president not knowing whats really going on. This failed with Jack's intervention, but the terrorists now have the WMDs.
So while the aid joined them in the interests of securing oil, he only now realizes how deep he got into this mess and that he played right into the terrorist's hands. It's either that, or he is/was fully a part of their cause.
So theres really two sides to the story of this season, and one half of it is already over with the revelation that the aid allowed access to the WMDs for oil. It's too early to say if the main theme of this season will deal with oil, but it doesn't seem so at this point, since it was resolved in one episode. The main point now seems to be getting those canisters before they are shipped out of the country or can be detonated. It may seem like more of the same thing from last season, but then what did you expect from this show after watching it in past seasons?
While it is true there are political themes entertwined in this show, it's fictional just enough that it's not a direct stab at any one person or any one situation or country even and it would be a shame if people didn't watch this tense, action packed show because they choose to watch too much politically minded news on tv and choose to use this information to bad-mouth a show thats meant first and foremost for entertainment, not existing or non-existant political agendas and paying lipservice to them.
You and you alone control the flow of politics in your household. Mr. Sutherland should be ignored because you think he's a bad actor, not because you feel he's lending his services to a political front.
EDIT:
The very nature of this show is obviously supported and loved by fans, given it's continued success. So if they can overlook political nuances in the show in favor of just wanting to see some thrills, action, and drama, then perhaps you should consider doing the same.
And by "you" I mean anyone who wouldn't watch tv programming because you so closely equate it with the real world. Even if you are/would be right, it's still possible to enjoy this show, or any other, at it's basic levels of entertainment.
24 isn't a right or left wing powered show. It is simply a show about counter-terrorism. Thats what it's made of, thats what it sells itself on, and thats what makes it a success. Anyone, from any "side", can enjoy it at that level because its a common sentiment they share.