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Apr-30-2008

Candidates' Plans Could Indirectly Raise Gas Prices

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Like Republican presidential contender John McCain before her, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton has endorsed the idea of suspending the federal tax on gasoline for the summer months -- in order, hopefully, to pass along at least some of the savings to consumers looking at the prospect of $4-a-gallon gas. (More...)
Clinton covered a lot of issues that hit very close to home, including gas prices, food prices and energy costs. (More...)
Democratic contender Hillary Clinton quickly supported the idea, and added windfall profits from big oil could help offset the money the government would lose. (More...)
Parker said the rising cost of gas, groceries and everything else is stressful on working families. (More...)
On the matter of the gas holiday John McCain shows more of the same irresponsibility. (More...)
"Earlier Monday at a community college in the Philadelphia suburbs, Obama rejected a tax holiday as bad economic policy. (More...)
The tax hasn't been raised in 15 years. (More...)
Hillary's way to the nomination even with leverage on the party establishment is predicated on character assassination. (More...)
"Rise, Hillary, rise? Sounds very stupid." (More...)
If it was sample math I think we all can do it. (More...)
Not to mention that tax holidays, like equally silly "stimulus" refunds, only serve to get us deeper into debt if we don't reform our spending. (More...)
More people would buy gasoline driving up the need to process more crude oil. (More...)
Krueger said the measure, if followed, won't have a major impact on consumers. (More...)
In 2007 ''' after seven years of Clinton'''s brand of leadership ''' Buffalo, the second-largest city in New York, was named the second-poorest city in the country by Forbes Magazine. (More...)
McCains temporary price reduction, miniscule as it is, would increase demand during a time where demand is already high, thus leading to an even larger price increase than normal. (More...)
Cut taxes, and all that happens is that the pretax price rises by the same amount. (More...)
The Democratic candidate pushes her plan for lower gas prices; but doesn't fill the tank herself. (More...)
The California retail price was $3.86, according to the California Energy Commission -- 35 cents higher than the national average. (More...)

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Like Republican presidential contender John McCain before her, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton has endorsed the idea of suspending the federal tax on gasoline for the summer months -- in order, hopefully, to pass along at least some of the savings to consumers looking at the prospect of $4-a-gallon gas. Today, she unveiled more details of her " plan to address soaring prices at the pump." She would, among other things: Pay for the gas tax suspension with a " a windfall profits tax on oil companies;" close "$7.5 billion in oil and gas loopholes" and use the funds to help lower-income families "pay their energy and grocery bills;" and put pressure on OPEC to boost production by filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization against the OPEC members. As the Associated Press writes, Democrat Barack Obama does not support the "gas tax holiday" and has said the average motorist would not benefit significantly from such a suspension; by some estimates, the federal government would lose about $10 billion in revenue. [1] Barack Obama didn't back down yesterday in his opposition to a so-called gas tax holiday this summer, becoming more vocal in calling it political pandering and slamming John McCain and Hillary Clinton for proposing it. He told voters in Winston-Salem, N.C., that suspending the 18.4-cents-a-gallon federal gas tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day would save them only about $25 to $30. Some economists, he said, believe the proposal could backfire and actually raise prices by increasing demand. "We don't know that the oil companies will actually pass on the savings," he added. By taking revenue away from the Highway Trust Fund, which finances road and bridge repairs, the gas tax holiday could delay badly needed improvements and cost thousands of construction jobs, including 7,000 in North Carolina, he told voters. "This is the problem with Washington," Obama declared.[2] A summer moratorium on the 18.4-cent federal gas tax would cost an estimated $9 billion, money that is desperately needed to shore up the country's transportation infrastructure. McCain's assurance that he would divert tax revenue from other sources to make up the difference is not reassuring amid a ballooning federal deficit, and Clinton's plan to tax oil companies has been tried without success by congressional Democrats for years. Clinton is now running commercials in Indiana, site of the next Democratic primary on Tuesday, attacking Obama for his policy on gasoline prices. Never mind that there is almost no chance of getting her proposal through Congress before Memorial Day, even if it made sense. Here's hoping the people of Indiana can see through this ploy.[3]

'''Over the last three months, while you were being pummeled by high gas prices, Shell'''s profits rose by 25 percent, and BP'''s by 63 percent. The oil companies are doing very well, and it'''s high time that they helped to relieve the burden of high gas prices on our families and our businesses.''' The Obama campaign has said Clinton'''s plan would have a minimal impact, a charge Clinton pushed back on while suggesting he was ignoring the impact to rural areas. '''There are a lot of people in Indiana who would really benefit from a gas tax holiday,''' she said. '''That may not mean much to my opponent, but it means a lot to people who are struggling here, people who commute long distances to work: farmers and truckers, who are in the business of driving a lot of vehicles over a lot of miles.''' She again hit Obama for voting in favor of what she calls '''Dick Cheney '''s energy bill.''' '''My opponent talks a lot about standing up to big oil,''' Clinton said, '''but when the time came to take action, he voted for the bill that gave billions of dollars in tax breaks to the oil companies, and I voted against it. I didn'''t think they needed any more of your money to make a profit.''' She also targeted McCain, who also proposes a tax holiday, but she said he does not compensate for funds dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund. (That'''s a point the McCain campaign has contested.) '''Sen. Obama won'''t provide relief, while McCain won'''t pay for it,''' she said.[4] "People are hurting," the announcer says in the ad. "It's time for a president who's ready to take action now." Campaigning in Indiana yesterday, Clinton said she has both a short-term plan, the gas tax holiday, and a long-term plan, energy efficiency and green-collar jobs, to deal with high gas prices. She also highlighted her proposal to levy a windfall profits tax on oil companies to pay for the gas tax suspension. "The oil companies keep making out like bandits," she said. "They're making the highest profits in the history of the world. It's high time that they relieved the burden of high gas prices." "Senator Obama won't provide relief, while Senator McCain won't pay for it," she added.[2]

Not to be outdone on the pandering front -- and no doubt after seeing poll results showing that high gas prices have topped Iraq among Americans' biggest concerns -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) seconded McCain's motion and spiced it up with a proposal to tax windfall profits of oil companies to make up for the lost gas-tax revenues. McCain's gas-tax gimmick is about what one would expect from a Republican candidate, given that his party's shortsighted energy policies are partly to blame for the fix we're in today. Rather than supporting conservation measures, such as tougher vehicle fuel standards, the Republicans wasted years fighting a pointless battle to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. President Bush continued to hammer on this tired theme Tuesday, as if unaware that it would take about a decade to extract a drop of oil from the refuge and that doing so would have a negligible effect on prices. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is refusing to play along with what he has called a gas-tax " scheme,” perhaps because he has learned from experience. When he was an Illinois state senator in 2000, he voted in favor of a six-month suspension of the state's sales tax on gasoline.[3] Speaking against the proposal was Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who said the move would save consumers little and do little to curtail oil consumption and imports. He called McCain's gas tax holiday proposal a "scheme." Obama's view, shared by environmentalists and energy analysts, permits Clinton to draw a distinction between herself and her opponent while courting middle-class families and older Americans -- typically her support base and his weakest demographics, the Times said. During a rally, Clinton said she would introduce legislation that would impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies, using the revenue to suspend the gasoline tax temporarily, the Times' report said. "Middle-class families are paying too much and oil companies aren't paying their fair share to help us solve the problems at the pump," Clinton said.[5]

Obama criticized the plan as pure politics and said the only way to lower the price of gas is to use less oil. "It would last for three months and it would save you on average half a tank of gas, $25 to $30. That's what Senator Clinton and Senator McCain are proposing to deal with the gas crisis," he said on Tuesday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer, it's an idea designed to get them through an election." This stance has prompted Clinton to accuse him of being out of touch with ordinary Americans as she campaigns ahead of key presidential nomination contests in North Carolina and Indiana on May 6. The New York senator was commuting to work in South Bend, Indiana, on Wednesday and planned to pump gas at a gas station to draw attention to her plan to suspend the gas tax on consumers and businesses. "We will pay for it by imposing a windfall profits tax on the big oil companies," she said on Tuesday. "They sure can afford it. This is a big difference in this race.[6] McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, was the first to propose a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax. His plan would lift the 18.4 cents per gallon tax during peak summer travel months. It also would suspend the 24.4 cent diesel tax. Clinton, who rejected a similar idea in 2000, said her plan is different from McCain's. She said the Republican's proposal would cost the government up to $10 billion -- money that is used to improve roads. The senator from New York said she'd make up for the lost revenue with a "windfall profits tax" on oil companies, meaning their profits over a certain amount would be subject to a 50 percent tax.[7] McCain is joined in "gas holiday" plan by none other than Senator Hillary Clinton, who is in faovr of "Imposing a windfall profits tax on oil companies and using the money to suspend the gas tax for the peak summer months." Teaming up with democrats to push measures that hurt Americans is nothing new for McCain, who brought the wrath of talk-radio upon himself when he partnered twice with Ted Kennedy to produce the "McCain-Kennedy" immigration bill of long and unhappy memory.[8]

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind Hillary Clinton's bashed Barack Obama again today for opposing a federal gas tax holiday over the summer and hit her potential Republican rival John McCain for proposing one but failing to pay for it. Clinton outlined her plan to cut the price at the pump at the Miller Veneer factory in Indianapolis where customers have started refusing shipments because of the surcharge the company has to charge to make up for the higher cost of gas. First up in her plan: "I would immediately lower gas prices by temporarily suspending the gas tax for consumers and businesses.[6] Something remarkable is happening right now an actual policy debate between the three presidential candidates. (Unfortunately, this beautiful, rare occurrence has fallen squarely in the midst of the latest Reverend Wright brouhaha.) With gas prices soaring ever higher and the middle class becoming ever crankier, John McCain and Hillary Clinton have begun touting a summer gas-tax holiday, so that dads can afford to take their families on one more gratuitous, unwanted roadside detour during their summer vacations. (The gas tax is currently 18.4 cents a gallon and is used towards maintaining our highway infrastructure.) Barack Obama has adopted an obviously tone-deaf opposition to a gas-tax holiday, saying, "This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer. It's designed to get them through an election," he said.[9]

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Sharply rising fuel prices are sending fresh political shockwaves through the White House race, as Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama feud on how to ease pain at the pump for U.S. drivers. With some analysts predicting four dollar a gallon gas within months, and oil giants reporting record profits, Clinton is aggressively pushing her plan for a "holiday" on fuel taxes for the summer peak driving season. A political payoff of her plan is skewering Obama, with whom she is locked in a bitter fight for the Democratic nomination, as end-game primaries loom in Indiana and North Carolina on May 6. Obama opposes a tax holiday, and on Tuesday hit back hard at his rival, branding her idea as no more than a "gimmick" which would do nothing to ease the long-term cost of driving, one of many economic woes troubling voters.[10]

'''And of course gas prices, that's on everybody's mind.''' "We've got to stop this gas price madness and there are a couple things we have to do -- take short term action for immediate relief, then have a long term strategy, and I have proposed both,''' Senator Clinton told the employees. Clinton is calling her short term plan a gas tax holiday. She wants to give drivers a break from the gas tax this summer and force oil companies to pay it instead. Her opponent Sen. Obama said Tuesday in North Carolina he doesn't support that plan. He said in that state it would hurt highway construction and cost 7,000 jobs.[11] Over the weekend in Indiana, Obama talked extensively about gas prices, lost jobs, health care, and paying for college. Today in North Carolina, before a crowd the campaign estimated at 5,000, he spoke about Americans who were working harder and harder to get by, who were struggling to pay for food and college. He said many people felt like the American dream was slipping away, echoing the kinds of lines Clinton often uses on the stump. He also said that when he talks about the need to change the way politics is done in Washington, he is "being very specific.''' It'''s another favorite line of his rival's -- one she uses to paint him as more rhetoric than action, a criticism he has increasingly sought to address in his stump speech. In a bid to connect with voters, Obama talked about his work as a community organizer and ended his remarks with a slice out of his life story, focusing on being raised by a single mother and about his grandfather who was from a small town in Kansas '''"right smack dab in the middle of the Midwest.''' Obama hit back at McCain for criticizing him for opposing a gas-tax holiday the Arizona senator has proposed. "He had the gall yesterday to tell me that obviously because I didn'''t agree with his plan I must not be sympathetic to poor people,''' Obama said. '''That'''s what he said. This is at the same time that he is proposing hundreds of billion of dollars of more tax breaks for corporate interests, to the wealthiest Americans. He doesn'''t explain how it is that we are going to replace the Highway Trust Fund. But, you see, here'''s the thing: That'''s typical of how Washington works.'''[12]

Campaigning in North Carolina, the other state voting next Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama dismissed Mrs. Clinton's plan, and a similar one from Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, as primary season year pandering. "This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer, it's designed to get them through an election," Mr. Obama said in a statement issued by his campaign. Mrs. Clinton distinguished her plan from the a tax holiday proposal that Mr. McCain unveiled in a speech at Carnegie-Mellon University earlier this month by noting that she would pay for it -- rather than just forgoing the revenue -- by depositing the proceeds of a new windfall profits tax into the federal Highway Trust Fund, which is the beneficiary of the levies on gas and diesel fuel that she would suspend.[13] "Sen. Obama won't provide relief, while Sen. McCain won't pay for it," Mrs. Clinton maintained after a tour of the wood-working facility in the East Side neighborhood of the state's capital city. In their rebuttal, however, the Obama campaign argued that Mrs. Clinton was trying to count her windfall profits tax twice as she had already suggested that such a levy be used to support research and development of alternative forms of energy. Mr. Obama said that the only real relief from higher fuel costs would come through longer term steps toward energy independence, which he and Mrs. Clinton have offered in broadly similar terms. "What we're talking about now is a Washington con game, and I think the American people are smarter than Washington and will see right through it," Mr. Obama said in his North Carolina remarks. The Obama camp argues that the gas tax suspension would have only a modest benefit to the average motorist, but after her tour here, Mrs. Clinton maintained that its impact would be felt more widely throughout the economy, pointing to the plant she had just visited as an example. "You've gotta bring those logs in; you've gotta send the finished products out, and the costs are sent down the supply chain, from the factory floor to the corner store," she said.[13]

Clinton has proposed a whole series of actions, many which Sen. Chuck Schumer (also from New York) is already putting into a bill. Obama says he takes no contributions from the oil companies but picked up over $45,000 just last month from executives and other employees, according to factcheck.org. He supported the Cheney energy bill in 2005, which Clinton opposed. His candidacy is a ploy to cancel out the only person with a good shot of capturing the White House in November. The old-school dems don't want a woman in the West Wing, isn't it sort of obvious by now? For more on this, check out an article at thecityedition.com which looks at how the election is being manipulated and Obama's connections to political fixer Tony Rezko. Factcheck2, you are clearly a hillary troll. just see my posts above. this gas tax holiday is nothing but B.S. and if you can't understand that then go read up on your economics. you are speaking to intelligent people here (except for a few: JakeD, rat-the and others). HRC won't stop saying this because most voters don't care what economists think or what the realities are.[14] Economists told ABC News that Obama was essentially right on the issue. It's a matter of supply and demand ''' when gas is cheaper, more people want to buy gas and drive the price up, they said. That means consumers might not even see that $2.70-a-tank savings. Both Clinton and Obama say that the government should tax oil companies' profits, but McCain disagrees.[15] Sen. Obama is right on this issue again showing his superior judgment. Sen.Clinton & Sen. McCain are pandering to the lower income people for votes who might not understand the ramifications of lost revenue to all states in maintaining our roads and bridges and also the loss of jobs that may occur by such a move. It is more preferable to tax the oil companies on their huge profits by these high gas prices something that I think Sen.Obama also talked about.[16] Sen. Clinton quickly supported Sen. McCain's proposal. She suggested paying for the holiday with money from a windfall-profits tax on oil companies. Sen. Obama has been outspoken in his opposition. He argues that a tax holiday would do nothing to lower gas prices in the long term and could raise gas prices by encouraging more people to drive.[17] Sounds like communism to me. Hell, let's take her money and give it to the people. Everything is revisable for Hillary who confuses reality with the lies she tells. This one is sad since it removes so little cost from the equation and deprives us of money to maintain roads. It is dumb. which is why McCain likes it. If she is a serious person, which she is not, she would propose a windfall profits tax on oil companies retroactive to 2006. She is beholden to those vampires and will not. Even her biggest economist supporter, Krugman, said that such a gas holiday is "pandering." Wonder if Clinton will highlight Krugman's words on this one like she did on his words about her health care plan. I'm guessing she won't, but hey why should consistency be a virtue in Hillaryland.[18] From NBC's Mark Murray As we mentioned earlier, Hillary Clinton is calling for a holiday on the 18.4-cent gasoline tax, and she says she'd make up the funding from that (which funds transportation infrastructure) by taxing oil company's "windfall" profits. It's worth pointing out that Clinton OPPOSED efforts to cut or repeal gas taxes during her 2000 Senate contest against Rick Lazio. It's also worth pointing out -- as the RNC has for last several days -- that Obama supported a holiday on Illinois' state gas tax when he was in the IL Senate (although as PoliFact later noted that Obama voted against legislation making the reduction permanent). Here's what Clinton said at her October 8, 2000 debate with Lazio: " ne of my fundamental disagreements during this campaign with my opponent was when he called for the repeal of the gas tax. Now, the gas tax is one of those few taxes that New York actually gets more money from Washington than we send.[18] Clinton sees the fuel price crisis and the row over a gas tax holiday as a way to further dent Obama's ratings with lower middle class and blue collar voters, often from rural areas. That key bloc of the Democratic coalition turned to Clinton in her Pennsylvania primary victory last week, as well as in a sheaf of previous state polls, thwarting Obama's bid to knock her out of the party presidential stakes. Obama's position might be exposing him politically, but it is winning support from petroleum industry experts and ecologists. "It's not a prudent thing to do," said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service, arguing that cutting taxes could encourage people to use their cars more, and drive up prices, according to the law of supply and demand. He stressed that the excise tax, which amounted to 26 billion dollars in 2006, bankrolls a fund used to build highway infrastructure. Clinton argues that she would replenish the highways fund with proceeds of a new "windfall" tax on oil company profits.[10]

Aside from continuing to guarantee the oil barons their profits, a cut in the gas tax does nothing substantial for the consumer. Clinton is now desperate to find an issue to differentiate herself with Obama, and so the resort to gimmicks like this. This is all the Clinton presidency and now the current Clinton campaign offers, is gimmicks for the working people. I don't like Obama's position on health care, but I do find the Clinton's to be unprincipled politicians, and find they are quite willing to drag the Democratic Party through the mud for their ambition. The tax infrastructure of this country has been done serious damage by Bush and his wannabe successor McCain.[16]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the 24 cent per gallon tax on diesel that the truckers pay. This tax cut is mainly relief for our distribution industry, which is suffering hard under the high gas prices, and leading to rising inflation in all our commodities. No, you aren't just saving $30 dollars from this tax suspension as Obama so derisively dismisses. This is one of many steps the government can do to curtail our rampant inflation. Obama and his bandwagon supporters like to make fun of this "gimmick" as he calls it, but at least it's an active and immediate step to lower our gas prices and slow our inflation. What is Obama's plan to lower gas prices? Talk the oil industry out of it? Charm the oil industry with his multicultural charism? Develop an alternative energy infrastructure in his first term? What a pipe dream.[16] The cost of a gallon of gasoline has touched $4 in some parts of the country as oil prices nudge toward a record $120 per barrel, hammering drivers at a time when higher food prices and falling home values are already crimping U.S. consumers. Many economists implicitly agreed with Obama and said the McCain-Clinton gas tax plan sent the wrong signal on energy efficiency and was at odds with their pledges to combat climate change by encouraging lower U.S. carbon emissions.[6]

Clinton's and McCain's plans for a summer gas-tax suspension won't solve anything. High gas prices can prompt political hysteria in the best of times, but when they soar during an election year, the fumes rising from candidate stump speeches can make a person sick. Of the three candidates and the president they're out to replace, only one is telling the truth about oil -- and he may suffer for his political courage. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) unveiled his nonsensical solution to $4-a-gallon gasoline two weeks ago when he proposed suspending the federal excise tax on gas during the peak-travel summer months.[3] Clinton's plan would use the windfall profits on oil to subsidize the federal gas tax holiday over the summer to make sure the country's Highway Trust Fund used to build and repair roads and bridges doesn't suffer. Major oil companies report first quarter earnings this week and are expected to chalk up bumper profits thanks to record crude prices, with Exxon Mobil forecast to see net income rise around 22 percent to over $11 billion.[19] Sen Clinton is promising a gas tax cut but Obama says no. She is promising a "holiday" relief now, so that we can pay(nightmare) for it in the end. If we take the gas tax cut, we would be taking away from monies used for our streets, roads and bridges, (remember the bridge in Minneapolis that collaspe?) The oil companies will not suffer, they will just hike the prices even more.[6] Consumption drives pricing and therefore, 18 cents off our gas price in May will only cause the total price of gas to climb faster as that marginal consumer chooses to drive a little more or buy the more inefficient vehicle. When the tax suspension is over in September, guess who won't be dropping their prices to accommodate the reinstated tax?!! At least with prices where they are now, consumers will think a little harder about every gallon they use, and maybe reclaim some of their supposed negotiating power as the consumer. Hillary has been very consistent on this issue. She is only for the gas tax holiday if she can get the Oil Companies to pay for it. She will not compromise our highway system and jobs associated with it for a tax holiday. Unlike McCain who has not indicated how he would pay for it.[18] Gas will cost less and people will travel more as a result of paying less, thereby increasing demand greater than supply which in turn raises prices. Give me a break! Reducing the gas tax and taxing the oil companies does nothing, since anyone who has taken first semester economics knows that companies just pass their costs onto consumers. Take McCain and Hillary and shake them up in a sack and see which one falls out first. I see according to the media this going to be one long freaking election year.[18]

I'm European and therefore realize that none of this directly affects me but your elections are simply fascinating! I kind of can't believe people complain about the price of gas I've been to America many times and I know everything is relative, but can I just say that the rest of the world outside the Middle East pays vastly more money for petrol than you do and I mean VASTLY more. Of course it should be taxed it's a pollutant, cancelling that would just deprive money form the American government, which is not something I can imagine people supporting. Especially as everyone on here is right the rising gas prices has nothing to do with taxes its all the oil companies and demand/supply so why abolish the tax so they can have more? Which they inevitable would after they raise the price again due to an increase in demand after it got slightly cheaper. I appreciate that this might be totally unwanted commentary but I just thought I would throw in another perspective.[14] Living on the coast and large vacation area - cutting the gas tax make sense, coastal communites depend on tourism. For people who are required to drive as part of their job, it is a loss of money these days. As the gas prices continue to rise, everything in the grocery stores due, over 4.00 for milk,etc. We MUST do something and something quickly and then once in office they can go for more agressive actions on big oil companies - in the mean time everyone is sufferingit doesn't make any difference who does this, so for gosh sakes - stopping the petty attacks on the candidates and thing about your fellow Americans suffering with this issue.[6] If you think about it, suspending the gas tax is just more of politicians attempting to distract people with useless things which sound nice rather than actually working to solve problems. I think that it's best to focus on solving the real problem than the usual throwing a cute cartoon band-aid on a someone who has cardiac arrest. The windfall profits tax would lead the oil companies to increase gas prices to maintain their profit (last time I checked the the demand curve for gas relatively inelastic). She giveth with one hand (price decrease due to removing the tax), and taketh away with the other (windfall profits tax). Repeal the gas tax and what do you have,no money for bridges or roads, with thousands of condemmend bridges in this country do you really think its a smart move do you really want your kids riding the buses over them.Think its time people started using what the good Lord gave them rather than letting some carpetbagger do their thinking for them.[18]

Obama says a moratorium on the tax, a hefty 18.4 cents a gallon, would not save families a significant amount, and lost revenues could harm highway and infrastructure repair projects which the tax is used to finance. "This is an idea that, when all is said and done, will save you at most half a tank of gas over the course of the entire summer," Obama said while campaigning in North Carolina. "That's about 28 dollars, it's an idea that some economists think might actually raise gas prices." "We're arguing over a gimmick that would save you half a tank of gas over the course of the entire summer so that everyone in Washington can pat themselves on the back and say that they did something." The fresh campaign debate over gas prices came as British energy giants BP and Royal Dutch Shell revealed Tuesday that their combined first-quarter net profits surged to almost 17 billion dollars thanks to record high oil prices.[10]

"My gas prices agenda is a jobs agenda." With the election looming, the Clinton campaign planned to underscore her criticism of Mr. Obama on the fuel issue in a new televisions commercial. The McCain campaign derided Mr. Obama's criticisms noting that he had voted for a similar concept for relief from state fuel taxes while he was a member of the Illinois state senate. Mr. Obama did vote for such a holiday but later opposed a measure that would have permanently suspended the state tax. "Sen. Obama voted for a gas tax reduction before he opposed it," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds told the Associated Press. After his North Carolina swing, Mr. Obama will return to campaign here today in a state where several polls have depicted the race as too close to call.[13] Further proof that neither Clinton, Obama nor McCain have even the slightest idea as to exactly what market forces determine the price of a gallon of gasoline. Such gas tax "holiday" suggestions are simply one more way of fooling the general public into believing something that just isn't true and never has been true. It only goes to show that the one commodity, that is abundant in this campaign, is dishonesty.[20] Now Hillary Clinton has decided to endorse John McCain's silly idea of a three-month federal gas tax holiday. Only Barack Obama, who voted for an Illinois gas tax holiday back in 2000 but has since seen the error of his ways, is standing firm against this nonsense.[21] WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A gas tax holiday proposed by U.S. presidential hopefuls John McCain and Hillary Clinton is viewed as a bad idea by many economists and has drawn unexpected support for Clinton rival Barack Obama, who also is opposed.[6] Barack Obama continued to rail against John McCain's proposed gas tax holiday, which just yesterday he called a "scheme." Today in Wilson, NC, he brought in Hillary Clinton to his riff, saying, "they both, I think, are saying the same thing."[22] WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Democrat Barack Obama dismissed his rivals' calls for national gas tax holiday as a political ploy that won't help struggling consumers. Hillary Rodham Clinton said his stance shows he's out of touch with the economic realities faced by ordinary citizens. Clinton and certain Republican presidential nominee John McCain are calling for a holiday on collecting the federal gas tax "to get them through an election," Obama said at a campaign rally before more than 2,000 cheering backers a week before crucial primaries in Indiana and North Carolina.[23] Obama assails lifting of gas tax as 'gimmick' Boston Globe Barack Obama didn't back down yesterday in his opposition to a so-called gas tax holiday this summer, becoming more vocal in calling it political pandering and slamming John McCain and Hillary Clinton for proposing it.[2] GRAHAM, N.C. (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday criticized Barack Obama for opposing the concept of suspending the gas tax during the peak summer driving months, a plan both she and Republican John McCain have endorsed.[24]

Unfortunately, the unifying idea is so ridiculous, so unworthy of the people aspiring to lead our nation, it takes your breath away. Hillary Clinton has decided to line up with John McCain in pushing to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon, for this summer's travel season. This is not an energy policy. This is money laundering: we borrow money from China and ship it to Saudi Arabia and take a little cut for ourselves as it goes through our gas tanks.[25] Prospective presidential rivals Hillary Clinton and John McCain want to scrap the U.S. federal gasoline tax this summer to help U.S. drivers (Barack Obama doesn't). Ms. Clinton also wants a windfall tax on Big Oil (a suggestion that will receive a boost when those companies shortly announce further "obscene" profits). Recently, Stephen Harper declared that he might play the "oil card" if Messrs.[26]

Like McCain, Clinton is fishing for votes by proposing bad public policy. Unlike McCain, she at least acknowledges the trade-offs of doing away with the 18-cent-a-gallon tax, which goes into the Highway Trust Fund to pay for road repairs and other vital projects. Clinton says she'd impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to replenish the fund. (McCain would use money from the general treasury - which of course wouldn't happen, given the huge federal deficit that doesn't even count spending on the war.) Clinton is bashing her Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, because he "opposes giving consumers a break."[27] Obama spoke out firmly against the proposal, saying it would save consumers little and do nothing to curtail oil consumption and imports. Obama argued Tuesday that his rivals call for a suspension in the gas tax is "designed to get them through an election." "The easiest thing in the world for a politician to do is tell you exactly what you want to hear," he said. The money that would be lost, he said, is badly needed to fix roads and bridges. While Obamas view is shared by environmentalists and many independent energy analysts, his position allowed Clinton to draw a contrast with her opponent in appealing to the hard-hit middle-class families and older Americans who have proved to be the bedrock of her support. Clinton said at a rally Monday in Graham, North Carolina, that she would introduce legislation to impose a windfall-profits tax on oil companies and use the revenue to suspend the gasoline tax temporarily.[28] "You don't know that the oil companies are actually going to pass on the savings to the consumers or whether you're just going to see an increase in prices by the same amount that the gas tax goes down," Obama said at a gas station in Indianapolis on Friday. Asked about a gas tax holiday at a Tuesday news conference in Washington, President Bush said he's "open to any ideas," although he did not say he'd support it.[29] McCain has also proposed a holiday on the federal gas tax. President George W. Bush on Tuesday was drawn deeper into the gas tax row, as he held a White House news conference partly designed to assuage fears of recession. Bush brushed aside calls for a moratorium on excise taxes, though said he was open to all ideas. He also sidestepped suggestions to stop filling the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a way to ease oil prices.[10] Sen. Hillary Clinton also supports the federal gas tax holiday, but says McCain has the wrong idea to pay for it. She proposes taxing oil company profits to pay for it.[15] Sens. Clinton and McCain have characterized the Illinois senator as out of touch. Sen. Clinton is running an advertisement in Indiana touting her quick action. "Hillary Clinton knows it's time to act -- take some of the windfall profits of big oil to pay to suspend the gas tax this summer," a narrator says in the ad.[17]

I'm an Obama supporter, but I'm fair enough to say that there is no story here. She was for infrastructure in both cases, but now she's proposing the $$come from oil company profits instead of the gas tax. What saddens me is how many of you automatically accept that it proves your world view just because MSNBC wrote a story, when in fact any fair reading of this shows that this is just media in search of a story, just like the non-stories of flag pins, Reverend Wright, etc. Let's get to the real issues. Will this help the economy or not? That's a real issue. Her vote as a NY Senator on an only tangentially related issue is a fake issue. This gas tax suspension is ridiculous. It doesn't save consumers real money (maybe less than $30 over the summer) and it will take away from the Highway Fund which is there to improve infrastructure.[18] "Enact a Windfall Profits Tax on Oil Companies to Pay for Temporarily Suspending the Gas Tax - Hillary will impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies and use the money to temporarily suspend the 18.4 cent per gallon federal gas tax and the 24.4 cent per gallon diesel tax during the upcoming peak summer driving months. Hillary will ensure that this relief is passed along to consumers by charging the Federal Trade Commission with conducting aggressive oversight.[30] Suspending the Federal gas tax of 18 cents per gallon does not guarantee that any savings will reach consumers. The plan is based on the naive assumption that oil companies will turn good samaritan and lower prices for consumers, something that they have shown little enthusiasm for, especially as Shell and BP announced record first-quarter profits today, with Exxon Mobil expected to follow shortly.[8]

John McCains lack of energy solutions is truly frightening for a man that could be the next President. His quick fix plan would raise demand when it is already high, cause prices to rise in the summer months, a time, when prices are already high, not to mention the fact that consumers would be subject to a nasty price hike when their gas price "vacation" expires after labor day. McCain appears to operate under the assumption that oil companies can be trusted implicitly to look after the interests of ordinary Americans even as prices at the pump soar along with their profits.[8]

Watch WSBT News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for more on Clinton's latest visit to South Bend. As a stockholder in several oil companies, I'm getting a kick out of these price hikes. Sure she is all talk about gas prices now during her campaign; but what has she done about it in the 4 years she's been a Senator? Absolutely nothing, which is just what she'll do if elected President. Just like now she preaches American jobs as a concern, but she supported NAFTA and Billy signed it into law. Again 4 years as Senator and nothing done about jobs either. she is as 2 faced as they come people, just like Billy.[11]

Clinton, who toured the Miller Veneers wood manufacturing company in Indianapolis, said "there are a lot of people in Indiana who would really benefit from a gas tax holiday. "That might not mean much to my opponent, but I think it means a lot to people who are struggling here, people who commute a long way to work, farmers and truckers," Clinton said. She has called for a windfall tax on oil companies to pay for a gas tax holiday.[23] "There are a lot of people in Indiana who would really benefit from a gas tax holiday. That may not mean a lot to my opponent, but I think it means a lot to people who are struggling here." The Obama campaign called Clinton's idea part of "The same Washington gimmicks that got us into this mess in the first place," and circulated an article by liberal economist Paul Krugman who is generally pro-Clinton calling the plan "pointless, and disappointing.[6]

If it lasts for three months, you're going to save about $25 or $30, or a half a tank of gas." The idea to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day was first proposed by McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee, as a way to lessen the pain at the pump for consumers this summer. If this is the issue, I don't see any contradiction in Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama's positions.[16] The idea to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day was first proposed by McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee, as a way to ease the economic burden for consumers during the summer. Obama does not support the "gas tax holiday" and has said the average motorist would not benefit significantly from such a suspension; by some estimates, the federal government would lose about $10 billion in revenue.[24]

Analysts and economists view the rise to more than $3.50 as a step along the way to prices that may exceed $4. Last week in Congress, Sen. John McCain proposed suspending the federal gas tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year as a measure of relief for consumers during the height of the driving season.[31]

Democrats have been trying to do that over the years, but Republicans have fought the effort, saying it would create regulatory confusion. Even if they succeeded, there's no guarantee that the change would have much of an impact. In the April 14 issue of CQ Weekly, Coral Davenport reports that the leading operator of electronic energy exchanges ''' the Intercontinental Exchange ''' has been able to register its oil-trading functions with a subsidiary in Britain, which could put it beyond the reach of some of the new oversight. This is one of those rare ideas that might get a sympathetic hearing from all three of the presidential candidates. Barack Obama, who held his own press conference on gas prices Friday, has called for reinstating the federal regulation that was lost in 2000. While John McCain's advisers haven't said what position he would take on the Enron loophole, he has sided with Democrats on the issue before. In June 2003, he was one of just four Senate Republicans who voted with Democrats to restore the oversight.[32]

"Score one for Obama," wrote Greg Mankiw, a former chairman of President George W. Bush's Council of Economic Advisers. "In light of the side effects associated with driving gasoline taxes should be higher than they are, not lower." Republican McCain and Democrat Clinton, who is battling Obama for their party's nomination, both want to suspend the 18.4-cents-per-gallon federal gas tax during the peak summer driving months to ease the pain of soaring gas prices.[6] Obama is right to call Clinton's and McCain's sudden calls for a suspension of federal taxes on gasoline for the summer "political theater" designed more to help them win votes and elections than a sound proposal to help Americans suffering under exorbitant gas prices. Hillary is cynically pandering to Hoosier and North Carolinian voters with an onslaught of TV commercials and campaign stops filled with such last minute promises.[33]

Obama criticized the plan as pure politics and said the only way to lower the price of gas is to use less oil. "It would last for three months and it would save you on average half a tank of gas, $25 to $30. That's what Senator Clinton and Senator McCain are proposing to deal with the gas crisis," he said on Tuesday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer, it's an idea designed to get them through an election."[34] Senator Barack Obama remains opposed to the oil tax holiday idea, despite having voted for a similar move on a state level, when he was an Illinois state senator. Earlier this week, he derided the idea of the three-month suspension for offering every American $30 in savings. '''Half a tank of gas ''' that'''s his big solution,''' he told a North Carolina audience about the McCain plan.[35]

Virtually any policy designed to curb fossil-fuel consumption is going to raise energy prices, be it a gas tax, carbon tax, cap-and-trade, fuel-economy standards. (okay, the last one raises prices indirectly, and so gives politicians fewer jitters). I'm still not convinced Obama's an expert at navigating these shoals''' see Noam for more. If we want a realistic shot at averting drastic climate change and weaning the country off oil so that Americans don't keep getting slammed as the price inexorably rises to $200/barrel, well, then it's not enough for presidential candidates to just lay out nice policy white papers; we'll actually need politicians who don't shriek and start pandering furiously at the first sign of higher prices.[36] On a more personal level, I am very poor and a gas tax break sounds like a wonderful idea to me. Even though people say it's only $30-60 that's quite a bit when you are poor.even that amount of money would help me. At least Hillary gets that this country needs relief from soaring oil prices.[16]

WILMINGTON, NC Senator Hillary Clinton said she'd be willing to temporarily lift the federal tax on gasoline to ease prices at the pump but only if the money could be made up elsewhere. "I think we should look seriously at having a gas tax holiday as long as we can make up the lost revenues for the highway trust fund," she said.[20] Most states, like New York and New Jersey, heavily rely on that Federal gas tax to receive money to repair Interstate highways, like I-95 and I-287. Considering Hillary's call for the suspension of the Federal gas tax in her Presidential Campaign as a complete 180 turn from when she was campaigning to be Senator - Hillary has no principles except to say and do anything to win at all costs - Damn the good of the Country.[16]

Sheesh! First, Clinton and Obama embarrass themselves with their own version of the "no new taxes mantra" and now this. Do we really need any more of this "tax cut and spend" mentality? What's next'''the free beer campaign? If you're going to pander like this you may as well go all the way and let We, the People all drink ourselves to oblivion. I seriously question the commitment to rational governance of anyone who supports this lame-brained idea.[16] "My opponent, Senator Obama, opposes giving consumers a break from the gas tax," Clinton said at a firehouse. "I understand the American people need some relief," she added, implying that Obama doesn't get it. He has said motorists would not benefit significantly from suspending the gas tax. "This is his solution to the problems of the energy crisis and your tax bills," Obama told several thousand at a noisy rally in Wilmington.[16] I am a 40 Yr Repub voter, I am just waking up to the mess my partisan voting has brought the U.S. Sen. Obama deserves a chance to clean up the mess in DC. A great post! What scares me most in Hillary and McCain's proposal is the political tactic of pandering to Americans' desire to hear that in order to fix the energy crisis, they don't have to do anything. Ethanol has allowed everyone to keep driving those great SUV's and a gas tax holiday will let everyone drive around a little more this summer! Europe is absolutely laughing at the fact that we think paying a THIRD of what they pay for gas is crippling. Colbert said it best this week - nothing is more pleasing voters than to hear that in order to fix a problem, they don't have to sacrifice anything.[25] Hillary's and Obama's position on the proposed repeal of the federal gas tax does much to show the difference between the two candidates regarding the philosophy of what the relationship of a poitical leader to those led should be. Hillary has demonstrated that she will derive her power in part from "giving the dog a bone". She chooses the potential quick gain of votes for her as a result of tossing out a few cents a gallon to the common folks. This approach would cause the substantial long term loss to America of funds for infrastructure and jobs needed to restore the economy. She cares more about her quick votes. It also illustrates that she doesn't think the American people capable of making a choice for the long term gain against a trivial treat. It also shows that she is more worried about getting elected than what would be best for our country. Obama shows intelligence and integrity and the desire to support that what he believes best for America in the long run. Hopefully, that will get him elected.[16]

HRC will say whatever it takes to win votes. Obama came out with concerns over the gas tax holiday so she's jumping on it knowing that uninformed voters will thinks she's trying to help them and she can once again claim that Obama is "elitist". She's also looking ahead to possibly being the nominee (God help us all) and the general election. She knows she has to back the gas tax holiday or McCain will have one up on her if it is approved. This is just a calculated move, not sincere concern for us little people.[20] Giving the American People A Gas Tax Holiday sounds a little elitist to me. It also sounds like McCain is talking down to us if he think a couple weeks on gas prices release is going to make us happy.[22]

I know you are not very bright, so why don't you go read this. This will disappear from Clintons stump speech like she never said it. It is so stupid I can't imagine who gave her the idea and she was so stupid to actually repeat it in public looking like an uninformed idiot. I would expect it from Mccain, he is a moron but even though I don't like Clinton I thought she was at least smarter then to say something this goofy. "Why doesn't cutting the gas tax this summer make sense? It's Econ 101 tax incidence theory: if the supply of a good is more or less unresponsive to the price, the price to consumers will always rise until the quantity demanded falls to match the quantity supplied.[14] John McCain wants to give consumers a break this summer by suspending the federal gas tax. Hillary Clinton says she supports that plan.[37] House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) waded into the contentious issue of a suspension of the federal gasoline tax this morning, saying categorically that the Democratic leadership of Congress has no intention of pursuing a policy that he said "would not be positive." Both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) have proposed suspending the 18-cent-per-gallon gas tax for the summer driving season.[14]

Clinton and Obama generally differ more on personality than policy, so the spat over gasoline taxes is an especially flagrant split. Clinton's position is closer to that of John McCain than her Democratic rival, though she claims the Republican presidential pick has not detailed how he would finance his plan for a gas tax moratorium.[10]

"Where'''s John McCain been for the last 25 years?" Obama asked. The McCain campaign was quick with a response tonight, pointing out that Obama himself supported a similar gas tax relief measure in the Illinois state senate in 2000, and that although he says he'd stand up to oil execs, he voted for the 2005 Energy Bill on several occasions.[22]

While Clinton's account of the campaign in Pennsylvania put the blame for all of the negative campaigning on Sen. Barack Obama's camp, the voters of Pennsylvania largely disagreed. Many polls found that voters thought both candidates turned increasingly negative in the final weeks of campaigning. Clinton also made a point to talk about the gas tax today, a topic he often mentions, but rarely dives into. "In the short run, she would release some oil from our strategic petroleum reserve. It's full.[30] "I'm the only candidate who will provide immediate relief at the pump, with a plan." With his comments, Obama continued a running dispute over whether ending collection of the gas tax is the quickest and best way to help consumers. Leading in delegates and the popular vote, Obama in recent days has focused on McCain, but he broadened that criticism Tuesday to include Democrat Clinton.[23] Obama has been double-teamed by Clinton and McCain for over two months now. There's an upside to getting hit by two people at once: it allows you to tie them together in unflattering ways. The gas tax debate in particular is a great opportunity to portray them as what's wrong with Washington (which he's doing). It probably wouldn't hurt if, a la Friedman, he started referring to it as the "McCain-Clinton" proposal.[38]

Costs remain the same, and the profit margin increases for the oil companies. This is really a tax holiday for oil companies who have no obligation to pass on the savings to consumers. Obama is right on target with this, Clinton and McCain are pandering to those who do not understand the fuel market. Ask any unbiased person who knows what they are talking about and they will agree with Obama. Check out these hot chicks-the Russert/Obama relationship gets a mention.[14] McCain has proposed using general Treasury revenues to make up for the drain on the highway trust fund, which the gas tax finances. Clinton said the "tax holiday" would be funded by a tax on oil companies reaping the largest profits in their history.[14]

"I understand the American people need some relief." Clinton said she would make up the difference in revenue by imposing a "windfall profits tax" on oil companies. "If we suspended it and made up the lost revenues, that's the best of both worlds," she said. Clinton commented at a firehouse in Graham, where she was urging North Carolinians to take advantage of the state's early voting, which opened more than a week ago ahead of the May 6 primary. She and Obama have been pushing their supporters to go to the polls early here and Indiana, which also votes May 6.[24] INDIANAPOLIS -- The Democratic presidential candidates engaged in long-distance sparring on fuel taxes yesterday, spotlighting one of the relatively few policy differences in their increasingly heated nomination battle. A week before this state's closely watched primary, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton focused on a proposal for a summer fuel tax holiday that she would pay for with a windfall profits tax on the soaring earnings of international oil companies. "The oil companies keep making out like bandits," she said during a stop at a plant that makes wood veneers,.[13]

The plan would cost the government $9 billion in lost highway funds and put at risk an estimated 300,000 jobs tied to the funding, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. This at a time when the Highway Trust Fund, which bankrolls local and state road and bridge projects, is already facing a $3.4 billion deficit. We could borrow from the general fund to make up the shortfall, but doing that would just add to the federal deficit. Placing a "windfall" profits tax on the oil companies makes little sense because the savings will only amount to a small fraction of fuel costs to the consumer. Using the money from such a "windfall" profits tax to actually attack the root of the problem is a better idea.[18] Go home. Why are you quoting her position 8 years ago? What good is it now? A good government public servant would change position according to the needs of the country and its population at any given time. Otheriwse, we have another King George W. Bush and his sidekick, Tricky Dick, in the office again who has no regard for us and our current conditions when making decisions. The truth is that this would cost millions od dollars. Let's give her argument some credit. if she does tax the oil companies who do you think they are going to get their money from? I think that it's time for Obama.[18]

This is not a permanent fix, this is just to give some people some more relief, and businesses, everyone on here seems to think this is about their personal needs, how bout the businesses that spend tons of money on fuel, this will be a nice little break for them, by no means is this a solution, but it is a little help for those who could use it. of course this could be followed up by something to regain the lost funds for roads and such, I dont see a reason why Obama wouldnt support this, people need help til we can get Hillary in office to start fixing these economic woes, January cant get here fast enough. We need some stability, thats one thing Clintons can deliver. All this change Obama wants to do will tie up congress and we will miss the mark. Country needs stability before ir can handle all this change Obama wants to do. We will have a time for Obama but that time is not now, we need to get some stability in the government first before we turn it upside down, like it or not its the truth.[16] I make bold to say here that Senator Barack Obama is by miles the better candidate. He has shown that he can carry all Americans and people around the world along. He is the most truthful and articulate of both candidates. He has also shown the most restrain in his utterances. Senator Hillary Clinton and her supporters are becoming more and more unbearable in their derogatory claim and wilful disrespect to the so called '''small states''' by stressing at any given opportunity that her winning the primaries in some so called '''big states or democratic base''' gives her the birth right to the ticket. What arrogance and flagrant disrespect for her opponent! Is she trying to change the rule of the game while the game is going on? Is that an insight to '''her kind of judgement?''' Is democracy no longer a game of numbers? People will only respect and vote for a candidate who win the ticket by election and not selection. I believe it is high time for Hillary Clinton to stop her divisive attitude and racial undertones. She should come out clean and bold and say what she and her husband have been saying all along in poorly selected undertones.[20] GRAHAM, N.C. - Offering Americans a summer tax holiday from soaring gasoline prices as another example of why she is the best candidate for president, Sen. Hillary Clinton took aim on Monday at''her Democratic Party rival Sen. Barack Obama. "This is one of the big differences in this race.[19]

In 2000, Obama supported a bill in the Illinois legislature to suspend most of the states 6.25 percent gasoline sales tax. He later opposed making the reduction permanent, arguing that the state needed the revenue and that the measure had saved consumers little. Clinton, in her 2000 campaign for her New York Senate seat, spoke against repealing the federal gasoline tax. Bush would not be drawn into the controversy on Tuesday, but his spokeswoman earlier essentially sided with Obama. Dana Perino, the White House spokeswoman, said gasoline prices were "entirely too high, but I think it would be disingenuous and unfortunate for American consumers for them to be led to believe that there is a short-term fix."[28] The plan would suspend collecting the 18.4 cent federal gas tax 24.4 cent diesel tax for the summer. He said drying up gas tax collections would batter highway construction, costing North Carolina up to 7,000 jobs, while saving consumers little. "We're arguing over a gimmick that would save you half a tank of gas over the course of the entire summer so that everyone in Washington can pat themselves on the back and say they did something," said Obama. "Well, let me tell you, this isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer, it's designed to get them through an election," said Obama. He said his call for middle-class tax cuts would be far more beneficial than suspending gas tax collections. Obama took a different view on the issue when he was an Illinois legislator, voting at least three times in favor of temporarily lifting the state's 5 percent sales tax on gasoline.[23]

An $.18 cent gas tax does nothing to address/account for: the billions in subsidies big oil gets, U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lack of feul efficiency increases in the past 30 yrs. I am not suprised Clinton would support such trivial legislation. this is worse that Bush's stimulus plan that he touts will fix the economy. The government has been working against the people for the past 8 yrs and the corporate media simply regurgitates the federal governments garbage to a willing populus too dumbed down to question the motives behind such petty ideas.[16] The federal gas tax of 18.4 cents a gallon for gasoline is a small slice of the $3.65 to $4 a gallon Northern Nevadans are paying at the pumps, but some drivers said they'll take any break they can get. "When the Safeway offers a 10-cents discount, I'm there," said Paul Macintosh of Reno, who bought $68 worth of regular for his Ford pickup Tuesday at a station on Kietzke Lane. "If they were to cut the price by 18 cents, I'm guessing the oil companies would raise it by 15 cents.[39] Suspending the federal gas tax might have a very temporary impact, but prices would rise back quickly to what's known as "the market-clearing rate." If they did not, the country would quickly face fuel shortages. That would mean the 18-cent decrease in gas taxes would represent a temporary subsidy to the oil companies, says James Hamilton, an energy economist at the University of California - San Diego.[14]

Tax the profits of oil companies, keep the gas tax, and stop pandering either to the voting public or the energy lobbyists. Poster #13 Maurice, how can you quote Emerson in this context? (A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.Emerson.) Emerson would role over in his grave if he heard you quoting him on "foolish consistency" as a way of saying Clinton was once for the gas tax but now against it.[16] Though I'm all for Sen. Clinton's proposal to levy a windfall profits tax on the oil companies, there is zero reason to suspend the gas tax.[25] Clinton didn't say we should just suspend the gas tax. She said we should shift the cost to oil companies in the form of a windfall profits tax.[16] The McCain/Clinton gas tax proposal comes too late for that. It's Econ 101: the tax cut really goes to the oil companies. The Clinton twist is that she proposes paying for the revenue loss with an excess profits tax on oil companies.[14]

Clinton, somewhat improbably, proposes to replace it with a windfall profits tax on oil companies. Barack Obama has it right when he calls the federal fuel tax holiday a "short-term, quick fix" proposal that would do more harm than good. It's a bad idea that shouldn't be a part of the election-year discourse.[40] Clinton said it may not mean much to Obama, but it means a lot to people who are struggling. She has called for a windfall tax on oil companies to pay for the tax holiday.[41]

Ok the Feds stop taking 18 cents tax from the pump do you think that will stop gas price from going up. That'''s a flat no. The oil companies will only raise gas as much as they can. When people stop buying because they can no long afford the price that'''s when gas will drop in price or flat line.[16] Short term, who cares? Whatever their positions are mean NOTHING now, as BushCo will veto any legislation smacking of tax cuts until January 19th of next year. It's REALLY all about their intentions and abilities to craft legislation starting on January 21st, next year. Then it has to work its way through the Congress before it can be signed. The saddest part about this whole "fake" topic is that gas prices at the pump will be over $6.00 a gallon by then. The Iraq war will continue to drain our blood and our money, the strategic fuel reserves will not be released, taxes will not be cut for the poor or middle class, millions will go hungry and stop filling prescriptions at the pharmacy, find themselves turned out of their homes and be living in their cars that they can no longer afford to drive anywhere by the time than a Dem is in the White House. The proverbial "doo doo" has hit the fan for almost everybody in this country except for Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron and B(ush)P(ere).[16] The tax holiday was finally approved during a special session in June of 2000, when Illinois motorists were furious that gas prices had just topped $2 a gallon in Chicago. During one debate, he joked that he wanted signs on gas pumps in his district to say, "Senator Obama reduced your gasoline prices."[23] An oil tax holiday has been tried at the state level, including in Illinois, where state senator Obama voted with a majority in the state legislature for a six-month suspension of the state'''s 6.25 percent sales tax on gas. A subsequent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that gas prices fell just 3 percent and local public opinion polls showed that less than a third of drivers were even aware they were paying less.[35]

Responding to Obama's criticism, McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds said the Illinois senator "does not understand the effect of gas prices on the economy. Senator Obama voted for a gas tax reduction before he opposed it."[23] McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds argues that the Arizona Senator's plan "would have no effect on the existing Highway Trust Fund or transportation infrastructure," saying "the expense would be covered from general federal revenues that would be offset by a substantial trimming of'' wasteful government spending." She's expected to take on Obama on the gas tax holiday at her first event in Graham, NC on Monday.[20] Unlike Senator McCain'''s plan, Hillary'''s plan will be fully paid for by taking away oil company profits through a windfall profits tax. This will ensure that the Highway Trust Fund is not affected at all by the gas tax suspension, and can continue to support critical repairs and maintenance for our infrastructure and highways.[30] Actually, almost all economists would agree that the tax cut proposed by Senators Clinton and McCain would save consumers nothing. With the supply of gas largely fixed by the capacity of the oil industry (they claim to be running their refineries at full capacity), the price will not change in response to the elimination of the tax.[37]

Obama supporters are correct that in the long term it is not in our interest to encourage high gas consumption, but I think my father had the right idea in trying to moderate the rise instead of having it hit hard suddenly. Hillary Clinton for the long run does plan to both aggressively pursue conservation and alternatives while increasing domestic production, all of which are needed to stave off a worldwide economic crisis as gas prices spiral upward. My father strongly supports her because of her energy policy. He says that if Obama is trying to approach the problem only from the alternatives and conservation angle, that will lead to economic disaster, as those alone are not enough.[16] President Bush said Tuesday that he is open to any proposals to deal with high gas prices, including a plan backed by presidential contenders John McCain and Hillary Clinton to suspend fuel taxes this summer, but the idea had a lukewarm reception among some experts and drivers in Reno.[39] The article seem to be comparing apples and oranges, temporary suspension and abolition. Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized Barack Obama on Monday for opposing proposals to suspend federal gas taxes this summer, a plan she and Republican John McCain have endorsed.[16] U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., agreed with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., endorsing a plan to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline -- 18.4 cents a gallon -- during the summer travel season, The New York Times reported Tuesday.[5] Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton lined up with Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, in endorsing a plan to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon, for the summer travel season.[25]

Politicians should avoid the temptation to use it to pander to voters. That's what John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and Hillary Clinton, a Democratic challenger, are doing when they call for a federal excise tax holiday for gasoline this summer.[40] When Sen. John McCain came up with the proposal to suspend the federal gasoline tax for the summer, we saw it as a stupid idea that panders to voters. Now Sen. Hillary Clinton has gotten behind the tax holiday, talking up her own version on the stump in North Carolina on Monday. It's still a stupid idea.[27]

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and John McCain favor gas tax holidays.[42] Republican candidate John McCain proposed a federal gas tax holiday where people won't have to pay the extra 18.5 cents a gallon from Memorial Day to Labor Day.[43] All Things Considered, April 29, 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain is advocating a gas tax moratorium between Memorial Day and Labor Day to help ease the burden of high gas prices.[31]

Ever since he first declared his plan for a "suspension of the federal gas tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day," John McCain has been harshly criticized--and rightly so. Just like his plan to "freeze" spending ignores the need for spending cuts, McCains plan to "suspend" the Federal gas tax is an attempt to pander to voters while ignoring the causes of the serious energy issue which we now face.[8]

This was a silly idea when I heard John McCain bleating this morning on the news about how insensitive Obama was being for not supporting a suspension of the gas tax for the summer months. Honestly this will save the average driver $3.25 a week, not enough for a big mac, fries and a coke. This is stupid political grandstanding. Is this the best McCain can come up with for middle class tax relief? This even makes Bush sound intelligent.[16] Obama, Clinton, and McCain are getting alot of questions about high gasoline prices. TV news people are talking about possible $4/gallon gas this summer. Environmental extremism has alot to do with these high prices.[22]

INDIANAPOLIS - As prices at many Indianapolis gasoline stations surged Tuesday, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton drew applause from employees of a hardwood veneer manufacturing company when she pushed her plan to suspend the 18.4 cents-per-gallon federal gas tax during the peak summer driving months.[29] The McCain gas tax plan is a giveaway to oil companies, disguised as a gift to consumers. Is the supply of gasoline really fixed? For this coming summer, it is.[14] McCain, however, did not propose offsetting the gas tax holiday with a new tax on oil companies.[29]

Maybe that's because some are even calling for an increase in the gas tax as a way to fight global warming and reduce our oil dependency. Andrew Sullivan calls the gas-tax holiday "one of the most depressingly crude pieces of political pandering I've seen in ages" and thinks both Clinton's and McCain's support of it says something about their "their fitness to be president."[9]

Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, locked in a close fight with Clinton for the Democratic nomination, calls a gas tax holiday a "gimmick" that would not necessarily lower pump prices.[29] Obama returned to the gas tax theme later in the day during a rally in Hickory, N.C., conceding "the crisis families are facing is real" but suspending the gas tax wasn't the answer. He acknowledged voting for a similar measure in the Illinois Legislature, but said he opposed efforts to extend it because "it wasn't making any difference in people's lives. It wasn't helping." Obama and Clinton both opened their campaign day in North Carolina.[23] I'm not even bashing Obama. I'm drawing a comparison to the real world and this political race. Where is this "bashing" that you speak of? I'm not here to sway any voters because quite frankly, no one (on either side) is willing to be swayed. I do think Obama is arrogant based on his comments, his actions (or lack thereof) and his audacity to believe that he can be POTUS with such a thin resume. I would love nothing more for him to convince me otherwise. He runs away from the press, he has a credibility issue and he truly seems out of touch with the working class of America. Just the other day he didn't think saving $30 was a big deal (in reference to a gas tax relief for the summer).[30] Eliminating the gas tax for the summer might save consumers $40-$50, on average. That is a ridiculous sum--and reminds me of the pain the whole nation suffered (massive unnecessary deficits and a widening of the gap between rich and poor) from the great share of the Bush tax cuts enjoyed by most people (an average of $300). It makes people think you are doing something when, in fact, all you are doing is scoring some political points and actually making the problem worse.[25] Gas taxes should be raised to $1.00 per gallon and all of the money should go into mass transit systems. Why repeal gas tax at all to encourage people to drive? This is backwards thinking.[18]

When you look at it, the answer is nothing. Will this save people a significant amount of money? No, this would only have about 5% savings. Will this do anything to lower the price of gas? Maybe, gas will still cost 95% of what it would without it, and nothing stops the gas companies from raising prices to what people would be paying with the gas tax anyways. People may pay just as much at the pump as they would with the tax.[18] Has anyone really looked into the cost of this? Seriously. There are bridges collapsing in this very country (and one in my town of Minneapolis). They need to be upgraded and updated and made safe again. This isn't going to happen with gas tax holidays unless people are willing to pay taxes elsewhere. It's amazing how short our memory spans are in this country.[20]

Why is Senator Clinton pandering to voters when she could be doing something positive on the issue? Let's leave the gas tax alone and focus on taxing oil company profits. The proceeds could go toward lowering income taxes for those who need it most while leaving the gas tax, and its disincentive to drive polluting cars, intact.[16] While I agree with Clinton that oil companies are evil and should be taxed up the wazoo, Americans need to wake up to the fact that gas is not cheap, and real alternatives are needed NOW. A repeal of the gas tax would be fiscally irresponsible as it would both divert important highway funds and temporarily obviate necessary dialog and action to move us away from gas dependency.[16] Gasoline is already much more expensive in California. Why does Senator Clinton think the oil companies would pass along the saving to California motorists? The tax suspension would make the oil companies even richer, but would be bad for California's roads and California's motorists, who would save little if anything on their gas bills but probably end up with higher car repair bills.[16] The New York senator said she would pay for the $9 billion loss of tax revenue by taxing oil companies, which she said continue to enjoy high profits. "The oil companies keep making out like bandits," Clinton said as she campaigned in Indiana in advance of Tuesday's Democratic presidential primary.[29] With the average gas price nearing $4 a gallon and new reports that oil companies are racking up record profits, voters want to know what the three presidential hopefuls plan to do about skyrocketing fuel costs.[15] Of course, energy independence is hardly something to be expected from McCain who has taken almost $500,000 dollars from oil company executives since entering the race, including $45,000 last month. Helping out his financers with an energy plan that would increase their profits while increasing gas prices for consumers is entirely befitting of a man who has spent the last thirty years in Washington who calls our addiction to oil a "national security issue" while taking money and proposing policies which profit those who stand to gain by our continuing dependance.[8]

Why don't we simply address the elephants in the middle of the room? You know, the elephant named our dependence on foreign oil and the declining value of the dollar? No, Senator McCain says let us not face the real problems. Offer everyone a few cents less for a gallon of gas and call it good -- and then, what happens next year, and the year after that and the year after that? These sort of incremental, nonsense solutions are a big part of the reason we are currently in this mess. Thank you, Senator Obama for speaking truth and thank you for not taking money from federally registered lobbyists, or PACS -- at least, we know you won't owe your election to those interests and you will only be accountable to us, the general welfare and the national security -- it will be a great relief when you are the 44th President of these United States, a great relief. When one is a contest with others who throw all the slime the have at their competitors it is likely that some will land on you.[12] I agree with senator Obama (no temporary gas tax cut) because no paliative measure has ever solve one problem without creating another one. It is time to understand that we are all responsible for everything, no matter what.[16] Read what the very respected Tom Friedman had to say about the Hillary-McCain gas tax plan in todays NY Times. It will hurt this country in many ways, not that Hillary cares as long as we all buy into her lies and she gets elected. The only one honest and correct on this issue (and others) is Obama.[11]

What surprises me is Obama's position. He could have opposed the gasoline tax suspension, but agreed that it is time to increase taxes on oil companies, which have made huge gains, mostly because they are as much of a cartel as OPEC is. Why is he indirectly supporting these huge interests? Why he does not say that all the tax credits given to oil companies must be IMMEDIATELY repealed? They have been even evading royalty payments to the federal government for use of federal land.[16] Clinton said the tax on the oil companies, which have been reporting record profits, would cover all of the lost revenue from the federal tax on gasoline and diesel fuel.[28]

Might Clinton's windfall tax on the oil companies simply lead them to increase prices to make up profits? Might those prices, once bumped, not necessarily come all the way back down when we are done with our "holiday"? Who will benfit? Oil companies might be the biggest beneficiaries in this.[20]

In December, the Senate blocked a $15 billion tax on oil companies that was part of a larger energy package. A cap-and-trade system that requires carbon polluters to buy credits for each unit of carbon produced likely would raise gas prices, depending on how such a system is structured.[17] What a flip flopper. Obama used his threat of haulting the raising of gas prices in Illinois on the oil campanies to "pressure" them to give MORE money to him. He took more than $2.2 million from executives and directors of big oil companies.[22] Why should they? Americans have proved that they will pay $4/gallon at the pump - with a cry that oil is rising in prices as consumer consumption increases across the globe and especially in America, the oil companies will have no reason not to continue to raise gas prices.[16] Result: Consumer pays same price for gas, government loses $$$$which is normally appropriated for transportation infrastructure upkeep (collapsed bridge in MN anyone?), oil companies get more $/gal.[20]

What a horrible idea! Making the oil companies pay the taxes only brings the promise that they will raise the price per gallon to appropriately match their desired profit margin, and then when the "holiday" ends they can keep the price per gallon and add taxes back on top of it. This effectively raises the price of gas even more.[6] According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, the amount of money state and local governments bank in gas taxes is much more than what the oil companies make in profits.[42] Tax windfall profits. This is certainly a non-starter with Republicans, but taxing oil companies reporting record profits while gas tops $4 a gallon has a populist sound to it and may please the Democratic base.[33]

Profits over a certain amount would be taxed 50%. In the short term, we have to take aim at these enormous oil company profits. His plan is similar to Clinton's. but would not include the gas tax holiday.[44] Clinton, however, launched a TV ad in Indiana and North Carolina attacking Obama for saying "no" to the gas tax holiday.[2] The gas tax goes to build and fix the nation's highways and bridges, so as usual, only Obama is right that the gas tax will not bring any relief to drivers and yet have them driving on dangerous roads. Clinton and McCain are pandering, pure and simple, mostly because they don't have any good ideas about how to deal with the economy.[16]

Analysts and Obama said the proposal to suspend the tax temporarily would do little to stimulate the economy or lower gas prices and could leave roads in disrepair. "It's a quick fix for people who believe cheap gas is their birthright," said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the research firm Oil Price Information Service. "It's not a prudent thing to do."[7] Barack Obama said a federal tax holiday does nothing to lower gas prices long term, and merely is a political ploy to get into the White House.[43] Sen. Barack Obama split with the two other candidates and said the whole idea of a gas tax holiday is a bad one, calling it a gimmick and a Washington con game that would only save drivers a negligible amount of money.[15] Amazing that it always takes a Republican to create a good idea once again and its always the worthless liberals who dwell on the bottom trying to be the scavenger making their own version of it since the liberals are bankrupt of ideas. I cannot wait until I hear Obama's version of the Holiday gas tax and then he'll say that he came up with the idea himself just like Gore telling the World that he created the Internet.[20]

The federal gas tax is about $.18.4 per gallon, so if you fill up a 15-gallon tank twice a week each of the 12 weeks of summer, the grand total would come out to about $66 - a little more than Obama's projection.[22] The average driver could save about $25-30 over the summer season (May-September) if gas prices are reduced by not having a federal gas tax for that period of time.[16] Parker said Clinton discussed lowering gas prices by suspending the federal gas tax.[45]

In Indianapolis on Tuesday, the Democratic presidential candidate again urged a suspension of the federal gas tax because of high prices at the pump. She toured the Miller Veneers wood manufacturing company in Indianapolis and said a lot of people in Indiana would benefit from a gas tax holiday.[41] '''Hillary'''s and Obama'''s position on the proposed repeal of the federal gas tax does much to show the difference between the two candidates regarding the philosophy of what the relationship of a poitical leader to those led should be. Hillary has demonstrated that she will derive her power in part from '''giving the dog a bone''' - She cares more about her quick votes.[16]

Hillary and McCain are idiots when it comes to Economic 101. "Why doesn't cutting the gas tax this summer make sense? It's Econ 101 tax incidence theory: if the supply of a good is more or less unresponsive to the price, the price to consumers will always rise until the quantity demanded falls to match the quantity supplied.[33] For Hillary and her supporters to state that Hillary is ready to lead on Day 1, based on Hillary's support of a "Gas Tax Holiday", Hillary wants to lead us like the Republican John McCain. He stated that he doesn't know much about the economy.[14] Originally offered by John McCain, and now backed by Hillary Clinton, I'm all for eliminating the Federal gasoline tax for the summer.[16] I'''ve been on the road (actually doing a public dialog with Barney Frank on financial reform), so I'''m just catching up. Anyway, John McCain has a really bad idea on gasoline, Hillary Clinton is emulating him (but with a twist that makes her plan pointless rather than evil), and Barack Obama, to his credit, says no. Just to be clear: I don'''t regard this as a major issue.[36] Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and Republican John McCain support some type of corporate cap-and-trade system to curb greenhouse gases, which likely would increase fuel prices.[17] For a complete and regularly updated guide to presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain from First Love to Most Embarrassing Gaffe read the 2008 Electopedia.[9]

Clinton joins what's become a heated back and forth between John McCain, who supports the tax holiday, and her Democratic rival Barack Obama, who opposes it and calls it "one of John McCain's latest schemes."[20] The McCain camp was quick to respond. "It'''s clear Barack Obama'''s not strong enough to provide immediate relief at the pump, and it shows he doesn'''t understand our economy or have the ability to deliver for hardworking Americans," spokesman Tucker Bounds said in an email. "Sen. Obama'''s arguments against John McCain'''s gas-tax holiday are complete fiction, and the reality is that he used to support a gas-tax holiday before he was running for president." Negativity in the campaign Obama said his opponents were trying to raise questions about him and about his values, even though he had spoken often about his views and had written two books. Obama also addressed the negative tone the race had taken in recent weeks, acknowledging the negativity was at odds with the positive message his campaign was supposed to be about -- point the Clinton campaign has been making off and on for weeks. "Sometimes we get sucked into this whole negative thing,''' he told the crowd.[12]

"(Government) should be doing some meaningful tax relief to stimulate the economy and create jobs." Bush was asked about a proposal to suspend fuel taxes for the summer travel season, first made by McCain and later endorsed by Clinton but not by her rival, Barack Obama.[39] When the summer fun has ended we'll be right back where we started. Clinton and McCain aren't challenging the existence of the tax: They are implicitly saying it's a good tax that we should all relish paying in the non-summer months. Clinton is doing this and arguing that higher taxes on energy companies should be pat of the bargain. It's phony populism in the service of a "tax cut" that would fund one meal or two at Applebees, which may or may not include dessert.[37]

Clinton at least tries to replace the revenues with the windfall profit tax. The problem is, any such tax will just be passed on to consumers, with a net effect of no savings to the consumer at all. While McCain'''s measure might result in a very brief respite for consumers, there wouldn'''t really be much effect because it has already been determined that the market will bear prices where they are, tax or no tax.[16] A gas tax that will help consumers for a few days??? Exactly, who does that really help, Sen. Clinton??? Why is it that when you CLAIM to help the American people, I can see your pockets getting fatter??? Thanks, but no thanks. What's this? Clinton again shown to be pandering to get votes? Does this really surprise anybody? Pitiful and pathetic, with a dash of insult to our intelligence. Oh, so this is another one of HRC's "I was against it before I was FOR it" Imagine that. HRC: Hypocrisy at it's BEST.[18] Obama said lifting the gas tax for three months would save the average consumer no more than $30, a figure confirmed by congressional analysts.[39] Obama said suspending the tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day would save consumers only about $28. He said income tax cuts for the middle class are a better way to help Americans pay for gas, health care or a college education.[29]

Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York called for a tax holiday as a way of helping middle-class families struggling with gasoline prices that are over $3.50 a gallon and rising.[46] Senator Hillary Clinton said she'''d be willing to temporarily lift the federal tax on gasoline to ease prices at the pump ''' but only if the money could be made up elsewhere.[20]

From NBC/NJ'''s Mike Memoli INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Hillary Clinton defended her plan for a gas tax holiday, saying it would have a larger impact on the nation'''s economy than just the immediate savings for drivers.[4] Clinton, meanwhile, lashed out at Lazio's plan to repeal 4.3 cents of the gas tax, calling it 'a bad deal for New York and a potential bonanza for the oil companies.'"[18] There's a part of Hillary Rodham Clinton's latest plan to address rising gasoline prices that probably won't get a lot of coverage, but it shows that she ''' or someone on her staff ''' has been paying attention to one Senate subcommittee's attempts to find the root causes of the problem. Her plan, released yesterday, promises to deal with manipulation of the oil and gas markets by closing the "Enron loophole." That's a term Democrats use to point out the fact that electronic trading in the energy markets isn't regulated.[32] A savings of 18 cents a gallon is better than nothing but there is little that can be done until Hillary gets into the oval office and can authorize a release of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower gasoline prices just as Bill did in April, 1996 and in September, 2000. (About the same time that Halliburton received contracts with Brazil for development of offshore oilfields). It is obvious to everyone that oilmen Bush and Cheney are not going to cooperate and Obama not only doesn't have a clue but has accepted millions from the oil and gas industry for a reason.[16] If we wanted to raise the taxes on gasoline, for example, we could only do it slowly to help the economy absorb it. I seriously doubt anybody who is filling their tank is saying "bleepity-bleep feds, taking 18 cents of this gallon!" To you, gas is just $3, or $3.50, or $4. Before these proposals were floated, I doubt 1 person in 100 even knew how much the federal gov't was taxing it. If you suddenly drop prices by 18 cents a gallon, it will be seen as a "hooray", but in reality, they won't drop 18 cents. That 18 cents has been mostly accounted for by us, and the oil companies know it. There will be nothing to stop them from, say, raising their price by 9 cents a gallon.[18] The federal government gets 18.4 cents - meaning Alabama drivers pay a total of 38.6 cents in taxes per gallon of gas. Lately big oil companies have been slammed for their high profits.[42]

Obama would use a windfall profits tax on oil companies to help low-income families pay their energy bills. He also insists he would put forth more effort than others to limit oil companies' influence in Washington.[7]

If it was received favourably, McCain would look savvy in the November election and it would be one less tax (albeit temporarily) that Obama could milk. Don't forget, he may not accept money directly from oil companies (as his ad states), but no nominee does because it's illegal.Obama accepts the money from their law firms instead.[22] Obama's got it right. He says the tax holiday is a gimmick - particularly since there would be no assurance that oil companies would pass along savings to consumers.[27]

Eliminating taxes only sends the greatest portion of the savings to big oil companies, just like raising taxes on gas pushes some of the cost to the consumer and some to the corporation. That's the reason Obama back-tracked in Illinois. He saw it didn't work - consumers did not benefit.[18] A cap-and-trade system that includes all sources of pollution, which Sen. Obama proposed last year, would spread the pain and be less costly for any single economic sector. Such a system likely would result in higher costs being passed on to consumers at the pump because it would require oil companies to purchase carbon credits. "We have to put a price on all pollution," Sen. Obama said last fall when he unveiled his proposal.[17]

An 18 cent reduction in the tax would save us $30 over the course of the summer, but cost the government millions that go to fixing roads. Oil companies don't lose a penny, and can even raise prices since we are getting used to seeing the prices as they are now. Once the break is over, the 18 cents goes back on and our prices shoot up, and oil companies say "it's because of taxes."[16] '''And the costs are sent down the supply chain, from the factory floor to the corner store.''' The New York senator highlighted new oil company profit figures as evidence her proposed windfall profits tax was the answer. '''The oil companies have figured out a way to keep profiting no matter what else happens,''' she said.[4] Placing a "windfall" profits tax on the oil companies makes little sense because the savings will only amount to a small fraction of fuel costs to the consumer. Using the money from such a "windfall" profits tax to actually attack the root of the problem is a better idea.[16] Clinton has proposed a possible windfall profits tax on oil companies to fill the gap in revenue. The most important issue to Parker is health care and he believes Clinton has the right ideas.[45]

You can release it, send it directly to the refineries, create more oil in the long run, more gasoline, and bring the price down through the summer months. She would put an excess profits fee on the oil companies who are making record profits and give relief to the taxpayers from the gax tax in the summer months.[30] The tax is used to fund the Highway Trust Fund that builds and maintains roads and bridges. Economists said that since refineries cannot increase their supply of gasoline in the space of a few summer months, lower prices will just boost demand and the benefits will flow to oil companies, not consumers.[6]

Period. Releasing the reserves, or punishing the oil companies in an effort to get them to lower gas prices are not policies that will be followed by the green movement which actually will include all the candidates. As far as the republican swiftboat machine derailing Barack, he doesn't need their help because he is doing a fine job all by himself by the company he choses to mingle with.[30] It is my suggestion to help lower gas prices to ask all employers to ask employees to work 10 hour days 4 days a week and to stay home on Friday and leave the car in the driveway and not use any gas. If all employers would do this, they would not lose any business and it might encourage the oil companies to lower the gas prices at the pumps.[22]

I'm beginning to think many of Obama supporters haven't worked a day in a real job, with real projects and development timelines. They know even less about what is causing the gas prices to go up nor have a clue on the science behind the proposed alternative energies. They think it's all magic, kind of like a spell by Harry Potter, and Obama is the wizard.[16]

"While our men and women in uniform are risking their lives in a war that should never have been waged, what is the failed political leadership in Washington concerned with? A gas tax scheme that will save working Americans nothing at the pump and do nothing to fix our country's failed energy policy or lack of one. A campaign that ignores economics, puts scoring points over fixing policy, and attempts to distract the public discourse from the real problems facing this country. sounds like Politics As Usual." Post-Ad Counter-Punch: When they say "How dare you link our Armed Men and Women to the Gas Tax issue, how insulting!" Then we say "The reason that gas prices are so high at the pump is BECAUSE we embarked on a fool-hardy war in Iraq that should never have been authorized.[38] Ditching the gas tax does nothing but drain funds from needy sources like roads and move people away from real change in energy and transportation. Too bad all of the candidates are shifty on this.[16]

Obama gets my vote no matter what happens PERIOD. Gas tax should be 18.4 percent rather than cents per gallon and it should all be used to fund non-polluting means of transportation, not improving infrastructure that promotes its use.[18] Where I live we CANNOT survive with less highway repair money, and where you live, you can't survive either. It's just not quite so transparent in urban areas. Senator Obama is the only candidate making any sense on this gas tax issue.[16] Does it take some planning? Yes indeed, and not a little frustration when I forget to do a task and must wait til the next trip. I'm with Senator Obama on this one; the suspension of the federal gas tax saves only a few dollars a month and does nothing to discourage our thoughtless reliance on jumping into the car on a whim.[16] WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Democrat Barack Obama is arguing that his rivals' call for a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax is "designed to get them through an election" and would not help struggling consumers.[47]

Before anyone supports getting rid of the gas tax, even temporarily, you have to ask yourself what you want to give up in return. This is just another ploy by the Clinton camp to try to paint Obama as "out of touch," when in fact it is Clinton who is out-of-touch.[16] Will the gas tax scheme pay off for Clinton and McCain? A nation of Homer Simpson -like voters craving instant gratification will be cheering the idea.[37] The idea to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day was first proposed by John McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee.[47] The Republican nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain, was the first to say lawmakers should lift the federal gas tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day.[15]

Republican presidential candidate John McCain, a U.S. senator from Arizona, also is calling for a suspension of the federal gas tax.[41]

The candidates were connecting with issues as well as symbols, especially health care and gasoline prices. Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, laid out a new health care proposal centering on a plan to offer tax credits to individuals and their families so that more people will buy health insurance on their own, instead of through their employers.[28]

There are about 3 percent to 4 percent of Americans who are above $102,000 in income every year. If you want to talk about who's middle class, me giving cuts to folks making $60,000 or $70,000, and potentially asking more from friends of mine like Warren Buffett, who ''' I have no idea what he made last year ''' you know, that's a debate I'm happy to have with John McCain, because it's the people making $75,000, $50,000, $60,000 who are hurting. When John McCain promises tax cuts to corporations that are not paid for, then what we are doing is loading up this nation with debt.[12] Question: John McCain is going to go after you as another classic liberal tax and spender. OBAMA: Well, I'm going to go right back at John McCain, because look at his tax proposals. He just went out there and not only wants to continue some of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and corporations, he actually wants to extend them, and he hasn't told us really how he's going to pay for them. It is irresponsible. The irony is he said it was irresponsible. When George Bush initiated these tax cuts in 2001, he said, "This is shameful." He said that it offended his conscience, he said, for us to give tax breaks to the wealthy, particularly at a time of war. Well, somewhere along the line, you know, his conscience took flight because he was looking to get nominated for the Republican ''' as the Republican nominee.[12] Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, was first to propose temporarily suspending the gas tax, which pays for repairs and construction of roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.[29]

Sen. McCain started the debate earlier in the month by proposing a federal "gas-tax holiday" that would suspend the 18.5-cent federal gas tax, as well as the 24.4-cent diesel tax, from Memorial Day until Labor Day. "If we give you a little relief at the gas pump this summer," Sen. McCain said last week in Selma, Ala., "you can go a little further, so you can have a little more enjoyable vacation."[17] One of the ideas lawmakers and political candidates are suggesting is to suspend the federal gas tax for summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. How much would that amount to? It depends on your state.[48] In an effort to ease that burden, state senators are suggesting cutting the state sales tax on gas for the summer, from Memorial day to Labor day. Not all lawmakers think it's a great idea.[49]

What this article fails to mention and "should" mention: (1) Senator McCain was first to propose suspending the gas tax for the summer (don't give him a "free ride" by making it a discussion among only Democratic candidates); (2) Most leading economist have concluded that suspension of the gas tax is a terrible idea. Even economist who are supporters of Senator McCain have been unwilling to offer support for his proposal.[16]

Once you start suspending the gas tax for one reason, it becomes a target for any politician looking to score a few points against "government spending". And maybe the most important point, the predicament so many Americans find themselves in when they go to the pump to fill up their cars is a legacy of our political and economic system and our long history of refusing to face up to reality: that we guzzle cheap gas relative to the rest of the world, drive idiotic cars, encourage suburban sprawl that is an oil company executive's wet dream and exist in a political system that rewards oil and coal while killing alternative energy. I am no Tom Friedman fan and find his views on globalization to be predictable coming from a real elitist (as opposed to someone who is unfairly painted as an elitist for political reasons). It is great to see that we finally have some national unity on energy policy.[25] Attacking Big Oil's profits: Pandering, but of a sort that for some reason doesn't bother me quite as much, maybe because I figure the oil companies have the resources to protect themselves, while there's no such constituency out to save the gas tax (except maybe roadbuilders).[21] No, keep the gas tax, get rid of the ethonal subsidy, give oil companies the right and tax breaks to drill the Altantic, off of Florida and Alaska.[16]

Let's find some short term, quick fix. That we can say we did something, even though we're not really doing anything. Because if you actually took away the gas tax, what are the oil companies going to do? They're gonna raise your gas by 5 cents.[37]

Hillary and McCain - spoken like true republicans. I guess they don't realize that eliminating the tax is a ploy to spare the oil companies any further taxes while taking it out of our pockets. It will come out of our pockets in the form of further rape of any of our other societal safety nets, you watch. Here we go with the bought politicians making political hay for the rubes while servicing their deep pocket friends in the oil sector.[16] Hillary is going to cut taxes on gasoline. Hooray everyone vote for her! But she is going to fund it with taxes on the "windfall profits" of oil companies. Ultimately the economics on this one are very simple. If the Oil companies must pay higher taxes on their product, they are going to sell their product for more money. This whole proposal would have zero effect on the cost of gasoline in the long run. Vote McCain, at least he has a clue.[20]

I think Hillary's gesture is largely symbolic, showing a willingness to use a portion of oil companies' profits to relieve prices at the pump in the short term so that she might be able to win an election and do the real fixes which need to be done. Those involve aggressive moves toward alternatives, conservation, AND domestic drilling, and she has the voting record to prove she is serious about all of those initiatives. Energy professionals have been talking about this for decades, worrying that our heads are in the sand.[16] How do you want to pay for roads. a toll. property tax. we need good roads but the oil companies are breaking all records on profit.[18] A Manhattan style project to seek an answer to Americas increasing renewable green energy needs. Wait, you're kidding me - oil companies make profits in the free market? Why, we just ought to tax the bejeebers out of their windfalls. That'll cause them to want to reinvest in infrastrucuture, find new reserves, expand market capacities.[18]

Suspending the gas tax would continue the exorbitant profits being raked in by the oil conglomerates while furthering the deterioration of our severely neglected infrastructure. Any such tax break would need to be offset by a sufficient emergency windfall profits tax, which ain't gonna happen on W's watch.[16]

My favorite part is that somehow some people think that repealing the tax will actually cause gas to drop 18.4 cents per gallon. Somehow companies such as exxon/mobile will pass that savings along to consumers instead of being able to boast another quarter of record profits.[25] Hillary's recent comments on gas taxes are most certainly in line with our current gas price situation. If you earn 20 dollars an hour, do you think they should cut taxes on the people who make 10 an hour because you profit more.[18]

Tax revenues were far exceeding expectations in IL because of increased gas prices so Obama wasn't simply supporting a tax cut on gas as a pander.[16] A study later showed that the state lost $175 million in revenue, and consumers barely benefited -- gas prices simply rose to make up for the tax cut. Any economist could have predicted this: If you lower the price of gas without increasing the supply, it will only raise demand and thus boost prices.[3] NEW YORK -- To ease the pain of soaring gas prices, the Republican-led New York State Senate is planning to try and suspend the state's gas tax.[43] During a 2000 Senate race debate in New York City, she spoke out against the plan of her opponent, Rick Lazio, to repeal the tax. One of my fundamental disagreements during this campaign with my opponent was when he called for the repeal of the gas tax. Now, the gas tax is one of those few taxes that New York actually gets more money from Washington than we send.[16]

Here's a June 28, 2000 Newsday clip: "Campaigning in the Hudson Valley, Lazio continued a two-day assault on Clinton's support of maintaining the 18-cent federal gas tax and then used tough rhetoric to declare that 'trust' and 'character' were campaign issues during an evening fundraiser in Manhattan that raised more that $1 million.[18] Recent debate on the campaign trail centers on whether lifting the federal gas tax, which is 18.4 cents a gallon, during the busy summer driving season will provide some short-term relief for consumers or merely a quick fix to appease voters.[15] Why doesn't cutting the gas tax this summer make sense? It's Econ 101 tax incidence theory: if the supply of a good is more or less unresponsive to the price, the price to consumers will always rise until the quantity demanded falls to match the quantity supplied.[6]

All you will do with a Gas Tax Holiday is lower the price which will drive up demand which will in turn just drive the price back up.[4] We are seeing $119.00 now and still rising due to speculators driving the price up on the market. This Gas Tax Holiday is for a period just over three months.[16] I'd like a gas tax holiday! Maybe $40 doesn't matter to him, but it would certainly make my groceries easier to pay for.[19] Can someone explain to me how a gas tax holiday helps the American people? The gax tax is what pays for maintenence and construction of roads and bridges -- the infrastructure of our highway system which is currently deteriorating at an astonishing rate.[4]

As a white female married to a black man people do need to dig and get the facts rather than just take what the media offers on a daily basis. No one else out there thinks the media sensors certain things and tells the story from on perspective? I also agree that America needs to take a lesson from history; were we started as a nation, read the Constitution of this great nation. were we are from a biblical standpoint, and most certainly what is ahead of us. The one who called your post an F+, have you ever had a in depth discussion with someone of a different racial/religious background than yourself? It would be very eye opening. On the subject of Obama/Clinton, you know they bash the Republicans for spending, war, lying to the American people. Yet when Obama was in McKeesport before the PA primary, someone in this town hall meeting asked him what would he do to fix the economy? He compared it to an ocean liner that if you steer it down the right path, you will miss the ice berg. What????? How are you going to fix it? Clinton stands for HIGHER TAXES. Does no one get that? It seems a fiscious cycle- raise taxed, lower taxes- we all know the poor can't get money, the rich don't need money and the middle class pays for it all.[20] You have to remember that the Clinton's have won the Whitehouse twice before. They know what it takes. If Mr. Obama fails his test of commander and chief we can only hope that Hillary Clinton can continue her heroic fight for the American people. That she prevails. She will need all the continual support and help we can give her. She may fight like a superhuman. She is only human.[22] Mr. Obama is a great speaker. I am confident he can explain to the American people the need, and wisdom of such a personal sacrifice for them. It should be clear to everyone by now that Hillary Clinton is fighting her heart out for the American people. She has known for a long time that Mr. Obama can not win this November.[22]

Hillary Clinton say's that the heat, and decisions in the Whitehouse are much tougher than the ones on the campaign trail. I think Mr. Obama faces a test of whether he has what it takes to be a commander and chief by facing the difficult facts, and the truth before him. By doing what is best for the American people by dropping out of the race, and offering his whole hearted assistance to Hillary Clinton to help her take back the Whitehouse for the American people, and the World.[22]

Let me be clear here. Hillary Clinton has nothing to apologize for, nor should she feel tainted because her former Pastor, William Procanick has been convicted of sexual child abuse of a seven year old girl. By the same token, Barack Obama has no responsibility for the words of Rev. Wright, nor for the words of his successors in the pulpit. All of these people have personal responsibility, and Rev. Procanick is going to be answering for his crime.[22] " - Senator Barack Obama Can you imagine if Hillary Clinton said someone was a "typical black person?" Seriously, Barack Obama basically called all white people racist.[18]

I couldn't agree more with "geevill". The obama supporters will go nuts if Hillary wins in N.Carolina.Now that she's got the backing of their governor,hopefully she can pull off wins in N.Carolina and Indiana.I heard some of the superdelegates on some of the morning,political news shows this past Sunday saying that Indiana would be the tie-breaker.So,even if she just wins Indiana next week,then goes on to win W.Virginia,my home state of Kentucky,Oregon and Puerto Rico,the super delegates will have to see that she is the stronger candidate.Even an MSNBC news anchor said she was the stronger candidate and we all know that MSNBC is in the tank for Obama.I agree with "Ken in Texas" that Bill Clinton was a good president and I believe Hillary will be even better.I am looking forward to that debate in 8 years!!!Obama can only blame Rev.Wright if he loses the nomination,that man is no friend of Obama's.He was only trying to make things worses for Obama by speaking at the press club on Sunday.It was a good thing for Obama to completely denounce Rev.Wright and his comments today,I just think he should have cut all ties with that man sooner.[30] Hillary Clinton has no need to '''denounce and reject''' the man. It may be a good thing if she were to express her sorrow for his crimes and compassion for those the man hurt. She has no obligation. The irresponsibility here is on the media, who wish to blow out of proportion those issues which will inevitably divide Americans, by focusing on the behavior of Barack Obama'''s former Pastor, while ignoring other transgressions by the pastors of Presidential candidates, even though Hillary Clinton'''s former Pastor has actually been convicted of a crime.[22] It's time for everyone to face the truth. Barack Obama has no real chance of winning the national election in November at this time. His crushing defeat in Pennsylvania makes that fact crystal clear. His best, and only real chance of winning in November is on a ticket with Hillary Clinton as her VP. Hillary Clinton seemed almost somber at her victory speech. As if part of her was hoping Obama could have defeated her. Proved he had some chance of winning against the republican attack machine, and their unlimited money, and resources.[20] We have already seen a mind-numbing, absurdist association argument affixed to Rev. Wright- Barack Obama, Rezko-Obama, Ayers-Obama and so on. When challenged about promoting these negatives, Hillary Clinton has justified it by saying that this is taking it easy compared to what the Republicans will do. Apparently nobody ever told her that two wrongs don't make it right, or that change doesn't happen by repeating the behaviors of the past. These things are distractions which is one of the favorite tools of the synergistic complex that perpetuates the cynicism of the status-quo. This process is no different than what we find in the ancient practices of Roman government, the policy of "bread and circuses," the same ideas of one finds as far back as the Medicis and Machiavelli.[50]

"Now the two Washington candidates in the race have decided to do something different," said Obama. "John McCain started it, he made the proposal, and then Hillary Clinton said 'me too.'"[23]

You must be logged-in to comment. There are so many great ads he could cut on this issue. He could use Krugman against Hillary. He could show video clips of McCain supporting the Iraq invasion, then Hillary supporting the Iraq invasion, then McCain supporting the gas holiday, then Hillary supporting the gas holiday, then say "We need change." "Hillary Clinton wants to give you $25 this summer to ease the gas pains. Show Hillary shaking hands with the Saudis then explain how her plan actually makes them richer.[38] Hillary doesn't even need to go down to his level. I know its very sad that the DNC is painting a picture in the media of the one they want us to choose but the one that has shown in more way then one to be the strongest is Clinton. She doesn't need to prove herself. He is arrogant and dirty if you read the way he moved up to U.S. senate. I will not vote for him. I think McCain is looking more and more electible esspecially if I have to choose between him and Obama.[20] Whaddya know, Obama learned his lesson, Clinton did not. McCain is way out in left field, even his own economic advisers think this is a bad idea. Hillary is following his lead.[16]

The RNC says Obama has flip flopped on the issue since leaving the Illinois State Senate, where the state gasoline tax was temporarily suspended in 2000 with Obama's support. Clinton aides say she differs from McCain in that she'd pay for her tax break, "not raid the highway trust fund."[20] Just as market fuel prices have gotten high enough to force consumers to reconsider their energy-intensive lifestyle choices, Senators McCain and Clinton want to further subsidize the nation's addiction to gasoline by forgiving the fuel tax that maintains the roadways on which our SUVs drive? Ridiculous.[16] Clinton has lined up with McCain in endorsing a plan to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon, for the summer travel season.[28] The federal tax is 18.4 cents per gallon of gas and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel. The question to ask about such plans, says Billy Pizer, an economist with the Washington, D.C., think tank Resources for the Future, is how much of the money will flow into the hands of consumers versus corporations.[31] A gas station attendant told WKTV tonight that the owner of a gas station, after taxes, only makes about 6 cents for every gallon of gas sold. He also suggested, because they wouldn't be losing any money themselves, gas station owners probably wouldn't raise their prices if the state sales tax was lifted.[49] If you could immediately remove the federal gas tax today, it will cause the price at the pump to immediately drop by 18 cents per gallon.[14]

Comparing the fact that both Hillary and Obama changed their stance on the gas tax from 2000 to today is ridiculous considering the Bush administration's ineptness.[16] Hillary made a good point in 2000what happened to that? Yes, you can suspend the gas tax. I'm sure people will be paying even more without taxes in the future as we continue to burn up this finite resource.[16] We are paying taxes on a lot of other things to improve our highways and bridges. The money not going to these projects from the gas tax is minimal compared to the other sources. It would also help boost the economy by giving people more money to travel and buy things to support the economy.[16]

Yeah, it would just be temporary, and it wouldn't cost all that much. It's just all wrong. Now there was a non-pandering argument against raising the gas tax that one of my favorite Alabama legislators, Bill Fuller, used to make back when I was covering the Statehouse in Montgomery in the early 1990s: It's a regressive tax that falls heaviest on poor people in rural areas who can't afford to replace their gas-guzzling 1969 Plymouths.[21] Gas Tax? Candidates position on this or that? Window dressing! It is 'We the People' that retain all of the power to act.[16]

My opponent opposes giving consumers a break from the gas tax, but I believe American people are being squeezed pretty hard."[6] Does anyone really think the 18.5 cent gas tax is an issue. It is just politics as usual. If the american voters can be bought for $30 this summer, then they deserve the pols they elect.[25] The typical motorist might save $25 in gas tax during a summer, but have worse roads to drive on as a consequence.[27]

"Let me explain to you that the gas tax is what pays for our highway trust fund to rebuild our roads and our bridges. If we don'''t have that money then roads and bridges wont be repaired, which means folks in North Carolina won't be working this summer," he explained.[22] In an interview, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said calls for suspending the gas tax amounted to a "no-win proposal." He noted that money raised by the tax pays for the maintenance and construction of federal highways.[17]

I'm sure the taxes I pay get taxed a dozen times over somehow before I get a worthlessly small tax refund every year. That will get taxed with sales taxes, gas tax, sin taxes and taxes for being under-taxed in the first place.[22]

OBAMA: Well, what I've said is I certainly would not raise it higher than it was under Ronald Reagan, but the fact is that I'm mindful that we've got to keep our capital gains tax to a point where we can actually get more revenue. That's not something that's going to affect the average person with a 401(k) when people start talking about how, "Well, there are, you know, millions of Americans who own stock," most of them own stock in 401(k)s where their taxes are deferred and they pay ordinary income taxes when they finally cash out. In terms of raising the payroll tax ''' raising the cap on the payroll tax, right now everybody who's making $102,000 or less pays 100 percent of payroll tax on 100 percent of their income.[12] Obama plans to tax us out of our recession. When the economy rebounds he is going to raise taxes on people who earn too much and companies that are too profitable. The trick to running an economy is raising taxes when times get tough then raise them even more when things are going well.[22]

Obama has never seen a tax he doesn't like. It makes no sense to him that both Hillary and McCain want to lower taxes in an economic downturn.[22] Obama needs a who's your Daddy ad, McCain and Hillary both want a big cash infusion to the oil companies, this is what their donations buy them.[38] Meanwhile, the oil companies just keep getting richer and richer. We must work to wean ourselves OFF fossil fuels and hit the oil companies where it hurts -- by not NEEDING what they sell. Hillary reminds me of the 'Alien', holding on to the space shuttle with her tail. She's been blasted by the thrusters of another Obama major news conference today, and is about to be sent on her screaming way. This is one of those stupid ideas that looks really good on the surface (a couple of my co-workers fell for it).[4]

New York state 2000 and USA 2008 is like comparing apples to brocoli in terms of gas taxes, not to mention other things. The time has long gone by when subsidies to oil companies be stopped and that they be fairly taxed.[18] The United States currently uses 10,000 Pounds of Oil a second and 20 railroad cars of COAL a second. (our U.S. Domestic production is about 7.25 million barrels a day. The real kicker in terms of "Demand" is that China adds 2,000 new cars to their roads every dayplus they are expanding their economy which uses a great deal of Oil. It would be great if the States would lower their gas taxes during this time to give the consumer some needed RELIEFWe should have gone to Hydrogen power a long time ago (as Jay Leno says almost nightly now).[16]

Our friends at C-Span did us a favor again by broadcasting Congressman Markey's hearing on oil and energy last week. After watching the views expressed by the participants (Scientists, Wall St, Consumer advocate, GAO, Am Truckers, Senators, among others) it's pretty clear to this viewer that there is huge mismanagement and downright fraud in this current management of our energy. The U.S. Government is the largest purchaser of energy in the country. (When is the last time you ever saw the Government "manage" to purchase anything at the right price, or "manage" anything as important as energy properly? It's a set up deal with Big Oil, lobbyists, and 2 branches of our government, in my view.) 2. There is virtually NO OVERSIGHT by Congress or regulatory agencies over the trading of the oil, and it's clear they don't want any oversight. It's the S&L; crisis and mortgage meltdown waiting to happen all over again, resulting in downright fraud and huge prices for the barrel of oil. 3. The situation was compared to what Enron did in fraudulently controlling the prices, and I would add it's as bad as what Watergate or Teapot Dome did for our country, in my opinion. 4.[33] Obama's plan is nothing more than a political ploy, and a dodge of the critical issue that Cliton has identified - that Big Oil has manipulated the market (ie, price-fixing and gouging) to generate record profits. Another poster here has comments on Wright. While that post might be in the wrong thread, I have to agree that Wright's comments are as racist as they come. Why is it that a black preacher can talk about "black religion," but a white, hispanic, green or purple preacher cannot do the same? The game of "race card" is past its prime and holds no longer holds power. If Obama is truly interested in a new society, he will denounce any attempt to segregate whites from blacks, and therefore denounce Wright. He steadfastly refuses to do so, instead supporting Wright while at the same time attempting to disagree with some - not all - of Wright's misguided rants. Another political dodge from the Obama camp, and certainly not the "new politics" that Obama preaches.[19] Obama is the candidate and let's talk about him. This is all utter distractions from fools who have nothing to offer but negative ads and stupid criticisms. This is a political election and not a church or spiritual election. Hillary and Bill have nothing to offer to this dynamic generation and so they are all out to destroy, divide and run. We talk of peace and she is on obliterating a nation! That's evil on her part! I will not be surprised to see and hear about terror attacks on us sooner or later because of her threat over a nation! SHAME ON HER AND HER SUPPORTERS. MY SUPPORT GOES TO OBAMA FROM NOW ONWARDS. She is scary using fear to manipulate and mislead voters and you called that wisdom or being a fighter? I called it weakness, divisive, evil, witchcraft and above all a looser tactic! She has no message that is positive. What I see is that even though she lied a thousand times, her stupid and idiotic supporters call it truth. She is misrepresenting Americans in the world as a symbol of liars. If she becomes president, terrorists will wreck this nation and we will have enemies all over.[6] The 'prey of panic,' and what has changed in 71 years? and Hillary Clinton shares the same agenda as the Rush Limbaugh's of the world. Those of this ilk find willing confederates in the mainstream media, which seems more interested in smears and tears rather than being a conduit for a real dialogue between the candidates for this nation's highest office and the American people. and all of this going on while the economic system is collapsing at an alarming rate, food riots are breaking out all over the planet, the environment is suffering corporate poisoning daily on a vast, global scale unequalled in the history of this planet, and our government has disconnected itself from the will of the people and its constitutional foundation; tending more toward being an instrument of blind tyranny that no longer pretends to even care about any so-called consensus or mandate by the people it's sole purpose is to serve.[50]

Does anyone else wonder why not? The President should be applying pressure behind the scenes. Remember JFK pushing against Roger Blaugh to get a $5.00 a ton steel price increase rolled back? He was successful. The Presidential candidates should be laying out the REAL FACTS. All 3 are Senators! What have THEY DONE? Where is THEIR legislation? Only gimmicks from Hillary (read about it at the Tax Policy Center blog). How about a boycott of Exxon Mobil until they agree to build new refineries? Where is the leadership to solve the problem? 5.[33] Then let's look at the waste in government spendingcut it out and give tax cuts all around. If Obam is elected and leads the charge to remove the "Bush" tax cuts" there will be a great slide in our economy that will greatly hurt the middle class he claims to help. Why? When the "wealthiest" Americans make a lot of money they invest it in creating new businesses and hiring who? The middle class that is hurting for jobs right now. Taxing the rich Obama style just shows a pandering comment (everyone hates folks who are more successful than they are) to get the support of the poor. There are always more of them than richmore votes for anyone who makes this commentlet the country be hanged. It shows that the supposedly well educated Obama doesn't have a clue about economics.[22] I usually agree with Clinton's economic policies, but not this time. I can't believe she thinks that anything McCain has to say about the economy is a good idea. It might be a good thing if Americans were forced to be a bit more frugal and had to cut down on their dependance on gas and their love affair with their SUVs. That would be good for the environment and save everyone money in the long term.[16] Uh, excuse me. Didn't John McCain propose this FIRST? Now Clinton jumps on the bandwagon and makes it look likes it's her idea. Next, Barack will be giving out free gas cards with the leftover millions in his campaign fund (illegal money donated from his indicted crook friend in Chicago).[6] Obama flip flopped on an issue? Is he the next John Kerry? He's already messed up with his bitter over lost jobs and clinging to religion and guns statement. He's not electable. Senator Clinton now copying what Senator McCain already suggested? Can't she come up with her own proposals? She's not electable either. They both lie to say anything to get elected, and they both are wasting the general populations money in cash donation for their campaign support. Democrats, you might as well save your hard earned money for 2012, since it looks like McCain is pretty certain to win over those two.[20]

Clinton is the queen of all panderers. There is no way she will achieve any of what's she's promising. She will just rack up debt. 1) How many years would it take to get money out of the Oil companys as she's promising????? She thinks we're all fools. 2) We aren't in a position to bully OPEC. She knows onces she's elected, we will all forget about all these promises. She still owes NY 500,000 jobs from her last campaign. She if full of BULL.[4] No new nuclear plants, oil refineries, or major oil fields. They say "just conserve". If Americans really want someone to point the blame at it's the Democrats and their pandering to their "big" donors. It's way past time for "public" financing of campaigns. It's the only way we can get the dirty money from the mob-run unions, vampire trial lawyers, and the environmentalists out of the system. All of them together with the Dems and backed by America's mostly corrupt liberal MSM wolfpack press are slowly killing this country.[33]

Clinton covered a lot of issues that hit very close to home, including gas prices, food prices and energy costs. She toured the Deluxe Sheet Metal plant and talked to some of the workers and their families for about an hour. She also asked for their votes in next Tuesday's primary, saying Hoosiers need someone in the White House who can stand up for middle class Americans. Many workers said they're voting for her because she stands behind unions. Others still haven't made up their minds. [11] Speaking at Miller Veneers Inc. in Indianapolis, Clinton said gas prices are hurting not just consumers but also businesses. She said a Miller Veneer customer recently refused a shipment because the fuel surcharge was so high. Mayra Schum, a 35-year-old quality control worker at the plant, said she spends $60 about twice a week to fill up her car and make her 45-minute commute.[29]

Gas prices are almost $4 per gallon. Most of the Politicians dont care how much fuel cost,Look at how much money they make,not only that, but guess how pays for the fuel for their luxury cars and SUVs? The Taxpayer of course,so why worry about the consumer.[49] As gas prices continue to creep toward $4 a gallon, more and more money is coming out of the wallets of Central New Yorkers.[49]

Gas prices hit yet another record, a national average of $3.61 a gallon for regular unleaded, AAA and the Oil Price Information Service reported yesterday.[2]

Saving $40-50 is only "ridiculous" to the elitists who support Obama. There are people in this country who are cutting back on food and simply luxuries like a Saturday afternoon matinee because oil prices. Obama's response and the thinking of this blogger drives home the point as to why he does not appeal to those white blue collar workers.[25] According to energy experts, the temporary tax break will only serve to keep fuel demand high and prevent oil prices from dropping. The return to the consumer, they say, would be almost negligible - one estimate is only $30 over a three-month suspension - especially in comparison to the benefits enjoyed by foreign oil producers.[40] One uncertainty in the tax holiday scheme is that there is no guarantee that pump prices would reflect the full cut'' - which would also apply to the 24.4 cent diesel tax'''' - between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For consumers to actually see these cuts would require cooperation from oil firms and thousands of distributors, who are under no obligation, and who may have no incentive if they face limited competition.''[35] I've read most of the comments and see how some are pushing their own agenda and others just repeating what they've heard along the way, I'll not say which is which. To cut the taxes at the pump and then add that tax to the oil company just means that we'll pay for the tax anyway at the pump as they increase the price to over come the cost.[20] Some economists say that suspending the tax will only promote greater consumption and drive prices up -- sending more money to oil producers, not consumers. Zandi says the downturn in the U.S. economy, which he believes is in a recession, is taking a toll in a variety of ways.[31]

Surely enough, let the Big Oil over charging the consumers billions of dollars and our next commander in chief (Hillary Clinton ?) will be ready for the windfall profits tax. Take note please, don't be too hurry because there will not be enough beef if we collect this windfall tax too soon.[19] WHen are the people going to learn that by taxing the corporation you tax the consumer as the former passes the cost down. Some people here are able to do the basic math in figuring out that this tax suspension will do next to nothing for individuals while compromising the integrity our road system. They fail to see the economic reality and call for taxing Big Oil with profit margin essentially unchanged at 9.5%. Why not tax Google with their 25% profit margin.[16] I've been working a bit with the truckers who, as you may have read, are organizing, in a truly grassroots campaign, protests against the rising fuel costs. They have a broader view of the problem, focusing on the obscene profits being made by the oil companies. You can understand their plight and, at the same time, not succumb to meaningless and, ultimately harmful proposals--and, certainly, you would hope for such leadership from people who are competing for the highest office in the land.[25] Why most average Americans, Civil Servants and Middle Class America. This disingenuous, power at all costs pollitician had the audacity to claim that she would "seize the profits of Oil Companies and do with them what SHE saw fit. Then she reacted with shock and annoyance when Halliburton declared it was moving out of the Country. You are the one who pushed them out. After declaring you would steal their profits, you then expect them to cheerfully remain and have their pockets picked by the Marxists who nowadays call themselves Democrats. If the Phrase "Who is John Galt" is unfamiliar to you, then maybe reading Ayn Rands "Atlas Shrugged" might help you better understand the nature of the Liberal Evil spreading through this Country, and the inevitable destruction of this Nation if it is ever allowed to take hold and push forth it's destructive, suicidal plans.[6]

We SHOULD impose a 100% tax on all profits made by gas companies exceeding the thresh hold of 15%. A similar idea was thought up during the Populist movement of the Gilded Age.[16] Over at Down with Tyranny, it was pointed out that the Clinton pander is even worse than McCain's, because she pretends that she could fund such a tax holiday with windfall profits tax that the Senate wouldn't pass and the President wouldn't sign. McCain just adds it to all the other stuff he's putting on the cuff.[21]

Not all of the tax relief from a gas tax holiday will be passed on to consumers.[6] Some economists maintain a national gas tax holiday would have even les impact for consumers than state tax cuts.[35] Many folks are now pushing for gas tax holidays from the government, but don't expect to see one here at the state level.[42]

Maintenance costs money. It's irresponsible for anyone to be reasonably thinking of a gas tax holiday without actually suggesting where the money is going to come from.[20] As I have stated before, any benefits of the Gas Tax Holiday are temporary, negligible and artifical. That applies not only to the cost of gasoline and diesel but it also applies to the cost of the logs and the furniture that you mentioned.[4]

What's your take? Do you think a federal gas tax holiday would help solve the crisis? Leave your comment below.[51] How would a gas tax holiday work? And would it help? Leonard Burman, director of the Tax Policy Center, a non-partisan think tank, talks with Melissa Block.[31] "I think that would make a lot of difference," Schum said of a gas tax holiday.[29]

Are you kidding me? McCain keep your medical tax credit and take that elitist gas tax holiday with you.[22]

My father is a petroleum geologist who has long advocated a gas tax, but he proposed a gradually rising one which would allow people to plan ahead in terms of conservation, automobile purchases, etc. without being suddenly blindsided. He said if we had done that years ago, automobile mileage standards would have already improved, alternatives would already be in development, and we would likely be paying less for gas now, even WITH the tax.[16] "During a visit to a shopping mall in the Buffalo suburbs, Clinton said that 'the gas tax is one of the few exceptions where we actually get more money back than we send to Washington.'"[18] Economically, suspending the gas tax is a bad idea, but politically, it might be brilliant on Clinton's part.[16] I wouldn't be surprised if Bill Clinton was for it. That gas tax is gimmicky.[4]

A gas tax suspension would be bad for U.S. consumers and in the long run only perpetuate the extortion being exercised by the oil industry.[18] Use the drop in prices to raise the gas tax to keep demand down and keep the money in the U.S. Price elasticity of demand is quite inelastic in the short term but much more elastic in the medium to longer term.[16] Look to your states gas tax which is supposed to use it for highways and bridges. Have they stolen that money and given it to some other thing like bike paths, walking paths, and other stuff that isn't necessary. Maybe they put it in the social program accounts.[20] Derek if all the money the gas tax made went into roads we would be driving on gold.[20]

Obama said drying up gas tax collections would hurt highway construction, costing North Carolina up to 7,000 jobs.[47] In Illinois in 2000, Sen. Obama voted for a six-month, five-percentage point break on the state'''s 6.25% gas sales tax.[37] In 2000, Mr. Obama supported a bill in the Illinois legislature to suspend most of the state'''s 6.25 per cent gasoline sales tax. He later opposed making the reduction permanent, arguing that the state needed the revenue and the measure had saved consumers little money.[16] Obama is rght about not lifting the tax on gasoline. That money is needed to put people to work in construction jobs.[12]

I think that Governor Easley made the correct decision in endorsing Senator Clinton. As a citizen of NC I can say that Governor Easley has done a fine job during his eight years of service. I bet that MANY people in states that held earlier primaries wish they knew then what they know now. that Senator Obama is not quite ready to lead this great country. Early on I could have supported Obama if he indeed became the nominee.[30] As the months have passed, that feeling has changed dramatically. I bet many who voted for him in the earlier campaigns, now are suffering from "buyer's remorse". Obama is showing that he is not quite ready to be a presidential candidate, and I REALLY blame the press and media for giving him too many free passes. All of these concerns should have been aired much earlier. While I read a few criticisms early on about Senator Obama, it seems most everyone was giddy with praise for him and not interested in thoroughly "vetting" him. Senator Clinton could be an excellent President right now, and with some time Senator Obama could possibly be as well, but he needs some more time to develop and to explain why he continued associations with people/organizations who espoused such disturbing positions.[30] We need a new fuel. Sen. Obama needs to listen to the older lady that gave him advice to keep the campaign positive. (Hillary and her crew LOVE IT when he stoops to her level, since she can say, "see, he's just like the rest of us".) Sen. Obama brings hope and joy back into the political process, because we know he will keep our interests in mind when he's in the WH. The Fat Cats, Clintons and lobbyists are scared to death that he will be elected, because they know that rather than the artificial ethics McSame banters about, Obama will put an end to special interest groups having their way. Altough this dem primary is hellish, the scriptures say, "oppression is worse than slaughter".[12] If you are going to list all the ways Hillary was negative, can you please list Obama too, his attack on Hillary's health care plan in PA, again, which how many people need to say is a lie over and over again.[30]

We live in the Real World,and are trying to Elect the Best person for the job of President and we should be smart enough, i hope to no Gimmickry when we here it,well mabe not,most of you all did fall for those Card-Board cut out,s that Collen Powell peddled before the U.N on W.M.D Issue, that start the Pres.Bush WAR, at the bening of the war gas was around $1.50 so wink,wink to this Crazy Idea and to all those who support John & Hillary,I hope none of your Family or Freind,s will be one of the Estamated 300,000 to lose their high- way job,s behind this save now lose later scheme when another Bridge Collapse,and Kill,s People.[37] I guess we'll have to take the stimulas we get to help out, although being senior citizens, we only get half what other people get ($300 vs $600/person). Guess they think we don't pay the same prices other people do for gas, groceries, etc. We are thankful that our state doesn't charge seniors for drivers licenses, and there are business that give discounts, even most of the schools give seniors passes to sports events in our area, which is great.[22] Well, let's just say that Bush or McCain or Hillary attack Iran, that will totally destabilize the entire Mideast region. then I guess the "speculators" will push the price of crude to $2-3 or even $400 a barrel. That means gas at the pump could go to ooh.$10-$15 a gallon.[25] Are furniture manufacturers going to automatically drop prices based on 18 cents a gallon? I doubt that, too. Are stores going to automatically drop prices based on 18 cents a gallon? Very doubtful. (Notice a pattern, there?) If you believe in this that much, Madame Senator, you do have some power to present a bill, you know. How in the world can Hillary get her so called 'paid for solution' by this president? Does anyone believe he'll approve a roll back of the oil company'''s windfall tax? I doubt it.[4] Hillary supported the idea, but modified it to a better solution, by making up the loss revenue through raising tax on oil companies.[22] When McCain says he would "divert tax revenue from other sources to make the highway trust fund whole." What he actually means is, divert money away from university aid to college students and divert money away from other 'less important' areas such as after0school care and arts and science. Of course, these things are less important than making sure the oil companies get their windfall tax. of course.[16]

"I think we can do that if we put a temporary windfall profits tax on the oil companies.[20] "We will pay for it by imposing a windfall profits tax on the big oil companies. They sure can afford it," she said. "This is a big difference in this race.[6]

STUPID. Don't be fooled, people. This is incredibly painful, and what the oil companies are doing is morally reprehensible, but you can't change it. (They can't claim they are paying much higher prices, because if this were the hard truth, their profits would be flat during this). This pain is actually necessary.[18]

One argument against taxing big oil companies is that it would likely end up raising gas prices anyway.[15]

"Unprepared leadership makes promises and fails to deliver," said McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds. Obama has admitted in the past that under his administration, gas prices would not be reduced overnight.[22] Keep the gas prices high; thus, the government receives more money, or in Obama's case drive more fuel efficient cars.[20]

Because now, alternative fuels become more cost competitive. Hillary you little pander pup. the same people whining about gas prices drive trucks or SUV's, have cell phones and digital cable. they ain't hurting they just don't want to make choices.[18] "If we go from $3 to $4 that means $100 billion in extra cost." As more consumers feel pinched at the pump, their discomfort may spark individual and corporate action. "High prices in the market create responses on both the supply and demand side for fuel," says Pizer. This translates into consumers trying to save gas by driving less or searching for cars with higher fuel economy, he says. On the supply side, companies may turn to conventional sources for fuel that were not profitable in the past because they were difficult to obtain, unconventional sources that may have higher production costs or alternative fuels, he explains.[31] Enough is enough! What ever happened to Government stepping in to protect consumers from monopolies and speculative market manipulation? Over thirty percent of the cost of oil is due to speculators driving up the price of oil contracts and selling the contracts to other speculators before taking delivery. Eliminate speculators by passing laws that all bidders of oil contracts must take delivery of the oil they purchase. That way only refiners and distributers will buy the contracts instead of speculators that are making fortunes while destroying our economy and empting our pocketbooks. Speculators do not contribute anything to the products except to increase the price of the commodities that they buy and resell to each other before delivery of the commodity takes place.[33] The U.S. imported about 14 million barrels of Oil per day in 2007, which means U.S. consumers sent about $340 Billion Dollars over seas building palaces in Dubai and propping up unfriendly regimes around the World, if 200 billion barrels of oil at $90 a barrel are recovered in the high plains the added wealth to the U.S. economy would be $18 Trillion Dollars which would go a long way in stabilizing the U.S. trade deficit and could cut the cost of oil in half in the long run.[33]

Please email us to report offensive comments. Even if the cost of crude oil, refineries, etc. stayed constant -- and the tax was suspended -- Hoyer thinks "The oil companies would just raise their prices" to make up the difference?! That doesn't even make sense.[14] I completely agree that the oil companies have no obligation to pass on the savings to consumers. It would be a public relations DISASTER for them if they didn't though. They would probably get socked with criminal prosecutions and, finally, enough incentive in D.C. for that "windfall tax" to pass over any threatened Presidential veto. Its just supply-demand.[14] The Democratic contenders have called for a "windfall profits" tax on oil companies, which ultimately could be passed on to consumers.[17]

The only down side is, um, bridges fall down more often and roads don't get fixed, so in reality, we as the public don't actually "win" anything. It's not enough to say "raise the taxes on those evil oil companies to pay for it!" (HRC's proposal) If their taxes go up, how do you think they will pay for it. by RAISING THE PRICE OF GAS! Until, in the end, an equilibrium is reached.[18] You can't rob Peter to pay Paul. Those taxes are there for a purpose. When are politicians going to realize this? Do you think those oil companies are going to just give those profits away. They are already in the pockets of so many politicians.[4] Why stop with the oil companies.We can also go after the "wind fall" profits of pharmaceutical companieswhich the last time that I looked, were 2.5 times what the oil companies are makingto pay for a national health care plan.[6]

Democratic contender Hillary Clinton quickly supported the idea, and added windfall profits from big oil could help offset the money the government would lose. [43] Ladies and gentlemen of Indiana, Hearing my senator, Hillary Clinton, stumping in your state, is driving me crazy. There seems to be a general acceptance of the idea that she's the stronger candidate when it comes to all things economic, particularly job creation. If anyone would take even a cursory look at her record in elected office, they would discover the opposite is true.[12] Democrates will always be democrats whoever wins the ticket. If eventually Barack Obama wins the ticket, I believe that all those democrats that made Clinton win the primaries in her demographically favoured states will NOT turn their back on the party. They are not republicans and as such will vote for Barack Obama come November. In awaiting the super delegates do the needful come June 3rd, a little piece of advice for both candidates and the entire Democratic Party system ''' they should always remember that '''the day you start to insult yourself others will join you'''.[20] I was bemused by the idea that words could encapsulate the enormity of the difficulty. As the battle has raged on since, I am no longer bemused but have found a more solemn place in my spirit and am profoundly impressed at Barack Obama's fortitude in the face of such heinous behavior. The real story. the one that we'll have a difficult time getting from any of the MSM outlets, is the fact that Sen. Obama has exposed The Clintons as the champions of "The Fear," and it is through this fear that the status quo has maintained its power all of this time. In order to survive as a species. and numerous other species depend on us getting this right. we are going to have to "subvert the dominant paradigm."[50]

Our choices (based on presidential candidates) are to suck it up and deal with higher prices (Obama), to spend time and energy on a measure that will end up with us having to suck it up and deal with higher prices (Clinton), or to spend time and energy on a measure that will end up with us having to suck it up and deal with higher prices while having fewer resources for our ailing transportation system (McCain).[16] "As painful as it might be, higher prices do sway behavior toward a more energy disciplined America." Obama is using the issue to liken Clinton to McCain, while she is trying to paint Obama as out of touch with working-class voters -- a group that will play a big role in the upcoming Indiana primary.[7]

When I read yesterday's account of the debate over what to do about rising gasoline prices, I really was astounded by the pandering--though I sometimes wonder why one would be astounded in this era where getting elected is far more important than taking a principled position. On this issue, the scorecard is clear: Sens. Clinton and McCain failed miserably and Sen. Obama took the right stand.[25] Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has opposed it, saying it would have little impact at the gasoline pump but could cost thousands of jobs by disrupting the source of funds for much-needed infrastructure construction. Obama's position has opened himself to brutal attacks from both McCain and Clinton, who has begun advertising on the issue in Indiana ahead of Tuesday's primary there.[14]

Perhaps the story isn'''t divisive enough for the mainstream media to take notice. Of course, it is as unfair to blame Hillary Clinton for her former pastor'''s abuses just as it is unfair to blame Barack Obama for Rev. Wright. That means the mainstream media is far more enamored of condemning Obama for his Rev. Wright'''s tirades about 9/11 and race than it is concerned with the plight of a seven year old girl abused by Hillary Clinton'''s former pastor. UTICA When the Rev. William Procanick put his hand on the Bible during his sex-abuse trial in Oneida County Court earlier this year, he swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. As the former Clinton pastor was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for inappropriately touching a 7-year-old girl at his home last March, Judge Michael L. Dwyer said Procanick sacrificed his honesty the day he testified.[22] "Hillary visiting Hobart makes it more personal and gets people excited about the election, but it won't really sway my vote," Morton said. Hobart High School seniors Matt Williams and Matt Green are supporters of Sen. Barack Obama, but they were interested in Clinton's visit. "They're both really similar in terms of ideas," Green said. Clinton obliged the crowd after her meeting in the dining room of Parker's house; she shook many hands that reached out and posed for a few photos. Hobart resident Robin Shultz was shaking and tearing up after her encounter with Clinton.[45]

The McCain-Clinton gas holiday proposal is a perfect example of what energy expert Peter Schwartz of Global Business Network describes as the true American energy policy today: '''Maximize demand, minimize supply and buy the rest from the people who hate us the most.''' Good for Barack Obama for resisting this shameful pandering.[38] Obama doesn't care about gas breaks for Americans, we already know he just wants to raise taxes on everyone, sweet little commie. Hell, what does he care, most of the people voting for him, ride the bus, take the train, or ride in their little three-wheelers, or they pogo stick hop, or get piggy back rides, or play leap frog to get around.[37]

I just don't want McCain to think he can throw the American people a token and we will continue to work hard and pay taxes while elitist continue to get a tax break.[22] John McCain is a retrogressive old man who thinks that Americans should have to pay lower taxes, deal with less government red tape and stop the government from imposing social policies on every day people.[22]

To be blunt, I trust Hillary's judgement over Obama's, and I don't trust Hillary's judgement as far as I could throw a Boeing 747. In fact as the more of the real Obama that has been revealed, the less I trust him. I keep expecting another William Ayers or Rev. Wright to pop out of his closet. Least with Hillary we know her downsides. In all honesty though, I'm for John McCain, because I feel he's the most honest candidate running, however if it has to be a Democrat in office, I trust Hillary over Obama.[20] I pray that North Carolina and Indiana agree. John McCain attacks OBAMA now during the primary because he'd rather face Hilary in November. All Republicains are pro-Hilary right now, because they think with Hilary, McCain will have a better chance to win in November.[12]

The rules are the rules and that will be what is dealt. The downside to this outcome, however, is that he is simply unelectable and John McCain will be our next President. I suspect there are a fair number of superdelegates that know this otherwise, the floodgates would have opened by now. What happened to the 50 SDs that were ready to pledge their support after Ohio and Texas? Obama is having a difficulty garnering the support of white blue collar workers which is an obvious important voting bloc in the GE. So, if the SDs really want a viable chance this fall to take back the White House, they will need to back Clinton, which they can do because the rules are the rules.[30]

Hillary is not join the mccain camp Obama just doesn't get it. He step in something that is a little to big for him right now. If you read how he moved up the senate ladder he threw some elbows himself. He is also use to just saying his words and getting what he wants. Clinton is actually good for him. If he was to take on McCain now he would get run over. I still think he will because at least half of us feel Clinton is the strongest.[20] I can sort of understand McCain's position. He needs the Bush supporters to win the election, so he will not propose anything substanial that will hurt his chances in getting that support. It seems like Hillary recognizes that the Republicans would rather face her than Obama, therfore see seems to think that in order to fulfil here destiny, she will even side with the Republicans.[6]

Flip-flopping? I don't think we need more of those types. Is this all Hillary can offer us? A Holiday from the normal pain of gas prices? Talk about total pandering with no effort at all.[16] This is a classic case of the ant and the grasshopper, from Aesop's Fables. Sure a little tax break through the summer will be nice for the populace, but when the cooler months come and people need to start turning on their heaters again in their homes to keep warm at night, I don't think that having been able to splurge on driving all summer is going to offer much help. It's silly to think that the majority of people will actually not drive as much this summer because there's a chance for them to save some money. It sounds great in theory, but all it's really doing is avoiding the true nature of the problem in the first place.[16] If all Americans would keep their tire pressure at the recommended inflation levels for the summer, we would save the same amount of money in fuel costs represented by the proposed suspension of the gasoline tax.[16]

In Tennessee, it would be 20 cents less for a gallon of gasoline, and 18 cents less for a gallon of diesel fuel. This website explains it further for what it would mean in all 50 states. What do you think about the government suspending the federal tax on gas? Vote in our poll above this story, and post to The Rant, our public forum.[48] The proposal to remove the Federal Gasoline Tax will cause the price of gas to rise much faster than our economy will be able to adjust, amounting to another boost to fuel producers margins rather than aiding John Q.[16] The removal of the Fed Tax on Gasoline will only cause demand to rise, which in turn will cause the base price of gas to rise. What they propose, will do nothing to lower demand, which is what you want to do if there is a shortage of a particular commodity and the price is high enough to cause inflation on other dependant goods or industries.[16]

The gas tax does two things: (1) fund roads and infrastructure, and (2) create an artificial "cap" on the price of gas.[18] I think you are spot on Jonathan. Suspending the gas tax makes absolutely no sense, economically it's a pittance, will hardly save individual families enough to truly improve their financial status.[25] A cheap trick like the gas tax holiday should warn us that we would be in for more of the same: political preservation first, the future of our country second.[16] One has to start by improving the simple things like a summer gas tax remission.[22] Show how the Iraq war spending sapped the treasury of funds for domestic projects like road building and repairs, and eliminating the gas tax will result in roads crumbling quickly.[38] Back on topic! The recinding of the gas tax will help. It might not seem like a lot for each of us individually, but it is a lot collectively that can be spent on other things, like food and other necessities which will help boost our economy.[22]

The State Senate will introduce a bill today to suspend of the state gas tax, which is more than 30 cents per gallon.[52] Suspending the gas tax for a while in order to reduce consumers' cost at the pump temporarily is sheer idiocy.[16] My opponent Senator''Obama opposes giving consumers a break on the gas tax at the federal level.[19] This is nothing but another cheap campaign gimmick, designed to confuse the electorate. What exactly would temporarily suspending the gas tax for consumers and businesses do to solve the underlying issues that have lead us to this point.[6]

One hundred nine million clearly makes you and your pompous finger waving hubby appear "working class" what ever THAT is supposed to mean in an era where $20/hr jobs w/a hs diploma are long gone. Her gas tax repeal is just the latest case of her pandering.[16] The gas tax plays an important part in highway maintenance. It brought in $28.2 billion in 2006.[46]

Kloza said the amount of money motorists would save would do little to stimulate economic growth. The revenue from the gas tax is much needed for road repairs, he added.[7]

Mr. Obama derided the McCain-Clinton idea of a federal tax holiday as a "short-term, quick-fix" proposal that would do more harm than good, and said the money, which is earmarked for the federal highway trust fund, is badly needed to maintain the nation's roads and bridges. This is pandering at its worse.[25] Clinton and Obama largely agree on a range of other key energy issues but analysts suggested the populist mileage supporting a tax holiday fit with Clinton'''s desire to portray Obama as out of touch with the middle-class concerns.''[35]

That's dumb. Hillary has a a huge detailed long-term plan concerning gas and energy, and she's been talking about her superior energy plan for over a YEAR, and Obama knows it.[37] Government needs to encourge methods to stockpile reserves of critical commodities to plan for intertuptions, kind of like storing grain for years of famine. Most vital commodities like gas, electric, oil have consistant usage patterns that can be planned in advance to smooth out pricing instead of allowing speculators to skin their fellow Americans everytime the weather, political or nature, occurs.[33] Clinton's plan cites the work of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, a Senate panel that has spent the past few years following various threads to figure out why gasoline prices have been so high. A couple of years ago, they looked into a fairly obscure area, speculative trading, to find out if there was any connection. Their bipartisan conclusion: Speculators were driving up the price of crude oil ''' which, in turn, makes gasoline more expensive ''' and federal regulators didn't know about it.[32] Revenue raised from the oil tax is earmarked for the federal highway trust fund which distributes more than $28 billion a year to states to maintain road and bridges.[35] No apology for failing to deliver on that promise after seven years. She brings an astronomical amount of pork, over $400 million a year, to this state and she couldn'''t find a way to help us instead of the rich and powerful in Albany and New York City? To add insult to injury, we New Yorkers carry one of the very heaviest tax burdens of any state in the union.[12]

Sen. Obama, who supported a state-gas-tax repeal as a state senator in Illinois, said Tuesday that the new proposal would save the average American about $28. "This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer. It's designed to get them through an election," he said.[17] Sen. Obama dismissed the idea of suspending the 18.4 cent tax during the summer months. He said it would be a "'short-term, quick-fix' proposal that would do more harm than good," the New York Times reported.[46]

Katherine keeps on thinking you all are stupid. Here is Obama's detailed energy plan, which the New York Times (who endorsed his opponent) states will provide "real as opposed to hypothetical results."[37] If ever there was a man who is sincere it is Barack Obama.His genuinely reflective eyes and his straight,innocent,humble and honest look today and the hurt said it all.Give the man a break.In all the 20 years that he listened to Wright in his church or in a personal sense Reverend Wright always praised our great country and our leaders. Obama never heard the Rev say a single racist divisive or unpatriotic thing.Whenever the Rev went overboard neither Barack or Michelle were ever in the audience.If Barack or Michelle ever knew the true Wright, they would never have been married by him or have their children baptized by him nor be blessed by him before running to be president or have him as the campaigns spiritual mentor. They never knew the racist Wright.Barack Obama is the most sincere and truthful person I have known in my life.Barack showed great courage today and America found religion in the greatest leader ever to be found in the world.He beats mandela by a million miles.Raise all you Americans and kneel before the new Messiah, Barack Obama.[30] ABC News' Sarah Amos reports: Former President Bill Clinton hit the trail in North Carolina today, continuing to use his wife Hillary Clinton's win in the Pennsylvania primary as momentum for her campaign. "Most of what people have said in this campaign is wrong, including who's been more positive and who's been more negative," the former president told a crowd of more than 2,500 in Boone, N.C. "She's talked relentlessly about the solutions. She won in Pennsylvania after being hit with negative ad after negative ad after negative ad, and negative letters. All she did was respond. She won being outspent three to one because the people knew she was in it for them."[30] Obama rallies 5000 people, Bill Clinton rallies several hundred people, Hillary Clinton rallies(Yes, shes also running) Hundreds of peole maybe up to 2000.[12]

Here's hoping freedom of the press is really free! We'll see. Isn't it possible that these "problems" that Obama has with blue collar voters have more to do with them being more familiar with the Clinton name? It is "reported" as if he could never do well with these groups. If your democratic opponent doesn't get a majority of a specific group does that mean they aren't ever going to get them? Are you suggesting that Clinton has a chance (despite being, as Chuck Todd has so ably pointed out, mathematically eliminated)? If so, you are leaving out that Hillary has "problems" with young people and African Americans.[12] Hillary and McCain are for the American people, Obama, well hard to tell isn't it.[20]

Our overall economy is in dire straights, because gutless politicians like Hillary Clinton have failed to address problems that have been building for decades. This is true in many sectors of our economy, including energy. Not only have these so called leaders failed to act, they have first and most importantly failed in their responsibility to educate the American people.[6] Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton met with Parker, an organizer with the Sheetmetal Workers Union Local 20, and his family for a hourlong kitchen table discussion on the economy. Parker told Clinton of the story of how he lost his job six years ago. His wife, Peggy, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and he had to use part of their life savings to pay for nine months of health insurance. Democratic presidential candidate New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (center) visits with the Parker family at their Hobart home on Tuesday afternoon. Clinton said stories such as Parker's illustrate the need for a universal health care system.[45] The Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright at the head table of the National Press Club event Monday which Reynolds helped arrange News writer Errol Louis points out in today's column, she was introduced at the press club event as the person "who organized" it. Guess what? She's also an ardent longtime booster of Obama's sole remaining competitor for the Democratic nomination, none other than Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.[37] The fact that Democratic Party leaders continue to side with and support Obama only underscores the fact that he is the establishment candidate and Hillary Clinton the real agent of change in this election.[14] The proposal, first made by Republican presidential candidate John McCain, is now being supported by Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.[35] Presidential candidates John McCain and Hillary Clinton have suggested that approach.[48]

Republican presidential candidate John McCain has recently suggested the same type of act on the federal level, hoping to lower the tax and save drivers 18 cents.[49] McCain's initial proposal was truly one for the voodoo economics scrapbook: John McCain's proposal to eliminate the federal gasoline tax for the summer.[27]

LITTLE ROCK Democrat Barack Obama argued on Tuesday that his rivals''' call for a summer-long suspension of the federal gasoline tax is '''designed to get them through an election''' and would not help struggling consumers.[53] The reduction of the tax, which goes into a general revenue fund, passed on a 55-1 vote and included measures designed to ensure that the benefits of the tax break reached consumers. At one point, Sen. Obama jokingly asked on the Senate floor whether it would be possible to install placards on gas-station pumps telling motorists he had helped win temporary price relief.[37] Obama also proposes windfall profits tax on Big Oil but uses if for different middle-class benefits. This is just a shell game.[19] Oil company profits are better called 'price gouging'. A tax to take away about 50% of their windfall seems just about right.[33] The only difference will be that money that used to go to the government in tax revenues will instead go to the oil industry as higher profits.[37] Look at what already happened to corn as a fuel alternative, pushed by congress, now realized as not cost effective and we have to start all over again. Our government already Subsidizes the oil industry which allows them to have record profits and subsidizes farmers not to grow crops.[6]

Rush Limbaugh is the same man who dismisses the destruction of the environment, rails against the poor, the homeless, argues for a prison industry, argues for war, craves more 'profits'. Moral values indeed! Yet this guy gets to go on the air daily, while those who are actually concerned about each other are increasingly marginalized. The other story that we are not getting is the fact that in encouraging his listeners to go support Hillary Clinton, he has shown us who is kindred spirit in this race really is. This association should not be allowed to go unchallenged. Even though he will be at Sen. Clinton's throat should she win the nomination, they are of the same ilk, which is to say that they both are agents of the institutional spirit that finds its home in power and the self-serving of short-termed, private interests. This is 'the family' that doesn't care about our families. By its own nature, it simply can't. As Hillary Clinton has said, her campaign is "all about me."[50] What you're surprised that Hillary Clinton changed her position? If the wind is blowing a different direction (or the television cameras are pointed the other way), she'll do it everytime. I think she was just hoping no one would notice her remarks from her 2000 campaign. She has always relied on the ignorance of strangers.[16] We have to adapt and move with it, rather than hunker down or dig in. I was reading "Chickaboomer's blog yesterday and she was making light of some of Rush Limbaugh's antics, namely his "Operation Chaos" ploy to encourage Republican voters to cross-over wherever possible during this primary season and vote for Hillary Clinton; as well as his song, "I'm Dreaming of Riots in Denver." She found it all nothing but parody, "No more, no less."[50] I personally think that she shouldn't even be elected as the president. She is a female, and female tend to lean on their own emotions. That is my advice for all who suggested their own comments. God bless America, and may He not bring judgment on us, by giving Hillary Clinton as the president.[20]

There we go again: senator Clinton calls senator Obama not by name but by "her opponent", trying to diminish him in yet another way and to "erease" him, as a person, from the mind of the voters. Mrs. Clinton, on her way down the low road has forgotten all the etiquette that she has learned on her way up(and down). I deeply symphatize with senator Obama and I understand his resentment these days because the low punches are coming from a fellow Democrat and he wants a civil dialogue in the primaries, not a boxing match.[16] Mr. Obama had a double-digit lead in the same poll a month ago. In the parallel competition for the support of the party's superdelegates, both Democrats claimed two more yesterday, but one of Mrs. Clinton's new supporters was particularly crucial for next Tuesday's contests. She came away with the big "get" of the day in North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, who delicately observed that the New York senator makes "Rocky Balboa look like a pansy."[13]

Wright. "AmeriKKKa" "9/11 victims deserved to die" "The government infected blacks with AIDS" "Hillary Clinton will never know what it is like to be called a N word" So, Mr. Wright. this is the black church? That's odd, I didn't know the word of Christ was hate, anger and an ego that will ultimately land him a book deal. Funniest thing was when he said at the end that he wanted the VP slot with Obama.[18]

Last time I heard Bill Clinton was still taking big fees for speaking engagements in Saudi Arabia at the tune of 500,000 dollars a speech. I wonder if he chastised the Saudi government for high oil prices. I'm sure he forgot to mention it. It's always the good old United States fault.[6] Prices would increase, and instead of going into state coffers for highway repairs, even more money would go into the hands of oil companies.[16] With the value of the dollar so low, American oil companies (in competition with other world oil companies) would bid up the price of oil. The oil companies want to maintain there margins so they will raise prices back up.[14]

Oh what a wonderful idealets punish big oil.and oh, by the way with 41% of Big oil companies owned by Retirement funds and Mutuals, who gets to pay for Clinton's "They certainly can afford it" comment.[6]

People are to lazy to go look at their previous tax returns and read the tax liability line. The just look to see how much they got back. Which was their money, used by the Gov't interest free, in the first place. They don't know how to figure out the difference from Bush tax cuts to Clintons rate any way. If they didn't have withholding and people had to write a check every month or quarter, it might open their eyes.[22] Nothing confuses the American people like taxes. People want tax cuts but then can't understand why essential services get cut back, roads go unpaved, libraries reduce hours, fewer cops are on the street, our veterans of all wars get fewer health services, etc, etc. It's a straight line people.[16] Regarding Obama not getting the fact that there is an optimum value for capital gains tax. Here is Obama on Fox (Chris Wallace Show) http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,352785,00.html WALLACE: They say for all your promises not to raise taxes on the middle class, that, in fact, you want to raise the cap on the Social Security payroll tax, and you also want to increase capital gains.[12] Obama knows nothing about the economy. He's been all over the road regarding the capital gains tax. He has no clue of the concept that a lower cap gain tax brought in more revenue. Basic stuff, and he doesn't get it. It's funny that Clinon keeps saying that she's a fighter.[12]

Even George Bush realizes poor people need money now why is it so hard for Obama to grasp when your struggling to put food on the table every little bit helps. Supporting the holiday should have been a no brainer a perfect opportunity to unite for the common good no one would have faulted him for doing it in an election year. Plenty of people will fault him for not doing it.[20] '''The condescension Obama shows toward the values of people who are the backbone of America is very clear.''' Those few words, transcribed from a more than 45-minute recording of Obama, buried in the midst of a very ruminative, rather personally-oriented piece Mayhill Fowler, an activist blogger who supports Obama and contributed the maximum allowable $2,300 to his presidential campaign, kicked off a media firestorm. '''We recognized it was a politically volatile story and thought it would create news,''' says Marc Cooper, editorial coordinator of Huffington Post'''s '''Off The Bus''' project for '''citizen journalists''' such as Fowler. '''We had no idea that the controversy would reach this magnitude.'''[22] Chuck Todd and friends wonder whether voters will be smart enough to see past the pandering, in a test of how closely people are following the campaign. They also posit that "one could argue" that the debate over the gas-tax holiday could sum up the candidacies and potential presidencies of Clinton and Obama.[9] "Ohmigod, I just shook our next president's hand," Shultz said. "Her coming here is just so huge because it shows she cares about people in small-town America." Both the Obama and Clinton campaigns are making several appearances in Northwest Indiana in the next few days.[45]

There is an opportunity here for a teachable moment. Sen. Obama will win the nomination (it's just a matter of time, as much as a lot of people are wringing their hands over the lead-up to the eventuality of the day so count me as one who is bored by the media-induced drama). In the heat of this battle, I could troll for a few more votes by offering people a promise that has no meaning, but I won't. It may cost me votes in the upcoming primaries but what is more important is the future of the country and the planet.[25] Senator McCain is not the man he was in 2000 and I doubt seriously that he has filled his gas tank recently. The cheapest gas I can buy is $3.86 and it goes up each and every day -- It currently costs $77 to fill the gas tank.[12] Suspending the 18.4-cent-a-gallon federal tax and 24.4-cent diesel tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day could cost the government about $10 billion.[13]

Our states tax us enough on gas. It isn't the federal government that maintains roads. Maybe he is afraid of losing the ear marks that the tax goes to.[22] Investigate price gouging. This provision has made appearances in past energy proposals, and Democrats say the federal government should be tougher in cracking down on gas stations that gouge consumers during a crisis.[33] What a joke! The democrats are whining about high gas prices but at the same time the tree hugging democrats keep blocking drilling in the U.S. Rockies, Alaskan wildernesses and the coasts in the Gulf of Mexico and California. No one has a problem with alternative energy but they seem to be more damaging to the planet and no one can afford it.[22] Wow, Hillary, a DEMOCRAT actually suggesting she'd support something to LOWER gas prices. That goes against the Envioro-Nut Democratic Party policy of trying to raise gas prices so high no one can drive a personal car.[20]

After summer, gas prices typically do fall -- but it depends on the price of crude oil, economists say.[31] Ethanol runoff is proving to be more of a detriment to the planet and is also causing global food shortages. If we want lower gas prices, the U.S. has to supply its own oil.[22] Strong global demand is likely to increase, not decrease, pressure on U.S. gas and oil prices. "China, India and other developing countries are developing their economies –and a middle class -- just keep putting more pressure on the supply of crude oil to turn into energy for themselves," says Jim Boyd, vice chairman of the California Energy Commission.[31] The Southeast, with a larger concentration of lower-income households, is typically hardest hit by rising gas and oil prices because residents spend proportionately more on energy, says Zandi. It's unlikely, especially in the near term.[31]

"Given the turmoil in the credit markets, investors are turning to commodities and oil as a trading vehicle," Zandi explains. "It doesn't take a whole lot of money" flowing out of the bond or stock market and into oil or natural gas to drive up prices.[31] The gas crisis finally hit Capitol Hill with full fury this week, and Senate Democrats have launched a plan that sounds ambitious: Take on Wall Street speculators, OPEC, price gougers and Big Oil.[33]

" Obama has admitted in the past that under his administration, gas prices would not be reduced overnight."[22] What a joke, Obama. You once supported halting the raising gas prices in Illinois, I guess you are too elitist to support that for the rest of this country.[22]

Bush's comment on fuel prices came in the wake of a Associated Press-Ipsos poll that showed a 27 percent approval rating for Bush's handling of the economy. It was his worst showing ever in the survey and 4 percentage points lower since March. In a separate AP-Yahoo News poll this month, people named the economy as the nation's top problem, with gas prices are second and the Iraq war far behind. Wire service reports contributed to this story.[39] How is it a bad thing? If it encourages families to take vacations this summer the would not normally take, then they stop restaurants, they stay in hotels, they maybe do something in another city, they buy items at the gas stations. it couldn't hurt. Nobody is saying its a cure-all for gas prices or the economy. It's a temporary measure to provide a bit of relief for the average American. if that's pandering so be it.[37]

Suspending the gas tax will provide real, immediate assistance to American families and for our economy.[30] The gas tax actually is an important thing that funds the fixing of roads, bridges and the rest of the infrastructure that makes the economy function. You need not travel more than a few miles in any city to understand how badly those funds are needed.[25]

Most of the gas tax goes into the general fund which means like social security there are a butt load of IOUs in it.[20] Sheeshthose Bush "stimulus" checks are looking like winning Powerball tickets compared to the "Daily Keno" savings of eliminating the gas tax.[16]

Stop the rhetoric about a holiday gas tax relief and do something for the long term.[6] Tie your gas tax holiday to a windfall tax that you cannot get past a Republican filibuster.[18]

Cargill said the proposal is a populist measure that might appeal to voters in an election year but won't do much to address the downturn. "Suspending the gas tax and giving out (tax) rebates is a false policy," he said.[39] The McCain-Clinton gas tax plan is a monument to cynical political hackery at work.[21] Several economists have weighed in on the subject of a temporary repeal of the gas tax.[16] I am an economics major in college. I am going to ask my professors about how this gas tax break would affect the nation economically. It sounds interesting to me.[16]

"You are just going to push up the price of gas by almost the size of the tax cut," said Eric Toder, a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center in Washington.[6] How about using the tax for r&d; for hydrogen fuel cells.a great future alternative to oil.we probably would have had them already if the Pres did thisBefore Bush, oil ran from 12-18 per barrell.not a lot of need for the fuel cells.at that price.[16] Congress enacted a windfall-profits tax in 1980, during an earlier era of high oil prices, but repealed it in 1988 amid concerns the tax was discouraging domestic oil development.[17]

Obama's tax on big oil is vague and undefined, and it is clear that he does not intend to actually pass it.[19] If Obama is correct that the tax holiday will only save families about $30, then it is false to say that it would precipitate a binge in extra driving.[16] Barack Obama, despite having supported a similar tax '''holiday''' in Illinois, now says he'''ll oppose it.[37]

Senator Barack Obama has similarly taken different positions on the issue of gas taxes, albeit at the state level.[16] Easley, a Democratic superdelegate who formerly supported John Edwards, made the announcement - a source of some frustration for Senator Barack Obamas campaign - alongside Clinton in Raleigh.[28] "Senator Obama won't provide relief, while Senator McCain won't pay for it," Clinton said.[10] Great post. It would also be a great time for Obama to set himself as the grown-up of the three, that is, the one willing to make the smart policy choice. Imagine this ad, "McCain and Clinton both brag about their experience, but as they continue to play politics as usual, they both prove that they have not learned from experience.[38] MI has a significant number of electors and is a swing state that McCain lost heavily in and Clinton won with a strong margin. That would put her at 286 electoral votes and Obama at 216 electoral votes.[30] "Hillary Clinton is ready to deliver." Obama was also in North Carolina, where he connected with another of the states most popular symbols, playing basketball with the sky-blue-uniformed members of the University of North Carolina team.[28] Recent polling suggests Obama holds a double-digit lead over the former first lady in that state, though no surveys have been released since Clinton's win in Pennsylvania last week.[7] Dan -- By what standards are you making Clinton the frontrunner in this race? As most Obama supporters like to point out, he is ahead in pledged delegates, states won and popular vote (excluding MI and FL). That sounds like the definition of frontrunner.[30]

For just once I would like the candidates to at least pretend that they have taken an economics class. Perhaps Obama has because he is against the tax rollback.[16] The Republican presidential candidate last week suggested a "tax holiday" for the 18 cents-a-gallon surcharge between Memorial Day and Labor Day, saying it would take a few dollars off the price of a fill-up and provide an economic stimulus.[27] The gasoline tax holiday would directly contradict the positions on climate change legislation espoused by all three leading presidential candidates. It would do nothing to lessen dependence on fossil fuels.[40] All the talk in recent says about an oil tax holiday might be just that ''' talk.[35] President George Bush was asked at his Tuesday press conference whether he supported an oil tax holiday but he dodged the question. If he had endorsed the idea, some might have wondered why he had not proposed it himself, said analysts.[35] On the surface at least, giving drivers a summertime "holiday" on the 18.4 cent federal gasoline tax sounds like a good idea.[35]

My father, a petroleum geologist, says we should have done a slowly rising gasoline tax years ago, which would have moved us toward conservation earlier, while allowing people and companies to make the necessary changes in a more orderly way, and with prior knowledge to what would happen at the pump. Of course, this is hard to enact when anyone who pushes for it can't get elected.[16] If you did that you could lower the price of gas between 30 to 40 cents a gallon. It would make a huge difference, particularly to people who have to drive a long way to work," he said.[30] Rep. Hoyer (D-MD) seems to think the gas companies would just as immediately raise the price 18 cents per gallon.[14]

U.S. drivers are reeling from soaring costs at the pump that have seen gasoline reach $4 a gallon in some parts of the country, with an average price around the country of $3.60, after oil scaled a record near $120 a barrel.[19] The mess that we are in with oil consumption is purely the result of traditional cheap gasoline causing gluttonous demand. Countries that have done well managing demand did so by taxing gasoline and as a by-product, adequately funding their transportation infrastructure. The gasoline tax in this country does not reflect the true cost of gasoline.[16]

Parker said the rising cost of gas, groceries and everything else is stressful on working families. Parker said Clinton's visit to his house came together quickly. The campaign called him several times on Monday and completed the requisite background checks. [45] Our fuel is already super cheap - yes even at current prices - compared to many other parts of the world. Band-aid moves like these only perpetuate our dependence on oil'and the cycle goes on and on.green house gases build and build, putting our planet jeopardy. Sure, McCain and Clinton may score points with some Americans but they are cheaply won.[25] Didn't this happen last week? Clinton joined McCain in supporting a suspension for the summer and Obama (quite correctly) opposed.[16] What's important are the real issues, and not the issues of what Bill Clinton says on the trail and what Obama's reverend says, nor Cindy McCain and her recipes.[12] I agree, Obama has to stay above the fray. He already has to deal with Reverend Wright, the last thing he needs is for Bill to get on the air and claim that a Black man is beating on a White woman. I used to love Bill Clinton, but we ALL know Bill would do it at this point because a Obama Presidency would erase his from the record books outside of the impeachment.[12] The Democratic leaders want to win in the fall, and I know that Gore and Pelosi are for Obama. They won't allow Clinton to steal the nomination. All those record turnouts of Democrats will end up being distant memories.[30]

Start Drilling in the U.S., Alaska and more offshore sites. Tell the liberals such as Schumer, Pelosi, Clinton, Obama, Gore to go to hell! Take your Global warming BS and shove it up your liberal hind parts! It is amazing to see the socialist Schumer take on big oil.[33] Clinton and Obama reopen NAFTA. In Moscow, Caracas and Tehran, authoritarian leaders are using oil as a prop or a threat.[26]

Hillary Rodham Clinton picks up another superdelegate in Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri, but one Obama supporter says most members of Congress are, at least in private, lining up for her opponent.[16] You Hillary supporters need to ask yourself why the Republicans would rather go up against Hillary instead of Obama. If Obama were the weaker candidate, I woud think the Republicans would rather go up against him.[6] Bill, you're a fabulous speaker, and Hillary is a terrific fighter. Obama's campaign chief, Axelrod on the other hand, likes to think he has strategic acumen.[30] Coming from the right side looking for a breath of fresh air (and some honesty) from the left, I can't tell you how disappointed I've been. Not only the lies Bill AND Hillary throw out there every day but also the lies from their supporters (news is bias towards Obama. come on!). The Dems like to say they're so different from the GOP but you're not.[30]

If you want to do something for American Families Hillary, address the real issues and while you'''re at it do something to significantly reduce the property tax burden in New York State and in the rest of the country.[6] Way to go, Hillary! Take McCain's useless campaign gimmick and make it your own. Tell the American people you are on their side and will fight for their jobs then introduce legislation that will place 300,000 on the unemployment line. Try to convince the people you aren't doing this for your own personal gain.[6] We never had one and as long as politicians use energy as a campaign issue we will never have one. Just one more thing I wonder Hillary if you are aware that millions of people have pension funds tied to oil company stock so when you continue to want to bring them down think of the millions of peoples retirements you are damaging. Once again your supporters and adoring public are naive and uneducated when it comes to these things and they are easily fooled by you.[6]

We have gone back years and years. I do not want that man or any of his followers in the White House. He is a DIVIDER. We are all voting Hillary or McCain. Please people look through all this Cult type Haze.[6] Actually you can keep Obama/Hillary and Mccain if you want himI am sick of all of the Communist /Socialist poloticians that are shoving this Marxism down the throats of uneducated Americans. If you think the Government should take care of you goto Europe and leave this Great Democratic -Republic Alone. People should never have to fear their Government, but a Government should always have to fear it's people! Stop voting in these Facists before Freedom is just a memory and Liberty is just a name on an SUV.[22] There is a lot of fighting in Washington but that has not produced any real solutions to the American people. He is not "echoing" Clinton. he was talking about the American Dream slipping away in his stump speech all thru his campaign.[12] Based on her experience, judgement, associations, and management skills, it is my humble opinion that Senator Clinton will do NOTHING to inspire the American people to be better, work harder, or partner to bring about the change that this country needs. Her campaign has made a mockery of honesty, integrity, unity, empathy - you name it.[30]

You don'''t even have to be registered yet. You can go and register and vote all in one stop and you can do that before Saturday,''' he said, going on to give the number for his hotlines and his Web site address for people who want information on where to go. Polls show the Illinois senator leading Clinton in the Tar Heel State, but exit polling data from the contests he lost in Pennsylvania and Ohio also show he has had problems making inroads with blue-collar voters and those without college degrees, voters who are more concerned about the kind of kitchen-table issues his rival has made a point of emphasizing.[12] I'm new to to discussion tonight, but reading the last few posts I'm with you all. This is all a mess, and I so want us to come out of it with a "direction", and that is not one we have been in for the last 8 years!! We are in miserable state!! I had hoped one candidate would "[ut us above all of this", but alsas that hasn't happened. Therefore, Clinton seems to be the only one to help extract us (on a practical level) from all of this. She seems to understand our dilema, and has the fortitude to extract us from some of it.[30] SOUTH BEND -- The Indiana primaries are just six days away, and both Democratic presidential candidates have been giving the state a lot of attention. Sen. Hillary Clinton arrived in South Bend Tuesday night for her fourth visit to the area.[11] Bill and Hillary Clinton didn't throw Gore under the bus. His 2000 loss was as much because of republican maneuvering as anything Bill's legacy could have caused. It is rare that a candidate of the same party wins the presidency after the two-term tenure of his predecessor.[30] While Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Al Gore, Ed Rendell, Barbara Streisand, Cher, Stan Lee, Brad Pitt, Mike Wallace, Larry King et al may be called to testify and be deposed starting in May, Hillary alone has been protected from explaining her role in her husband'''s fraud charges. In an astonishing ruling by the Judge, Hillary Clinton may NOT be deposed about her role in the illegal solicitation and cover up of the largest contribution made to her Senate campaign until after the presidential election. This is the same contribution Hillary denied knowing about or receiving when Lloyd Grove of the Washington Post asked her specifically about it and her relationship with the donor, Peter Paul, in August 2000.[30]

Sen. Hillary Clinton: "You know, more people have now voted for me than have voted for my opponent.[22]

INDIANAPOLIS -- U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton wants to give taxpayers a break at the gas pump.[41]

On the matter of the gas holiday John McCain shows more of the same irresponsibility. Naturally, he has not mentioned any concrete way to pay for it, beyond vague references that it will pay for itself, which, ironically, was also a reason used to push for the war in Iraq. [8] The falling dollar, the transformation of commodity markets into financial markets and steady global demand for oil are all contributing factors, says Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com and an economic adviser to Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign.[31] The gurus at PopPhoto have digitally altered photos of John McCain, Barack Obama, and.[25] Our European counterparts do it. I guess their politicians are not as craven as ours. At least Barack Obama is not pandering to the voters on this issue. The next thing you know, Hillary will be sitting at a bar in rural Indiana, wearing a John Deere cap, and throwing back a tumbler of gasoline to show what a tough guy she is.[16]

Both Hillary and Obama are the best friends high energy and food prices could have.[16] We need the energy folks, big oil only controls 18% of the worlds oil, it use to control 80% and prices were cheap, where is the issue here? All I hear is jealousy of "oil profits".[16] "We need to stop the speculation" that's driving up oil prices, said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), who has been involved in discussions with Democratic leaders who debated energy policy at a closed-door lunch Tuesday.[33]

Business is just to good for the "power elite" the way things are.But what can we expect from the "Oil Guys" who run the executive branch. Some, like me, who voted for them, are absolutely beside themselves with this lack of leadership for the good of the country. 8. It's too bad we don't have a Presidential Election coming up where we could really get into these issues. Where is the outrage? Who among the real press will really start digging in to this situation and start exposing the facts? Isn't it clear yet what the barrel of oil price is doing as it ripples through the worldwide economy and America's middle class? What do you think will happen by November? Possibly a revolution! Judging just by the tone of many posts on the net, it's getting pretty UGLY out there.[33]

Don'''t forget the comments Obama made on April 6th at a private fundraiser in San Francisco. There, the freshman Illinois senator, opining about people in small towns where the jobs have fled, said: '''They get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren'''t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.''' '''This is elitist behavior by Senator Obama,''' says Schmidt (reporter).[22] I'm a whitey white Scots-Irish broad and I was never afraid of an African American coming towards me, and never once crossed the street. In an update, Obama's spokesperson elaborated, but it didn't help: UPDATE: We gave the Obama campaign a chance to respond to this post. "Barack Obama said specifically that he didn't believe his grandmother harbored any racial animosity, but that her fears were understandable and typical of those often shared by her generation," said Obama's PA spokesman Sean Smith, who added that Grandma is 86-years-old. He might have meant that specifically, but that isn't what he said, especially as he spoke of his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, in the present tense. It's becoming more apparent why Senator Obama didn't leave Rev. Wright's church, as well as continued his relationship with him. The truth is that racism works both ways and some of us blue collar folks don't appreciate being called racist by someone who has his own problems with race he is obviously in denial about.[18] It makes me angry to read that older Americans are the bedrock of Billary Clinton's support. I am a white great-grandmother, married to a white man and we are both Senator Obama supporters, along with many in our family.[16] "My opponent, Senator Obama, opposes giving consumers a break," Clinton said, campaigning in North Carolina.[1] I have followed closely the U.S. Democratic Party presidential nomination race. I have also, listened carefully both Senators Clinton and Barack Obama as they present their case and try to outwit the other by hammering on any perceived flip in the others presentation or claim.[20] Joe, thank you for an amazingly clear eyed explanation of the ideological differences between Senators Obama and Clinton.[16]

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Another example of Clinton joining the McCain camp to defeat Obama.[20] I didn't see any information on Geogia, but in all but one state you listed, McCain is beating Obama.[30] We are in a mess, and heavens knows we need to have some calm to get out of it. Obama is a smart and nice man, but he does not yet have the where with all to help us, McCain has shown us what he has, and that won't get us anywhere.[30] If the country is going to hold Rev Wright over Obama's head through Nov o8. We can clearly say this country still have a serious racist problem. Give the man a break and trust his word. We all know he will be better for the country over McCain any day.[22]

You are right, Obama and the Rev are different people. Wright has been preaching the black agenda long before he ever met Obama. Obama has been a devout follower of his church for 20 years. I am surprised after all the months spent defending the rev, he now turns his back on him. Please tell me how you view this change of heart.[6] For a sliding fee, you can have your own copy of Narcissist Barack I am just as important than JFK, RFK and MLK Obama throwing his white Grandmother under the bus and telling all of you Typical White People that you are to blame for his pastor'''s garbage mouth. That'''s right, for $30 to $2300, depending on how much Hope and Change you can afford, you can purchase this DVD.[22] Mr. Obama saving $200.00 to $400.00 average per month may not be a lot of money to somebody of your stature and income, but it is very impacfull to us little people.[22] At a federal minimum wage of $5.85, it would take about 5 hours of work to make that much money. It takes Obama 0.39 hours to make that much money. $30 is a lot of money to a lot of Americans and I feel that he has shown a insensitivity to this. That is one of the major reason he is now out stumping a more populist message.[30]

Did McCain just offer the American working class people $2,500 a year medical care? What is wrong with your man folks. He top it off with telling the working class to go out and walk for 30 minutes after a hards day work.[22] McCain suggested last week to drop the tax for the summer driving period. That would bring some relief and it is nice to see the other candidates following suit. This would have been a better solution for drivers that the $300 rebate.[16] A tax holiday so we can take more holidays? Does no politician have the guts to say, "if you want to take a holiday this summer, which is a luxury, TAKE THE BUS!" The candidates pledge to curb global warming, but here we are still talking about how to use our cars, with no one promoting trains or buses.[16] Supply is relatively tight, so any drop in pump prices would encourage even more demand when it is already rising with the traditional summer driving season. That in turn could bump up prices, so any benefit to drivers from the a tax holiday could likely be temporary.[35] Hoyer agreed, as did other Democratic congressional leaders, who confirmed a "tax holiday" is unlikely to be part of either a gasoline price bill to be unveiled tomorrow in the Senate or gas-price legislation expected to be attached by the House next week to a war-funding bill.[14] Government policies ought to aim to get the incentives right: enlightened public policy would raise the gasoline tax dramatically in order to increase the price of a gallon at the pump, thus discouraging consumption, discouraging driving, reducing demand, and ultimately, bringing down prices.[16] Wednesday, republican state senators will recommend nixing the state sales tax on gasoline immediately saving the consumer 32 cents a gallon.[49] Tax policy and revenues are vastly different in a "pennies per gallon" model or a "gas sales tax model".[16]

A tax break would save the average motorist about $30. It also would encourage gas usage and create an enforcement nightmare.[46] Bonney Kapp, if you need to fill a 15 gallon tank twice a week you must be an urban sprawler. $4-$5 gas is OK with me maybe people will quit driving their gas guzzlers.[22] A gallon of gas runs $3.69 in our neck of the woods, yet I'm spending about $20.00 more per month than at this time last year.[16] Regular unleaded gas averaged $3.60 a gallon last week, according to the Energy Information Association, up from around $3 at the beginning of the year.[17]

The average price of a gallon of gas has reached $3.60 nationwide and stood at $3.75 in Reno on Tuesday.[39] A reduction in price of ~18.4 cents results in $2.576 savings per tank of gas, so just over $5 per week.[16]

Gas and food prices are rising. It's all very debilitating, so the higher gas prices hurt more in that kind of context."[31] Businesses like Costco and Sam's Club are benefiting from the high gas prices.[42] Speaker Sheldon Silver feels record-high gas prices are the fault of the Republican Bush Administration and that a federal solution is needed to end the gas crunch.[43] A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says high gas prices are the fault of the Bush administration -- and that a federal solution is needed.[52]

I would welcome any cut in gas prices. Most taxes do not go for what they are supposed to anyway.[22] Presidential candidates don't see eye to eye over how to deal with soaring gas prices.[37] Her first stop Wednesday morning was to a local gas station to talk about rising gas prices. Then she went to the Deluxe Sheet Metal plant in South Bend.[11] Opinion surveys have shown that the faltering economy and high gas prices are the top concerns of voters, edging out the war in Iraq.[28] Cutting backon the war in Iraq and strenghten the dollar will easily lower the gas prices.[22] Want gas prices to drop? raise the discount rate back up to 5%, watch the dollar rise dramatically and watch the air go out of the commodities prices.[16] For two rather conservative views on what to do about gas prices, check out yesterday's face-off between Mark Impomeni and Greg McNeily.[37] Any suggestion to lower gas prices quickly should be taken up in earnest, not boo-hooed.[14] Regardless of the legislative realities -- not to mention the futility of promising short-term decreases in gas prices -- Democrats have embraced a political opportunity.[33] Record high gas prices are expected to make trips shorter, closer, and more expensive.[44] A repeal would give the appearance of cheaper gas prices and create an increase in demand in the face of a stagnant supply.[16]

If the price of your groceries were posted on large signs out front of your supermarket, you'd take notice of that, I'll wager. It's ridiculous how people get vexed over the price of gas day-to-day, but couldn't tell you the price of bread, milk, eggs, or anything else in the supermarket.[22] "I think it is a very bad idea," said Gilbert Metclaf, a economics professor at Tufts University currently working with the National Bureau of Economic Research. "If we want people to invest in energy-saving cars, we need some assurance that the higher price paid for these cars is going to pay off through fuel savings," he said. "It is a very short-sighted, counterproductive proposal."[6] I don'''t give a hoot about the politicians anymore. I think you, Tel, Andylit, RCMO, American Woman, Redneck woman, Holly and myself should run this country. That is where the real issues are talked about and solution ideas are bounced around. I don'''t always get into the conversations, but I read them. Ditto Ditto Dittoto all your post.I have just finshied reading them.I too am just Fed UpIf our so called Leaders don't start addressing the issues of this country.then we need to vote them out. Let's put term limits on the Congress and Senate that will solve the ole Kennedy, Ried, Pelosi, government problem and make them accountable to the voters. I am so fed up with obstructists in the Democratic Party ignoring the welfare of this country for political strategy and gain. I couldn't open the ariticle from the Sun Times.and again here we are talking about Wacky Wright and Obama.instead of Blackwelland now this story from the Sun Timeswill try again.[22] Here is something to get you started. I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable;established upon those principles of freedom, equality,justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed thier lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it to support its constitution, to obey its law, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.[20] The plan would cost the government $9 billion in lost highway funds and put at risk an estimated 300,000 jobs tied to the funding, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. This at a time when the Highway Trust Fund, which bankrolls local and state road and bridge projects, is already facing a $3.4 billion deficit.[16] The tax goes to local governments for road and bridge construction projects, and state highway officials say lost revenue could cost thousands of jobs.[15] Critics of the tax holiday had pointed out that the lost revenue would likely cost thousands of highway construction jobs supported by the trust fund.[13]

"Earlier Monday at a community college in the Philadelphia suburbs, Obama rejected a tax holiday as bad economic policy. [54] When legislation was introduced to eliminate the tax permanently, Obama voted "no."[23]

The tax hasn't been raised in 15 years. Once realistic about taxes and prudent about the environment, McCain is jettisoning his principles at every turn - and this is when he's rising in the polls. Just think what he'd do if he were desperate. [27] Not some time next year if OB was pres and wants to "talk" about it. They can make up the lost tax revenue by taking it from the general fund and quit all this pork barrel un-necceary spending.[20] How is that possible? Changed driving habits have softened the blow - when I do go out, I run all of the errands I can at one time rather than making separate trips. The rest of the time the vehicle sits in the garage, costing nothing for gas, saving wear, and lengthening the time between regular maintenance calls for oil changes, etc. This in a rural area where a trip to the grocery store is 16 miles.[16] Hey red neck racists, why not get rid of that 80's pick up truck and trade it in for something with seat belts for your kids instead of carrying all 10 of them in the back of the truck? At the same time it'll save you some $$on gas.[22]

The young inexperience Illlinois senator is wrong once again, just because is not his idea it does not mean it is a bad idea, two experiance senators are on the right track in this issue, I happen to drive for a living and have to fill up three times a week, their tax relif cut would mean over $100.00 per week and over $400.00 per month.[22] Some will likely be kept by refiners," Mankiw said in an e-mail response. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman was similarly underwhelmed: "It's Econ 101: the tax cut really goes to the oil companies," he wrote on his blog on Tuesday.[6] In the past decade, with the rise of the theory of man-made climate change, it has become even more of a focus for rancor. Governments the world over posture over appropriate policies to restrict the use of fossil fuels at the same time as they fret over soaring prices. "Peak oil" alarmists claim that the world is at, or near, its production peak, an event which will allegedly be followed by the "end of economics" and a new Dark Age.[26] There have been significant oil inventory build-ups but much of that is held by large institutional investors hedging against violatility in equities markets, and not short-term speculators more liable to respond to demand upticks, says Taylor. '''If '''most of this oil inventory is locked up for these large institutional investors it is unlikely that that supply will be available in the market simply because demand kicked up a little bit in response to a price cut,''' he says. Aggravating this is that refiners are cutting back production runs to protect margins that are declining in the current gasoline glut, says Fadel Gheit, an oil analyst with Oppenhemier & Co. Asked whether the cut-backs might invite government charges of collusion, the CEO of a major refining company maintained his first obligation was to his shareholders, noted Gheit, declining to name the company.[35]

'''If supply is fixed, it is very, very unlikely that the gasoline tax cut is going to produce lower prices at the pump,''' says Jerry Taylor, senior fellow at the CATO Institute.[35] Then when the tax cut first purposed comes off at the end of the summer the price goes up and we get taxed twice.[20]

The Speculators which drive the market prices will make up the difference in the Tax Holiday saving the consumer absolutely nothing.[16] Then when the Tax Holiday expires and is reinstated, prices will just be that much higher.[16]

The Illinois senator is the only one of the three leading presidential candidates to resist the call for a gasoline tax holiday.[46]

"A suspension of the tax would not be positive," Hoyer said. "The oil companies would just raise their prices."[14] We should ask for more oversight and transparency of gas price-setting by the oil companies.[16] Economists also saw it is a poor way of getting money to the households that need it most and warned that it might end up in the cash tills of the oil companies.[6] From 1981 through 2006, domestic oil companies made $1.12 trillion in profits.[42] Oil companies are raking in record profits each quarter, and during a recession that is quite the feat.[16]

Well, that is a mistake because we can't give up on building and repairing our roads. My plan is 100 percent paid for with the windfall profits tax on Big Oil," she said.[19] Clinton spokesman Phil Singer tells First Read that Clinton's opposition to gas-tax reductions/repeals in 2000 was due to the fact that they would take money out of the Highway Trust Fund. Her current proposal -- as mentioned above -- makes up for any money lost by taxing oil company windfall profits.[18] The people who own the businesses that pay taxes, pay taxes. I have a 401k and I will pay taxes on the money I withdraw and I pay additional taxes on my 401k because the stocks in my 401k plan are invested in businesses that pay taxes on their supplies, employees and profits.[22] Encourage people to drive more while the gas is cheaper. Why don't we see through this? Corporations don't pay taxes, their customers do That's us.[20] Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) promised'short-term relief and long-term relief' and insisted that 'Big Oil should pay' for any suspension of gas taxes.[33] Guess you don;t own stock in any oil companies. That percentage is not out of whack and of course larger taxes are not the answer unless you wish to pay more.[16] "At the heart of my approach is a simple belief," Clinton said. "Middle-class families are paying too much and oil companies arent paying their fair share."[28] Those rebates should be given to the oil companies if all or most is used for the repair and operations of closed wells and to production and exploration of oil only. They are the "oil companies".[22]

Bob Sr wrote 2. There is virtually NO OVERSIGHT by Congress or regulatory agencies over the trading of the oil, and it's clear they don't want any oversight. It's the S&L; crisis and mortgage meltdown waiting to happen all over again, resulting in downright fraud and huge prices for the barrel of oil. 3.[33] The guy from the GAO, who supposedly has a lot to do with oversight of the Strategic Oil Reserve, basically gave the equivalent answers that we learned about in the 1970's from John Mitchell. It's clear to this citizen that the press really needs to dig into the whole situation of management of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, oversight of the trading markets, refinery capacity, and price manipulation, for starters. This situation needs a laser focus with the facts at the national level with ongoing facts kept in the spotlight. Lou Dobbs knows how to do this, for example. You may not agree with him on any single issue, but he knows how to keep issues in the spotlight every evening. 7. A lot of blame by the officials is being placed with the "Foreign Oil Producers" who have "no transparency" with their actions. While some of this may be true, it also appears to me that we are not PUSHING for this transparency probably because neither side really seems to want it.[33]

The price of oil today bears no relation to the costs incurred to bring it up from the ground.[33] The big issue is that artificially low gasoline prices over the past couple of decades are at least partly to blame for many of the nation's woes today, from the huge trade deficit to a crumbling transportation infrastructure to the war in Iraq. Basically, U.S. drivers haven't been paying anywhere near the real environmental, infrastructural, and military costs incurred in getting gas into their cars and then burning it.[21] The cost of gas has a flow on effect - It is one of the main factors in the rising food prices and retail goods.[16]

President Bush used several phrases on Tuesday to explain that he knows the economy has slumped, as gas and food prices have soared. Tough times, difficult times, a sour time were some of the words he used. He continued to resist fully embracing the term "recession."[48]

The only thing that is going to bring down the price of gas is a reduction in demand for gasoline. Just as some indicators are beginning to show that Americans are reducing their slavish demand for gasoline, which will cause the price to come down, here come the politicians trying to make it artificially cheap to buy gas, and of course, keep the demand high.[16] The public isn't going to "buy" the accusations that democrats are to blame any more since the Republicans have been the ones in the "drivers seat" and have done nothing. Nobody bothers to mention that this country consumes more oil than any nation on earth and pays less for it. Americans can ignore this problem no longer and must demand that gasoline consumption by cars and trucks be increased by the auto makers but demand that an effective energy policy be developed immediately and additional refineries be constructed, no matter what party is in power.[33] While Americans groan paying for higher gasoline, people are starving around the world due to the misguided leadership in supporting Ethanol. Rather than listening to serious scientists who saw the folly of linking food production with energy production and who know alcohol (no matter how it is expressed) isn't an efficient fuel; no they jumped instead. The Farm Bill continues support payment of NONPRODUCTION of farmland during this real crisis made BY THEM. On top of that, it continues to support Big AGs production of grain for Ethanol.[33]

There is nothing funny or cute or redeeming about it. There is nothing in this sort of delinquent behavior that bodes well for any of us or serves the interest of uniting the "United States." Though technically this sort of behavior cannot properly be defined as an act of sedition, it is none-the-less a sibling of sedition and treason. This behavior represents the willful poisoning of the processes in place that serve domestic tranquility and rather than finding it to be parody, it should be called what it is: propaganda "no more, no less." It also shows clearly why these people are not qualified to lead this country and why their current leadership is, at its very root, based on the premises of disaster and division. It is a plain illustration of the type of malice behind the agenda and the sort of destruction that is the foundation of their so-called moral values that they are so eager to yoke all of the American people to.[50] There is only one hope of uniting the people under intelligent leadership ; because there is only one thing in which everyone really believes. Believes in such a way that he automatically bases every action of his daily life on its principles. (This is true of practically all men, whatever their race, caste, or creed.) This universally accepted basis of conduct is Science. Science has attained this position because it makes no assertion that it is not prepared to demonstrate to all comers. (This part is so well understood that all the "false prophets"--Spiritualism, Christian Science, ethnological cranks, Great Pyramid puzzle-mongers, and the rest of the humbugs--all pretend to appeal to evidence, not to authority, as did the Kings and the Churches.)[50]

Hillary's way to the nomination even with leverage on the party establishment is predicated on character assassination. Obama's character is good and she can't dredge up any real issues- Wright and Rezko and a slip of the tongue about guns and religion that is based in truth are not real character issues. She has, in addition to playing the race card and the patriotism card, initiated and perpetrated all this chatter about guilt by association. She is trying to find or rather create as many such things as she can, however obtuse, and thread them together and say it makes a pattern. Now this has given license to the fools, the bigots and those afraid of change as well as the Republicans. America will get what it deserves out of this election - if its garbage in then its garbage out. [30] I do believe Hillary could solve most of our problems and that is why I will vote for her.I think this thing with Wright is justy putting it out there to det it out of the way before the GE good acting on both OBama and Wright's and MSM. But it still won't go away.Obama the arrogant is a better title for him.[30] Emily -- It makes the most sense for Edwards to be Hillary leaning. She is winning the support of those who supported his populist message. He pointed out on numerous occasions that he and Hillary's health care plans were the only ones that could be considered truly universal. Obama has demonstrated that he is clearly out of touch with the working class of America--I'm just seeing how an Edwards endorsement goes his way.[30]

Atleast Mccain is putting ideas on the table, I don't hear any soultions from Obama or Hillary,only we can't do it over night.[22] I'll take my chances with Hillary or McCain. At least I know where they stand on the issues. Obama is so wishy washy he might very well be just another Bushor worse.[16]

Gas company profits are soaring. Why Hillary and McCain can't put this together escapes me.[6] Tom Hayden, the former radical from the '60s, has now written a piece which is basically saying, "Time out." He writes this, "Hillary is blind to her own roots in the sixties. She was in Chicago for three nights during the 1968 street confrontations. She was involved in the New Haven defense of Bobby Seale during his murder trial in 1970, as the lead scheduler of student monitors. "Most significantly in terms of her recent attacks on Barack, after Yale law school, Hillary went to work for the left-wing Bay Area law firm of Treuhaft, Walker and Burnstein, which specialized in Black Panthers and West Coast labor leaders prosecuted for being communists. McCain is an old fool.He should take some of that social security money he doesn't need and go buy some depends and geritol.[12] PS - "Make Iran Glow"; as someone with close friends who are Persian and still have family in Iran, I find your and Hillary's and McCain's attitude towards Iran (nuke 'em) 100% outrageous. You really need to separate the government over there (which deserves its poor reputation) from the people (who do not deserve the negative sentiment). They certainly do not deserve to "glow".[20] Congress wont accept Hillary's proposal in where else to take it from other than the Highway Trust Fund. and McCain will take it from the Highway Trust Fund. God, I seriously hope people do research, and listen to economist that gave Hillary and John the Pinocchio rating for this measure.[37] Hillary will never be more like John McCain than John McCain but she seems to be determined to cast this as a race to see who can be the most like John McCain.[16]

All 3 of the candidates know someone that can be criticized yes even the great John McCain.[20]

Well, this neatly encapsulates the differences between the Democratic candidates. Hillary sees it as an opportunity to score some easy points with economic dunderheads who think all taxes are bad, never mind that it won't really save them any significant money and will deprive an already crumbling infrastructure of sorely needed financial support. It will feed voters' me-me-me, drive-drive-drive addiction to the wheel.[16] Hillary should give everyone a Toyota Prius. That would save gas and money for all.[20]

A one day tax break for a couple dollars won't help. Hillary will take care of all this when she is president. She has a good head on her and will help us all.[18] Real YANKEES of yore would be playing hard ball. They would be threatening "excess profits taxes" legslation unless they built refineries, and repeal of all the favorable tax benefits/ The Congress has cards it can play, but won't do it.[33] '''Unless the goal is to temporarily boost profits for petroleum refineries and foreign producers, the proposal makes no sense,''' says Len Burman, director of the Tax Policy Center.''''[35]

Have you ignored the economists who point out that the price is set by supply and demand, and that cutting the tax has no guarantee of cutting the price.[18]

Stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This idea always gains traction during an oil price spike, because it would put 40,000 barrels a day into the supply line instead of diverting it to the underground reserves. The impact would be anywhere between 5 cents and 24 cents a gallon, and it's only a short-term fix.[33] While the U.S. Geological Survey has reported the Bakken field could hold more than 400 billion barrels of recoverable oil, a new report offering an accurate assessment of the Bakken Formation will be released over the next 30 days, finishing the work started by scientist Leigh Price.[33]

"You have to price oil on a permanent basis to provide incentives to shift away from it. It's the key issue -- and the hardest one to make progress on." That was in 2006, before Holtz-Eakin became the main economic adviser to the McCain campaign. This is one matter where the economic advisers always seem to lose out to the political hacks.[21] Regarding oil prices, the Gore followers WANT the oil prices to stay high because they want all of us to stop driving our cars.[30] If anyone in the Republican Party cares to check, get your calculator out and find out just how much increased oil prices gouge the entire system with added transportation costs, fertilizer costs going up, on and on.[33] As I have noted earlier, the rise in oil prices is correlated with the lowering of interest rates because'smart money' is trying to find the best return.[33]

In fact that is an idea you should talk about - if we get the whole world to have the same weather as Jamaica then we would not have to spend so much money in heating oil and we would have more gas for cars.[16] Right Francine. We have enough of our own gas & oil to last 100 years, but they won't let us get it. I am so tired of these elitists with their superior attitutes, thinking they only know whats good for us. The lefty dems like Jackson, etc. like to keep the blacks poor and dependant on them for votes.[20] We simply must take the bull by the horns as it appears Congress nor anyone else is unable or unwillling to come to some kind of solution. It seems mighty strange our nation can send a man to the moon at extreme expense and cannot solve this gas problem. It is about time Congress began to work for the people and forget about getting reelected. I would also like to suggest that for a Congressman to receive a pension that he must serve much more than 1 term in Congress. Talk about budget and excessive spending, we might start with Congress and limit their terms.[22] Anger like that is deep in your soul for a long time. As for my mathObama has said Wright was his pastor for 20 years, so that was the number I was going with since Obama has stated that things Wright has said he found offensive.[22] I have read many of your post along with the hundreds of others posts that pop up daily.I have often thought how extremely intelligent that Make Iran glow guy is. With all due respect do you think it is worth commenting on Obama's looks in a political debate arena, even in jest? I read so many other comments against Obama that sound racist, and well I just think it gives the young and lefties reason to believe the right are just "mean" and do not like Obama because he is black.[22] Make Iran Glow - My husband and I were discussing Obama's looks when he was on FOX news channel over the weekend. I first noticed that he is wearing eye shadow. I asked my husband if he thought the same and after looking, said yes, he was. Then he said he also looks like he's wearing lipstick. I suspect that he IS wearing makeup, both eye shadow and lipstick and certain color lipstick would look purple on his lips, I think.[22]

I want to be hopeful, but realistic about Clinton's chances in North Carolina. I think the latest poll from SurveyUSA which puts her 5 percentage points behind Obama may be an outlier.[30] LOM: Your views are illogical. you paint Clinton as an angel. you think Obama is the devil. do you really want another Bush term? Please get a reality check.[30]

Obama is favored in North Carolina while the two are competing closely in Indiana. Besides her push for early voting, Clinton was to spend part of the day raising money. She and daughter Chelsea were to appear at a closed-door fundraiser in Greensboro, with two more fundraisers scheduled later in Charlotte.[24] In North Carolina, where Clinton trails Obama in the polls by a double-digit margin, Easleys endorsement could provide a boost. Obama, for his part, was trying to shrug off renewed controversy over remarks by his former pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright Jr. In a speech Monday in Washington, Wright, far from denying past comments that critics said raised questions about his patriotism - and Obamas - reinforced them. He defended his view that Zionism equates to racism, said that the government might have created AIDS to control racial minorities and did not back away from his "God damn America" remark.[28] What is Obama's answer? He is blowing so much smoke that you'd think that you were at a smoking club with your purple velvet robe and a big fat stogie. You know that we have checks and balances in our government, and everything he is saying, isn't really "checking and balancing out." Meaning, how is he going to do this? People have selective hearing, and he knows it. He says stuff, but he very rarely tells you how he is going to do it.[22] I didn't think your comment was racistbut do think many people's comments against Obama do sound racist.[22]

Calling Hillary's character into question, over and over and over and over again. Feeing the Bosnia story to the media, again, with not being able to put flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Obama's final closing statements during his Pennsylvania tour, COME ON people, just come on! If you hate negativity, I get it, I really do.[30] Hillary tells you whatever you want to hear and Obama tells you what you ought to hear. "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go but ought to be.[16]

NOBAMA NORACISM 2008 All too funny, Obama hates white people and poor people.[18] The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community ''' Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love.''' These statements, and this '''theology,''' are fundamentally racist and divisive. The fact that Obama has chosen to belong to this racist church for 20 years speaks volumes about his character and judgment, and flies in the face of his pronouncements about his ability and intent to '''unite''' this country.[19] During a Michelle Obama appearance at Carnegie Mellon University, the school paper The Tartan reported the attention-getting phrase: The Tartan's correspondents observed one event coordinator say to another, "Get me more white people, we need more white people."[37] To an Asian girl sitting in the back row, one coordinator said, "We're moving you, sorry. It's going to look so pretty, though." "I didn't know they would say, 'We need a white person here,''''" said attendee and senior psychology major Shayna Watson, who sat in the crowd behind Mrs. Obama. "I understood they would want a show of diversity, but to pick up people and to reseat them, I didn't know it would be so outright."[37]

NOT THE FALL. Even if CLinton wins IN and ties in NC she won't get more than 10 extra delegates. That still leaves her 120-125 delegates BEHIND OBAMA. You need a reality check.[30] The Clintons threw Gore under the bus repeatedly. of course he is for Obama. Pelosi's statements make me believe that she is for Obama. the youth vote will get out for Obama because he is a young candidate that they can connect to, not a 72 yr old.[30] Both candidates appear to have reversed their earlier positions on a gas-tax hiatus, but Obama's decision reflects analysis of a past situation and the current environmental crisis, while Clinton's decision is a politically expedient sound-bite.[16]

When the democrats finish flogging themselves, and determine a nominee, the ensuing mono e mono campaign will reveal the undesireable socialist nature of today's democrat party. If it's Obama, well, he simply hasn't the demographic base to win. If it's Clinton, she'll be a more formidable opponent, but in essence she's in the same political quadrant as Obama. She's just a more effective deceiver.[20] Sad how Bill Clinton has completely destroyed his legacy. Soon he'll be known primarily as the guy who tried to sabotage President Obama's campaign.[30] The TV ad war between the Clinton and Obama campaigns has been a blitz unlike anything the party has seen.[28]

The republican party has been trying to dictate the democratic campaigns for years. Hillary brought into that nonsense of the gop will come after Obama because of his pastor. This is ludicrious.[12] Exit polls in PA placed the blame 66% on Hillary and 50% on Obama for the negative campaign.[30]

I forgot to mention. If Obama becomes the nominee, it will be the first time in HISTORY they handed the nomination over to the guy who LOST every major primary. Its Hillary who should feel cheated here.[30] I am so sick of the Obama opera. He is no good. His friends are no good. His associates are criminals. He is a lying every time he opens his mouth to defend another, then another, then another troubling revelation about him. His money cannot come from the poor folks he says it from.[22] If we want to reduce the cost to us, we need to reduce consumption, not worry about 18 cents at the pump. Obama shows once again that he is qualified to make the good decisions, even if they may be unpopular at the time. He isn't pandering to the voters, he's being a leader during the time of our failing economy.[16] Saving the cost of 1/2 tank of gas isn't work a question mark over our roads and bridges. If we divert money from our transportation costs, wouldn't that also mean job lose? This woman need to leave the race.[4] Why's it nonsense? First of all, because the impact would be minuscule, probably reducing the cost of a gallon of gas by less than a dime.[21] My husband and I are currently spending about $100.00 a week on gas. It would make things a little easier on us. It would also slow down the ridicious rate that food, clothing etc are going up due to the high cost of delivery.[16] From my far-flung island where gas costs over $5/gallon, I can only cross my fingers that the voters next Tuesday have the wisdom to follow the ant and not the grasshopper.[16]

Obviously, small figures count for everything that Hillary does - 9.7% or 10% lead in Pennsylvania to $0.18/gallon of gas.[16] Hillary says she is for the working class, well this tactic is an effort to pull the wool over the under educated's eyes. $.18 / gallon reduction does nothing to address the massive subsidies for big oil, the gross inflation created by the federal reserve bail outs of the financial industry.[16] Doing nothing and keeping the United States addicted to oil so that Americans keep getting slammed as oil reaches $200/barrel definitely sounds like the opposite of progressivism.[36] LOM: How is Obama unelectable when he is beating Mccain in the polls int he following swing states and red states: Indiana, Colorado, New-Mexico, Nevada, Virginia, Iowa, Georgia, Missouri, and Oregon. Looks like he is electable.[30] HRC sounding like McCain? Sounding more and more like the only one running for the Dem. nomination is Obama.[18]

Obama, is a Liar, a racist, and a FAKE. The '''theology''' that Wright teaches at his church is nothing like Christianity as most people understand it. The brand of theology which Wright has been teaching Obama and the others at his church is called '''black liberation theology.''' Wright admits this and it is stated on the church's website.[19] LOM: Edward's supporters are going to Obama. How can you say the people who support his populist message are going for the pro-corporation candidate? Doesn't make a lot of sense.[30] Some people seem to think that we add up the electoral votes for states won by candidates but we cant do that since the dems will not win all states.[30] The people of NYS will pay either way, unfortunately it is usually the program that doesn't get media exposure which ends of being cut off from state funding. Let's think about this people - lets support Centro, ride your bike or walk.[49] Hillary is just trying to scrape together the votes of people who don't know better. She is trying to appeal to those Reagan Democrats who think that you can cut taxes without explaining how you're going to pay for them.[16]

Did I hear you say global warming Hillary? No you did'nt we are responsible for global warming. Right Hillary? When you scream to your supporters about our dependence on foreign oil think about this.[6] "When you are talking about one-tenth of one percent of global demand, in the cost-benefit analysis, you do not get any benefits and I think it costs you oil in the case of a national security risk," Bush said.[10] According to the American Automobile Association, the average cost of a gallon of oil at the pump was at 3.6 dollars nationally, up form 3.28 dollars a month ago.[10] "Every penny increase in the gasoline costs the American consumer $1 billion annually," says Zandi.[31] Another comment worth mentioning is considering the mounting cost of election campaigns, not to mention we have to listen to the same hype over and over, is to limit electioneering to 4 months prior to Primaries and no more to be spent than $1,000,000 with each candidate using that same figure and also do the same prior to the General Election.[22] Another example that shows who is the more honest candidate. Obama takes a correct and responsible position that could cost him votes and maybe even the nomination.[16]

Thank you Mr. Obama After 60 years of mudslinging in Washington, I never thought I would see a leading candidate that says no more.[12] Lets face it Obama,used his minister to get elected from a strong back ground of clack suporters. once he ran for president,he could not ide,the minister of hate and revenge any more. Obama knew what his minister is all about,but was with him for 20 years.[37] The psychological boost might allow someone to get into the presidency who will do the right thing for energy supply in the long term. Obama can't do all of his great things if he can't get elected, and if he thinks that alternatives alone will solve energy problems in the short term, (the next few decades), he is dangerously wrong.[16]

Better than NOTHING, Obama. All her plans and how she will pay for them are on her website, and they have been forever.[37] Taxes, fees and regulations are progress and Barack Obama is all about progress. (Not to mention hope, change, faith, puppies and ice cream cones.)[22] If we were listening to the media (CNN, MSNBC, NBC, and others), we would all be walking around in a daze over obama like his supporters.[20] You must be kidding! I've listen to Wright for ten minutes and it's obvious to me he's a nut, ego-maniac & racist. Does Obama really expect the U.S. citizens to believe an intelligent man like himself was duped for 20 years? In twenty years of friendship, membership in his church, officiating his wedding and childrens baptisms; Wright's never once exposed himself as is now? Presidential contenders do say what is necessary to win.[37] "Last year, Exxon Mobile made $40 billion in profits. You paid through the roof and they made out like bandits. I don't think those profits were the result of a free and fair market," she said, blaming energy market manipulation.[19] The Repiglicans have been in control of Congress and the White House for 8 years now and have done NOTHING about either developing an effective energy policy but negotiating with the major oil countries to increase production to keep prices down.[33] You can't compare a pot of cash to a GDP, even if you could project the price of oil out seven years.[26]

Oil is a commodity like any other and yes, speculation is driving up prices.[33] Right now government is sitting back allowing speculators make fortunes at the expense of fellow Americans. Speculators know that the average American does not know what is going on because they are too busy working two jobs to pay higher prices that speculators cause and say it is "like an insurance policy" to insure supplies.[33] We want a Democratic President in the White House for the next 12 years. This one's for the people in IN -- Clinton is certainly right that it is a tragedy that 200 American jobs were killed in a corporate deal that also exported sensitive military technology to China. She forgets to mention that it wasn't George Bush who was in the key position to stop it -- it was Bill Clinton.[12] I believed in Bill, and I believe in Hil! He did a great job running this country with his head and his heart, and Senator Clinton will do the same. Noone is perfect, not you, not me, not the Clintons, but she is suited to run the country, despite her imperfections. What matters is that she wants to make the country a better place! I would love to have a debate in 8and a half years about whether she was a better president than her husband.[30]

Our taxes are set to go up again next year. Senator Clinton has pointed to her record in New York as evidence of her fitness to serve as economic commander-in-chief.[12] My city and the rest of western New York continue to rust away. I actually voted Clinton as my Senator, proudly, both times, but this primary season forced me to really look at her record and has taught me some truths about what she is willing and able to actually accomplish.[12]

A week before the North Carolina primary, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton picked up the endorsement Tuesday of that states governor, Michael Easley, a man highly popular among the blue-collar white voters who have been a pillar of her support.[28] Lowering state fuel taxes was tried in the state of Illinois back in 2000 when Obama was a state senator.[14] What do you know about Obama? He is the absolutely useless, absentee senator of my state of Illinois.[22]

While Obama is favored in North Carolina, the race in Indiana is very tight, and Obama was heading there Wednesday. Obama collected endorsements of his own during the day: In Kentucky, Rep. Ben Chandler, son of former Gov. A.B. "Happy" Chandler, gave Obama his backing ahead of that state's May 20 primary, and in Iowa, Democratic National Committee member Richard Machacek — a supporter of former Sen. John Edwards before he dropped out of the presidential race — switched his support to Obama.[23]

If employers would not agree, why not ask the Governors of each State to plead with residents to not drive anywhere just one day, even if it means taking a vacation or sick day off work so our cars would not be driven and no gas used.[22]

You need to read my first post, the price of gas isn't that important to me either.[22] P.S. Thank you Nancy Pelosi for following through on your proposed plan to limit the price of gas that got the Dems control of the house and senate.[6] Sen. McCains plan more than likely would cause prices to rise for consumers to rise, as the brief decline would ensure increased demand, which, as anybody knows, would mean a decrease in supply, naturally leading to an increase in price.[8] Tom Cargill, a University of Nevada, Reno economist, said the plan to suspend the tax "is insulting" to consumers because it sounds good but will do little to help the economy or ease the strain on individual pocketbooks. "It might provide a little immediate relief, but somebody is going to have to pay for it," he said.[39] The tax holiday would sap as much as $10 billion away from the Highway Trust Fund, which pays for building and maintaining roads and transit.[27] We could have used the $25 million to notify people about the tax rebate.[16] McCain, somewhat vaguely, says funds could be diverted from other sources to cover the estimated $9 billion excise tax loss.[40] McCain said he would make up for the lost money to the highway fund by taking it from other tax revenue sources.[15] If you run a succesful business that already payed googles in tax money, you would not want the feds coming after your profits.[18] The fed and states are raking in big profits as the price rises as some of the taxes are indexed to the price.[16]

The higher the price of gasoline, the less people will (in theory) drive: classic supply/demand behavior. In Europe, taxes are extremely high, and this helps curb the demand to use it. They are lower, but still can be significant.[18] All it would do is encourage people to buy more gasoline and drive more miles, pumping more carbon emissions into the atmosphere, hastening the problem of global climate change and increasing the demand for gasoline and, thus, the price of it.[16] I saw first hand how a bunch of paperpushers that did nothing more than speculate all day using all kinds of buying and selling leverage methods that drive up the prices of commodities for people with legitimate uses of the commodities.[33]

Last but not least try having a heart to heart conversation with someone of the opposite race that you might work or go to school with. We live in America this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. As people lets move towards the future like Lincoln wanted us to in his Gettysburg Address (educate yourself in America history I just quoted some of it). From this day forth teach yourself how to ask your own questions and stop believing what the media says about anyone.[20] Scroll down. I woke up this morning concerned about the world food shortage and. Fox News Sunday waited (by their own count) 772 days to interview Sen. Barack Obama --.[25] Democratic candidate Barack Obama opposes it, calling it a political ploy that won't help consumers.[41] Barack Obama calls the idea a "short-term quick fix" that won't help consumers.[14]

Former President Jimmy Carter appeared on CNN's Larry King Live on Monday,. I expected a roaring debate in the political blogosphere this. It's no secret that MoveOn.org members have been very supportive of Barack Obama's candidacy.[25] Barack Obama, on the other hand, sees the proposal as nothing more than a gimmick designed to pander to voters in an election year. "That's typical of how Washington works.[37] Obama promised to focus on voters for the next nine days and the months between now and November and even over the next nine years, to laughter and applause. An 82-year-old woman in the audience seemed to agree, eliciting thunderous applause during the Q&A; portion of the event, when she urged Obama not to attack his rival.[12] Obama has to be clear on this. We are in this position due to almost 30 years of inaction of the looming energy crisis.[16] Obama has done nothing than prove that he too is the status quo. Even his spiritual mentor of 20 years has expressed this sentiment. He has based his campaign on hope, change and judgment which has been squandered in the past month. This is his election to lose now.[30] Obama says in his campaign rhetoric - Everywhere he goes and meets people, folks are sitting around there kitchen table figuring how to feed their family, how to provide their children with education. He wants people to chant "Yes We Can.Yes We Can."[22] Obama also planned campaign appearances in the state, with events in Wilmington, Wilson and Chapel Hill.[24]

McCain still thinks the market place and incentives alone will drive us in the right direction, and Obama's solution is incomplete.[16] Obama is an arrogant jerk and McCain is the only chance we have to see better economic times and ensure order in Iraq.[22] I'm happy with a moderate candidate, which McCain is compared to many of the wacko right wingers out there. He will not be a third term of Bush, but if you truly believe that, then don't vote for him or make his presidency even possible, which is what a vote for Obama is. That's my opinion, as you have pointed out. It's not illogical, just different from yours.[30] We must be a nation of idiots to tolerate clown candidates like mccain and clinton.[25] When we look at who is most likely to beat McCain in the GE, no matter how you spin the emotions and political aspects of the election, the numbers dont like - Clinton is clearly indicated as the most electable.[30] Here's what's wrong with politicians like Clinton and McCain: they'll say anything to pander to the voters (McCain's'straight-talk" reputation, notwithstanding).[16]

Clinton suggests change with a burden shifting to cover the costs. It is only McCain who seeks to cut without a responsible plan.[16] "But not only that, you know how much you'd save under John McCain's plan? $25.[22] Maybe 30. 25 or $30. That'''s his plan to help folks dealing with gas prices," he said.[22] If you had any brains you realize what happens when we deregulate everything. $2 gallon gas in Mexico.[6] Everybody know that Bush is in bed with the Gas companies. The Bush family is robbing this country a gallon at a time.[6]

Do we really want people buying more? Gas usage is down year over year, and that's a good thing.[27] Wow, how the Democrats have changed. $66.00 a summer savings is NOTHING to them, but they say people are too poor to buy a state picture ID card (for $28.00 in my state) for voter ID that lasts 10 years here.[22] If the tax is suspended, it could create a $500 million gap in state finances.[52] Suspending the federal 18.4-cent-per-gallon tax would save the average motorist about $28.[16] Now the only difference is that with no fuel tax, the Federal Transportation Fund would lose revenue.[14] Any temporary suspension in the federal tax on gasoline will only result in the loss of funds earmarked for building of the roadway infrastructure.[14] I do not believe we should repeal the gasoline tax for the summer, even though my family and I are planning to travel during that time.[16] Here in New York State, the combined Federal and State taxes on gasoline is a whopping 63 cents a gallonthe highest in the entire country! NYS State Majority leader Joe Bruno has mentioned eliminating the NYS taxes on gasoline for a period of time also. It's time for our elected officials to take this action NOW.[16] Send me the money you'd otherwise spend at the pump on federal taxes. That way I can hedge my bets on a new roof, auto repair, new fridge, etc.[20]

"Rise, Hillary, rise? Sounds very stupid." That's the same way the Obama camp feels about "change we can believe in" now. [30] Obama wants higher taxes than Hillary does. They both are for higher taxes on everything.[20]

It would be a very rare occasion that a Fortune 500 company would stick a kid right out of MBA school in the corner office to run the company. I'm not sure why this logic doesn't seem to apply to Obama? He somehow thinks this is "owed" to him, despite his inexperience and out-of-touch stance he has with the majority of working class Americans.[30] I'm not sure that an Elizabeth Edwards or John Edwards will be enough to put over the top, but it will definitely close that gap. I think there would be some potential issues for the Obama camp is she can come within 5 points.[30]

If it was sample math I think we all can do it. How hard is it to find a person to admit they benefitted from the tax cut. [22] After all there is nothing that last longer than a tax. When they say temporary that means that it comes off the tax roll around the year 2099. There doesn't seem to be an easy answer and that's one reason I'm glad I'm not the president - wouldn't want his job for nothing. Reguardless of what happens he will get the blame.[20]

Not to mention that tax holidays, like equally silly "stimulus" refunds, only serve to get us deeper into debt if we don't reform our spending. [21] Taking tax money away from a Democrat is like taking candy away from a baby. They both scream and cry a lot when you do it.[18] AYKMI also benefitted greatly from tha tax cuts. Congress needs to make them permanent and learn to live within their budget like the rest of America does.[22]

In fact I benefit from every tax cut because I pay taxes and the businesses I buy goods and services pay taxes.[22] If you look at my approach to taxation, what have I said? I said I would cut taxes for people making $75,000 a year or less.[12] Let's start with the obvious: people are feeling a lot of economic pain, though I would argue that that pain has been there for a very long time, years before the collective political wisdom declared the country in a "recession". They have nowhere to turn to get easy cash now that their housing-value ATM's are gone, hundreds of thousands of people are losing their jobs or on the verge of losing their jobs, health care is still a disaster, pensions are evaporating, the cost of food is going up and. the list is long and unpleasant.[25]

Our crops are being burned in our gas tanks. It cost more and uses more energy to produce biofuels. They are bad for the cars we have now.[22] Levin says Democrats will push to close the so-called Enron loophole that allowed energy commodities trading to go unregulated. Levin says commodities speculation may account for up to 30 percent of oil's current cost, and this measure would crack down on that. A similar provision is in the pending farm bill.[33] The sharp rise has been driven, in part, by the increase in the cost of crude oil, now near $120, and the declining value of the dollar.[31] The companies would have less incentive to look for more oil sources, meaning supply would go down and drive up oil costs in the long run.[15]

The statement was made that the oil companies REFUSE to build any more refineries. Life is too good for them with no excess capacity.[33] I say let us do something to big oil companies to get a break that will last years not months.[20] Wake up America. Nobody cared about the oil companies when they were losing money in the 80s.[18] Money that's used to repair roads. She would make up for the lost funds by hitting the oil companies.[44]

Anything that goes against the oil companies you can count on the two oil men in the White House being against, that kind of is something we'''ve gotten used to.[6]

More people would buy gasoline driving up the need to process more crude oil. [14] Typically during a recession in the United States, demand for oil falls because people make a conscious decision to drive less.[31] Whats it been thirty plus years since one has been built. Oil consumption throughout the world is out of control espedially in China and India they continue to polute the environment and stick it to the United States whenever they can.[6]

Krueger said the measure, if followed, won't have a major impact on consumers. He said high fuel prices can be traced to the rampant speculation in the oil futures market. "I won't mind seeing some controls in place preventing speculation for the sake of speculation," he said. [39] There's no doubt that the price of gasoline poses a serious threat to the nation and consumers.[46] Although the major presidential candidates are making record gasoline prices a campaign issue, they are avoiding mention of measures they each support that would indirectly raise prices at the pump.[17]

Taking the power way from will mean that we, the people, can determine that the price we pay at the pump does not come at the expense of our families and our planet.[25] We have watched the price of everything we need to plant our fields and feed our livestock almost double, so that people can drive alone to WalMart in gas-guzzling monsters, to buy cheap goods made in China.[16] I am surprised that no one is addressing the issue of how burdened the trucking industry is by these prices (they are the ones protesting and have spoken before Congress on the need for some relief).[16]

Just a one-penny decrease in the price of diesel annualized over an entire year would save the trucking industry $391 million a year."[30] Some analysts say summer demand could drive the price past $4 a gallon.[17] Prices in Indianapolis hit $3.75 for a gallon of regular unleaded, up 18 cents in many places, pushing the city toward another record high.[29]

Right now crude goes up a $1 a barrel when someone throws a grenade at a pipeline in Nigeria or a 100 gallon oil spill occurs.[25] Marathon Oil is investing $1.5 billion and drilling 300 new wells in what is expected to be one of the greatest booms in Oil discovery since Oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938.[33] We need to start drilling our own oil again. At least until we move forward enough with technology to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and replace it with new sources.[22] Your representatives on the Hill can do it. Congress has questioned the need to keep paying Big Oil a large subsidy per year because the constituents of those Congreesmen/women have spoken.[16] Big bad oil is a convenient target in an election year but way off the mark.[16]

In 2007 ''' after seven years of Clinton'''s brand of leadership ''' Buffalo, the second-largest city in New York, was named the second-poorest city in the country by Forbes Magazine. Over 30% of our population lives below the poverty line; I wonder how John Edwards would feel about that fact? A recent story on MSNBC First Read said, '''she saw Indiana not as part of the Rust Belt but as a chance to build what she called a Manufacturing Belt and an Opportunity Belt.''' [12] Hillary Rodham Clinton is running a new ad in North Carolina featuring the poet Maya Angelou.[16] Clinton'''s plan is obviously better. If only you could believe a single word coming from Hillary's mouth.who actually really knows what she would do.so how could it be "obviously better".[22] Amid falling confetti, Hillary Clinton is embraced by former President Bill Clinton during a primary night rally in Philadelphia.[41] Bill, why did 70% of the Pennsylvania voters say Hillary attacked unfairly. Hillary is now the front runner, so it's time for the media to review her last 6 weeks of campaigning. They need to point out all the lies and flip flopping they are doing. The media should also question why Hillary can't stand on her own merits.[30] Any and all Hillary supporters wanting to make amends may do so now. Hillary has been looking for a way out of this mess since the end of February. Her supporters keep urging her on. Unless the masochistic side of you enjoys watching her bleed out slowly. Again, anyone wanting to make reparations on this blog, all you need do is say your sorry and then come and join us.[16]

I can tell the difference between a limousine liberal (clintons) and an out of touch flip-flop republican (McCain). Here's something I'm wondering about. who got the Amish vote in OH and PA, and how big was it? For all of the ethnic breakdowns I've heard about this election, nothing about the Amish in PA & OH. Reason goes to say they probably voted in a bloc for Hillary, since official Amish doctrine is that blacks are just monkeys with a larger gene pool to draw from than they do. It would be interesting to see how much that padded her margin.[12] Hillary will win based on people's belief that she is the best equipped and uniquely qualified to tackle our nation's critical issues from health care, the economy, education, the Iraq war, etc. She is ready to deliver solutions for our nation. She is the one to win the General Election this fall against McCain.[30] McCain proposed creating a system of insurers of last resort and giving federal assistance to insurers who cover people unable to afford insurance or who have been turned down by other companies.[28] I can survive the next 4. People might say I'm selfish for making a statement like that; however, McCain has a track record for proving he can work across the aisle to bring about change.[30] JoAnne.It's SIMPLE, as long as the American public thinks people like Al Gore are some kind of hero for spouting lies and myths.[22] People vested in that structure simply cannot afford to believe that the American people are capable of sustaining a dialogue or coming to a consensus about working on the issues that effect us all. Such a dialogue is the last thing that they want to happen and they are willing to meddle in our processes to keep it. They are willing to lie, cheat, steal and perhaps even kill to maintain their fix for power.[50] America, and the American people are in a very desperate condition now. The whole World has been doing all that they can to help keep us propped up.[22]

Clinton favors a program that would require all Americans to get health insurance, subsidized by employers and the government.[28] Only Clinton is willing to use the power of government to make all the proper moves.[16]

If Clinton got on the bus instead of throwing herself in front of it, all the more powerful. She will not do this until she understands that playing the race card (make no mistake who has played this card) will not be enough.[30] The theories of Divine Right, aristocratic superiority, the moral order of Nature, are all today exploded bluffs. Even those of us who believe in supernatural sanctions for our privileges to browbeat and rob the people no longer delude ourselves with the thought that our victims share our superstitions. Even dictators understand this.[50] The American Chronicle and its affiliates have no responsibility for the views, opinions and information communicated here. The contributor(s) and news providers are fully responsible for their content. The views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the American Chronicle or its affiliates. All services and information provided on this website are provided as general information only. Any medical advice, home remedies and all other medical information on this website should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor. We not responsible for any diagnosis of treatment made by anyone based on any of the content of this website.[8]

Then we'''ve got to get really in position when finally we have a new president next January to get serious about overcoming all of our energy costs and our challenges."[6]

Clinton toured a family owned furniture manufacturer in Indiana'''s largest city to illustrate that the high cost of fuel has a significant impact on small businesses, as well as truckers who move the products made here. She claimed the company had seen orders canceled because customers were unwilling to pay fuel surcharges on shipping. '''You'''ve gotta bring those logs in; you'''ve gotta send the finished products out,''' she said.[4]

Because the company makes key parts for smart bombs, the takeover had to be approved by the Clinton administration's Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States. Despite the national security and economic problems with selling off such critical manufacturing capacity to the Chinese -- and despite the knowledge that such a deal would likely end in a domestic mass layoff -- the Clinton administration approved the deal. This same deal -- not surprisingly -- paved the way for those 200 Indiana jobs and that sensitive military technology to be shipped to China.[12] Clinton spoke on the campus of Appalachian State University, whose underdog football team rose to fame by beat perennial powerhouse University of Michigan last year. Clinton used that bit of history to remind the crowd that his wife is still the underdog in this race.[30] The last and only president to take the energy situation seriously was Jimmy Carter. The Clinton administration had eight years of favorable conditions- the end of the Cold War/peace dividend - to make headway in energy independence but, they didn't get it done.[16]

What we're left with is negativity, divisivness, scandal, corruption, the worst kind of unethical behavior. It is amazing to me that women consider her a feminist standart - she enabled and condoned President Clinton's abusive sexual behavior and when faced with the fact that they couldn't lie it away, chose to attack those women who objected to his predatory behavior. If she were a man, I'd have the same objections. To me, this world cannot afford another agressive, negative leader in the White House - you think Iraq is bad now, think about how she plans to deal with the Iran situation. Regarding the Bosnia lie stuff - think about the implication of putting your only child in that situation - what kind of family values are those? One more thing - part of the Clinton White House legacy can be found ON DISPLAY at the Smithonian Institute in DC - it's blue and it's stained.[30] As political theater, I think what the Democrats are proposing on Capitol Hill might be effective in showing Americans more clearly just how deeply Republicans are in the pockets of Big Oil, even if the legislation is doomed to be vetoed by the dim bulb growing ever dimmer that resides in the White House. I think the Senate Democrat leaders should junk the weird 60-vote agreement they have with the Republicans and make them filibuster their little hardened hearts out in order to stop the legislation. It would be an eye-opening education for many American voters.[33] At most the reserves held in ANWR amount to about six months of American energy consumption at our current levels. It simply doesn't have the amount of oil needed to sustain our appetite for oil.[33] We should produce more oil and mandate that excess profits go to alternative energy and our problems would be solved sooner than later.[6] We may have already reached peak oil for the world. Time for real change in energy policy, not these band-aids being offered by both parties.[33]

McCains temporary price reduction, miniscule as it is, would increase demand during a time where demand is already high, thus leading to an even larger price increase than normal. [8] The system is corrupt and going broke last time I checked. They also don't have the same environmental restrictions like we do that drives the price through the roof.[6] The price per mile to pave a road today is several times more expensive than it was a few years ago.[25]

Cut taxes, and all that happens is that the pretax price rises by the same amount. [33] Dont get all excited McCain fans! The above logic might be closer to reality but it is far from representive in terms of electability. The solid blue states are expected to support either candidates and many of the states were close races and either candidate is likely to carry those states.[30] A government study could not determine how much of the savings was passed on to motorists. Many lawmakers said their constituents didn't seem to have benefited. They also worried the tax break was pushing the state budget out of balance.[23] Do you have any idea how many different mixtures of gas there are in California alone? A t least twenty last count. That's government control for you.[6] "We're arguing over a gimmick that will save you half a tank of gas. It's not an idea to get you through the summer. It's an idea to get them through an election."[2]

Of course, NOW Sen. Obama says the bill was a bad idea. He, "was before it before he was against it". Thats the leadership we need from our next president.[25] Sen. Barack Obama'''s latest fundraising drive - own a '''piece of history.''' By history, the campaign means a DVD copy of his speech on race.[20] Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) and former spiritual mentor of democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, speaks at the Nationals Press Club in Washington on April 28, 2008.[5]

The Democratic candidate pushes her plan for lower gas prices; but doesn't fill the tank herself. [16] Every week I work almost a half day just to pay for the gas that it takes me to get to work for the rest of the week.[18] You mention 2.00 a gallon gas in Mexico as your example. If you bother to research this you wouldn't even use rthis as your so called proof government works better.[6] Again America is not perfect, but we are ALL in the peruse to perfection, '''Church''' folks follow the perfection of Christ, God, Allah, Buddha, e.g. While our Government looks for Perfection and reconciliation with all its people.[22] Black theology is based upon the premise of the white oppressor against the black oppressed. This is why, for example, that Wright refers to Jesus as black, and his killers as white. This is the only way the story of Jesus fits within this brand of '''theology.''' Rev. Wright cites James Cone, another proponent of black liberation theology, as his theological inspiration. Here are just a couple of James Cone's quotes: (1) '''To be Christian is to be one of those whom God has chosen. God has chosen black people." (2) "While it is true that blacks do hate whites, black hatred is not racism." (3) "All white men are responsible for white oppression." (4) "Theologically, Malcolm X was not far wrong when he called the white man "the devil." (5) "If there is any contemporary meaning of the Antichrist, the white church seems to be a manifestation of it." (6) '''Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.[19] Biofuel, by the way, made from edible grain, is not only ecologically and economically pitiful, it is spiritually indefensible, when people all over the world are hungry.[16]

The time has come to put a stop to the GLOBAL WARMING FANTASY for the good of all people.[6]

That was awesome, thank you. It is easy to believe it and say it, but you have it solid. Alot is said this election about voters in this election, but isn't it just possible that the people going for Hillary (ie. old, uneducated, racist, stupid, blah, blah, blah, me) know, from experience, that the only electable candidate is Hillary. The more they try to parse out the voters, the more I believe it.[30] In one pocket, out the other. It's pointless, not evil. It is pointless, and disappointing." You want to bet next week Hillary will swear she never said it or mis-spoke. No response JakeD?? you ALWAYS have a smart ass response to everything. i bet you hate to be made to look dumb (which probably happens way more than you'd like by they way your mind works).[14] I'm not a McCain fan, but there's no way I'd vote myself a pay cut, a personal responsibility cut, and a security cut by voting for a liberal democrat.[20]

Hillary has nothing to offer, and to be quite frank, neither does McCain. They will surround themselves with same old 'trash' they surrounded themselves with over the years.[12] You are helping Hillary and McCain more and more each day. The left wing media and elite are pulling their hair out today.[20]

The California retail price was $3.86, according to the California Energy Commission -- 35 cents higher than the national average. [31] What makes anyone think that a new Clinton administration will fare any better.[16]

SOURCES

1. Clinton releases her plan on soaring gas prices; takes issue with Obama - On Politics - USATODAY.com
2. Obama assails lifting of gas tax as 'gimmick' - The Boston Globe
3. Candidates' plans to cut gas prices - Los Angeles Times
4. Clinton defends gas tax holiday proposal - First Read - msnbc.com
5. Gas tax holiday splits Obama, Clinton - UPI.com
6. Clinton To Introduce Legislation For Federal Gas Tax Holiday « FOX Embeds « FOXNews.com
7. Candidates clash on gas-tax holiday - CNN.com
8. American Chronicle | Double Talk On Gas From John McCain
9. Gas-Tax Holiday: Ominous Preview of a Clinton or McCain Presidency? -- Daily Intel -- New York News Blog -- New York Magazine
10. AFP: Fuel costs pump up White House campaign
11. Clinton talks gas prices to workers at South Bend plant | WSBT South Bend - Your Local News Leader | Local News
12. Obama talks the economy, hits McCain - First Read - msnbc.com
13. Dems spar over gas tax holiday, pointing up one of few differences
14. Hoyer Sides with Obama on Gas Tax | The Trail | washingtonpost.com
15. ABC News: Gas Tax 101: Where the Candidates Stand
16. Candidates Shift on the Gas Tax - The Caucus - Politics - New York Times Blog
17. Candidates' Plans Could Indirectly Raise Gas Prices - WSJ.com
18. Hillary and the gas tax - First Read - msnbc.com
19. Tales from the Trail » Blog Archive » Clinton takes aim at Obama, Big Oil | Blogs | Reuters.com
20. Hillary Favors Gas Tax Holiday « FOX Embeds « FOXNews.com
21. Clinton joins McCain in the race for panderer in chief - The Curious Capitalist - Justin Fox - Economy - Markets - Business - TIME
22. Gas Tax Holiday Won't Help YouMuch, Obama says « FOX Embeds « FOXNews.com
23. The Associated Press: Obama says rivals Clinton, McCain pandering on gas tax
24. The Associated Press: Clinton highlights Obama's objection to gas tax holiday
25. Jonathan Tasini: Pandering on Energy: Clinton/McCain--Yes, Obama--No - Politics on The Huffington Post
26. Oil and states don't mix
27. Gas tax holiday a bad idea, no matter whose it is - Vallejo Times Herald
28. Clinton wins North Carolina governors endorsement - International Herald Tribune
29. Candidates spar over gas tax holiday | www.jconline.com | Journal and Courier
30. Political Radar: Bill Clinton Says Underdog Hillary Stayed Positive in Pennsylvania Primary
31. Analyzing Proposed Gas Tax Holiday : NPR
32. Drilling Deep for a Solution on Gas Prices - Beyond the Dome
33. Gas prices fuel effort to jam GOP - Martin Kady II - Politico.com
34. Clinton-McCain gas tax holiday slammed as bad idea | Markets | Reuters
35. Oil Tax Holiday Could Prove Ephemeral Benefit to Consumers - Oil and Gas * Energy * News * Story - MSNBC.com
36. THE NEW REPUBLIC | Blogs
37. Holiday Gas Pandering - Political Machine
38. THE NEW REPUBLIC | Blogs
39. Skepticism greets proposal to suspend federal gas tax | www.rgj.com | Reno Gazette-Journal
40. Gasoline tax break is a bad idea | TuscaloosaNews.com
41. In Indy, Clinton Again Urges Gas Tax Suspension - Indiana News Story - WRTV Indianapolis
42. Businesses Cash In On High Gas Prices - News - NBC13.com
43. N.Y. Lawmakers Call For Gas Tax 'Holiday' - Politics News Story - WNBC | New York
44. Presidential Candidates Proposing Gas Tax Holiday : WFMZ-TV 69News
45. Hillary thrills Hobart :: post-trib.com :: Post-Tribune
46. Temporary relief from gasoline tax will only postpone drivers' pain | delawareonline | The News Journal
47. The Associated Press: Obama says rivals' call for gas tax suspension pure politics
48. WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL: What's This Idea to Suspend the Federal Gas Tax?
49. State tax could be lifted from gas prices | NBC-WKTV News Channel 2 | Local News
50. The Prey of Panic
51. Special Announcement: FAST FEEDBACK: Federal gas tax holiday | gas, holiday, tax - wwmt.com
52. NY1: Politics
53. Obama says break on gas tax all talk, not enough savings
54. SunHerald.com : RNC: Why Does Barack Obama Continue To Pretend That Gas Tax Relief Will Not Help Americans?

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