April 30, 2008
Posted: 04:30 PM ET

From
 Obama is up with a new ad in Indiana and North Carolina.
Obama is up with a new ad in Indiana and North Carolina.

(CNN) — Less than a day after Hillary Clinton’s campaign debuted an ad that attacked Barack Obama for opposing a gas tax holiday, the Illinois senator’s campaign unveiled a new 60-second spot that dubs the idea an ineffective quick fix.

The ad, titled “Truth” will run in both Indiana and North Carolina, where voters head to the polls May 6. Both Democratic presidential hopefuls have spent the week sparring over the proposal – Obama calls the idea a gimmick; Clinton says it is necessary to give consumers immediate relief from soaring fuel costs.

In the spot, Obama calls for an investigation of the nation’s oil companies for price gouging – a position shared by Clinton — and says Congress should adopt a long-term energy strategy that includes higher fuel efficiency standards and a greater investment in alternative fuels.

“We could suspend the gas tax for 6 months, but that’s not going to bring down gas prices long-term. You’re gonna save about 25, 30 dollars…or half a tank of gas,” he says. “That’s typical of how Washington works. There’s a problem, everybody’s upset about gas prices – let’s find some short-term, quick-fix, that we can say we did something even though, even though we’re not really doing anything.”

(Full script after the jump)

“Truth,” 60 seconds

Script:

Barack Obama: “I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

“I’m here to tell you the truth.

“We could suspend the gas tax for 6 months, but that’s not going to bring down gas prices long-term. You’re gonna save about 25, 30 dollars…or half a tank of gas.

“That’s typical of how Washington works. There’s a problem, everybody’s upset about gas prices – let’s find some short-term, quick-fix, that we can say we did something even though, even though we’re not really doing anything.

“We cannot deliver on a better energy policy unless we change how business is done in Washington.

“We’ve got to go out to the oil companies and look at their price-gouging.”

“We’ve got to start using less oil and that means raising fuel efficiency standards on cars and developing alternative fuels.

“That’s the real honest answer to how we’re going to solve this problem. That’s what you need from a President someone who’s going to tell you the truth.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


J   April 30th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

To Naners:

That's exactly the truth, there is NO short term solution here. NONE.

Lowering the gas tax ($0.184/gal) isn't going to help anyone who needs it, but it will have the effect of taking badly needed money out of transportation projects.

Besides, if you artificially reduce the price of fuel (by an amount that matters, such as if someone decided to remove your state gas tax too) demand will subsequently rise, which in an era of tight supply leads to……………………HIGHER PRICES!!!!!

So now you've got higher prices based on increased demand and in 3 months you have to reinstate a gas tax on top of that so we can pay to keep another bridge from collapsing. Looks like she didn't really think this one over and her advisors are morons.

Or they think WE are………….hmmmmmmmmm.

People need to get over it and understand that our lifestyle is expensive and unsustainable. Lower consumption is the only solution, and if you want an immediate solution, raise the gas tax to $3/gal and invest in alternative solutions (more efficient hybrids, better solar concentrators, tax credits for homes with geothermal heat pumps, etc.). You'd dump the Escalade pretty quick.
^^^^^^^^^^^(Note: Heavy Sarcasm)^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This is just blatant political pandering by HRC. I want someone who will tell the truth, and that certainly isn't anyone named Clinton.

Obama '08!

Just telling the truth   April 30th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

It's way past time for the people of this nation to wise up and grow up! Obama is dealing with people as adults and not as if we were a bunch of snot nosed kids too sensitive to deal with the truth! "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die." For the sakes of our children america we need to make the difficult choices being expressed by Obama. You'd think a people who are supposed to be so bright, wouldn't demonstrate such a lack of common sense. May God have mercy on this nation.

spyturtle   April 30th, 2008 9:29 pm ET

How in touch is the elite Hillary.? Her comment that I never buy gas, that it's taken care of by the Secret Service. Why didn't she just say let them eat cake? Go Obama.

a4   April 30th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

Why is the ad not posted, you posted the one for Hilary.

Wolf with this I know that you are a Clinton supporter, please do not be so apparent.

And for your information and basic understanding, economists who know what they are talking about, even the ones the Clintons has sort out before, believe that this tax holiday over the summer is truly a bad mistake.

JAX, Florida   April 30th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

ALL THAT BELIEVE THAT ANY OF THE CANDIDATES CAN PROVIDE A SHORT TERM WORKING SOLUTION TO THIS GAS PROBLEM KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THE ECONOMICS OF THE GAS ISSUE. IF ANY OF THEM GIVE YOU THERE PLAN. THAT IS ALL IT IS, DESIGNED TO EVOKE SOME IMOTION FROM YOU TO VOTE FOR THEM. THERE IS NO IMMIDIATE SOLUTION TO THE SPECULATORS OF OIL, YOU CAN'T REMOVE THEM. ALL SOLUTIONS WILL TAKE TIME. SEN OBAMA KNOWS THAT, AND HE IS NOT JUST GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR.

THINK ABOUT IT, OR DO SOME RESEARCH FOR YOU.

Sure   April 30th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

But Americans always needs everything NOW!!

Roger   April 30th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Small business provides most of the jobs in this country and many are struggling because of the dramtic rise in fuel. Obama must not get that. We aren't talking about saving someone $5 a week, we are talking about thousands to some companies. Obama is out of touch with average american…………..pie in the sky speeches just don't cut guy.

L MIAMI FLORIDA   April 30th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

COUNT OUR FLORIDA VOTES ASAP !

NO HILLARY = NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VOTES !

ENOUGH OF BACRACK OBAMA !

sigh   April 30th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

1) could you Obama supporters, please just for once, stop acting like you are so much smarter than everyone else
2) if Clinton's and McCain's proposal is typical old school washington politics, then what is their opponent denouncing it without proposing an alternative (with all the money you guys are donating you would expect he could afford a 1-minute ad to at least mention his proposal…and I mean some hard facts, not just biofuels and better fuel efficiency…anyone can come up with that)? Is that change?
3) how long do you think it would take him to set up any body to scrutinize the oil companies income, etc…can you afford to pay more and more for gas and groceries for the next 12-18 months
4) it's the OPEC countries who set the price they want. Everybody needs oil and only a few actually "own" the reserves…
what Americans need more than ever is a tough lesson in personal responsibility! Government can't pay for everything and can't intervene in everything…

Roger   April 30th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

It is no gimmick Obama. I run an EMS company I can tell you that the dramatic jump in fuel costs is harming our company and will hurt employees chances of receiving the raises they deserve. I know that there are many other companies struggling as well. I guess you just don't get it or understand what the small business community has to deal with. Go Hillary!

Kat   April 30th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

WHO IS OUT OF TOUCH?
Just now, listening to McCain on CNN, He says that the ~$30 in savings from the gas tax being lifted is a big deal to us little folk out here and is sure to give a lift to my morale!

I do not think so!

To lift my morale it will take the election of Obama to the Presidency.

Jen   April 30th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

Obama is really out of touch with the regular people. He does not need this 30.0 $. If he needs more money he can get them from Tony Rezko.

McShame   April 30th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

I call it the Clinton-McCain plan to prop up oil companies during these difficult times.

It's absolute DC-think, and they're both in love with it.

They both think Greenspan can save the US economy, too. Despite overwhelming evidence.

The problem isn't that Obama hasn't been in DC long enough, it's that these two have been there too long.

Obama 2008

steveda Poconos pennsylvania   April 30th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

You guys make me laugh with the "we NEED a short term solution". Three months??? What is that going to do for you? Do you not use energy to heat your homes in winter? There simply is no real short term fix for an issue that developed due to long term government inaction. This issue started with the oil embargo of the 1970s. it was then that we should have moved as a nation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and seek alternative fuels. Nearly 40 years later we now act like we are surprised that it has come to this. Wake up … refuse the short term slapdash fixes our govenrment has become famous for and demand a realistic plan!!!! obama is the only candidate to get it right.

King   April 30th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

This is why corporate owned media wants to talk about Wright rather than issues becuase Obama unlike his opponents has researched and hired researchers to understand America's gas problem. Clinton and Mccain can barely pay their campaign staffs. Wright = Corprate America's Smoke screen. Bait and switch for you gun owning religious folk

axt113   April 30th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Donovan you ignorant fool, the reason he no longer supports it is because he saw the 2000 one failed

axt113   April 30th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

People who think this will help them no it won't it'll result in higher prices, you'll lose more than you gain

carlo   April 30th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

First of all, Politifact, a non-partisan organization, said on POTUS today that the claim that Obama voted for a tax holiday is "barely true" and a "total distortion." He voted for the tax but noted in his vote that although he didn't think it would help, he would give it a chance. When it came up for a new vote, he voted against it.

Almost all of the economists who have spoken out on this issue have said that this is a bogus solution, due to the fact that the demand would go up, the oil companies would raise the prices, and there would be no savings. In addition, Congress is NEVER going to approve that stupid tax on oil companies she is proclaiming.

Hillary Clinton is PANDERING, just like she did when she started that dumb moratorium on foreclosures crap, which most economists have said is a recipe for disaster.

See: Obama supporters do something a lot of Clinton supporters don't do-they read.

Joe Schmo   April 30th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

HILLARY HAS SOLUTIONS!
OBAMA HAS DRAMA!!!!!!!
DOES THIS MESS BELONG IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION?

VOTE FOR SENATOR CLINTON!!!!!!

Joe Schmo   April 30th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

HE IS SO LAME!!!!
IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE ?
PATHETIC!
GO HILLARY CLINTON!!!!!!

Tony B B.C. MI   April 30th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

It has come to mind that 5 years ago before we went to invade…. I mean went to war to oust Saddam Hussien….. I don't believe that the gas was what, 3.75……………… and the majority of the Iraq people where living a great deal better than they are now….. and there where no such beings known as insurgents! ooooohhh and there were 4,000 American soldiers still alive,, well most of them were still in high school……………………….besides that I believe more people have been killed in the past five years in Iraq than .Saddam was responsible for in His 20 plus years as dictator……………I don't know , but these things may have played an important role to these current conditions……… If not someone please do explain………. but there has to be something better than a gas holiday……. if that is what they want to call it……………………….

Jim   April 30th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

To Mike,

If you go with Hillary on this one, MAY YOU DRIVE ON YOUR LOCAL BRIDGE WHEN IT COLLAPSES because YOU JUST HAD TO SAVE THAT $10 a month.

And guess what? You'll probably end up saving $5 or less as the oil companies raise gas prices on you. And face $15,000 in emergency room bills when the bridge falls down with you on it.

THE GAS TAX HOLIDAY IS A SHAM. FACE IT EVERYONE!!

madison   April 30th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Yeah! Rah!
GO OBAMA!!!!

Jim   April 30th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

K:

Are you an idiot, or are you an idiot?

you are wrong.

Hillary is WRONG on this one.

Obama says NO GAS TAX. Hillary wants gas tax holiday that will turn out to be a mess for the US HWY TRUST FUND and only ENRICHES THE OIL COMPANIES as we SAVE NOTHING.

How you see anyone copying another in this topic is mind boggling.

The only copying here is Hillary copying McCain.

d   April 30th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

mr. obama is correct. Cutting the gas tax would be horrific for this country. First of all -
1. increase pollution
2. cash strapped states need the funds
3. After labor day the prices will sky rocket
4. the tax is needed for roads
5. The big oil companies will increase their prices

I hope obama really explains this to people that a cut on the gas tax would be the dumbest thing to do

Jim   April 30th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Obama is the only candidate with enough integrity and allergy to PANDERING (You can ask Hillary to show you how to do that) to stand up and calls this GAS TAX HOLIDAY for the SHAM IT REALLY IS:

Drop gas tax, no measure to control gas prices = oil companies raise prices to take advantage, and all the money "saved" from tax removal goes straight to the oil companies, AND US HWY TRUST FUND loses 10 BILLION DOLLARS.

In this world where Hillary and McCain will say ANYTHING to get a vote, including "plans" that will hurt everyone except the oil companies, Obama stands up and challenges us to use our brains and resist the knee-jerk response and the LIES that only Hillary and McCain have no shame to perpetuate.

Dave W   April 30th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Generally I am a Hillary supporter, but I must say that I prefer Obama's approach to the problem of high gas prices. I do not like the fact that Hillary came out quick with an ill-considered and ineffective plan that nets nothing while consuming legislative energy. I like the fact that Obama considers the problems a little more carefully before responding more thoughtfully. I think this is a good quality for a President. Nothing is so urgent that it requires a knee-jerk response. It's not a timed debate; it's okay to consider your actions carefully.

Chris L.   April 30th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Why listen to Bill? He sold us all out. Higher gas prices don't have to be here to stay. Part of the reason we have higher gas prices right now is because we decided to outsource jobs to the most populous nations in the world (China and India). Now they can afford gasoline powered vehicles. So to me the answer is simple. Stop investing in those countries just so we can keep a few extra bucks. Even if a billion Chinese only ride motorcycles, they will run up the price of oil.

Michael from Notre Dame   April 30th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

this plan will help no one! $10 a month savings is an insult. all of these hillary supporters are demanding obama reveal his short-term plan…but here is the problem–every expert has said that there is NO short-term plan that won't cause more harm than good…the clinton/mccain plan is an irresponsible attempt to get votes…that is poor judgment if you ask me

Raf In California   April 30th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

PEAK OIL folks … read about it

There is NO answer to this except get OFF oil. It is a hard fact to swallow but 120 dollar oil is going to be looking real good after 5-10 years when it is double that or more.

Obama is the only canditate that has the courage to call it like it is and therefore is the best choice. On this issue we need candidates that will tell the American people the truth and yes we will have to start conserving and investing heavily in other renewable energy sources.

Kevin-Seattle   April 30th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Okay maybe we all can use an extra $30 for whatever reason but this knickle and dimes in our pocket will cost the government $9 Billion dollars in revenue to our already growing deficit. Now I ask you, do you still want the $30 now for your children to pay for later? Come on people, we are smarter than this……….

Antoinette   April 30th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

I dont agree with it either

He said we'll only save 30 dollars over the course of the summer and others have confirmed it also

30 dollars isnt even a fill up in my car

More long term solutions and less short term ones

paul   April 30th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

It occurred to me that Hillary's posturing on this is a replay of what happened in the buildup to the Iraq war (thought with lower stakes this time, of course). A Republican pitches a proposal that is poorly thought out, but has a certain populist appeal; polls (internal as well as public) show that the idea is taking hold among the voters, especially the less educated; Hillary sees a chance to score points by moving to the middle, so she grabs the mantle from the Democratic side and loudly insists that "leadership means taking action now". And if you oppose it, then you must not care about the struggle of average American families… just as those who opposed the Iraq war were accused of not "standing up" to dictatorship and terrorists.

In effect, she becomes the dream of certain right wing Republicans.. a top Democrat willing to be a hand-waving advocate for their crazy ideas.

This is what Hillary Clinton's "Solutions for America" are all about, what her "35 years of experience" boil down to. She may be awfully smart, but since her decision-making is driven by short-term political calculations, what difference does it make?

MCD   April 30th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Honesty wins out in the long run.

Fantastic! The man has solutions, not photo ops. I hope the right people see this ad, or is it more important to be doing photo ops at gas tanks and talking about a band aid tax?

OBAMA 08!

Hoosiers for Obama   April 30th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

truth yes, pandering no. Things are gonna get worse before they get better, folks, regardless of who is in the White House. Gas will go up more along with the cost of everything else. We might need to do something sensible like consume less, stay home more, not buy plastic crap made in China and sold at Wal Mart and focus on things that matter, like family and neighborhood.

leon IN   April 30th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

SOLOTION!!! OBAMA O8

ErinOK   April 30th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Approx. $30 is not worth risking our bridges and roads. Hillary's plan is flawed. Even with the tax holiday, supply and demand would raise the costs to negate any savings anyway. IN & NC - you are being lied to just for votes!

OBAMA 2008!

Kitty   April 30th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

It's a lie to tell the American people that she can get money from the "windfall tax" to help offset the gas holiday.
But that is not unusual for Hillary, — the lie part that is. Or wait, did she just "mis-speak " again?
The American people are just not going to be fooled by this. Where's Bob Reich when we need him to campaign with Barack?

EBC   April 30th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

That's GOOD go after Sen. Clinton on her phony "PANDERING" ADS. That's all they are.

Do Americans really think the Oil companies making BILLIONS of dollars are NOT going to raise the price of oil MORE if they are taxed? Are you kidding me Sen. Clinton? I mean the savings don't even add up to a full tank of gas.

AND

In her recent commercial Sen. Clinton is shown standing next to a WHITE driver pumping gas. Another political PANDERING at it's best. The commercial also mentioned is the FACT that Sen. Clinton has NEVER pumped her own gas!!! I guess NOT, since you are worth $109 million and riding around in limousines and private jets!!

AND she NOW claims that she lived in Indiana too. I thought when she was in PA she claimed she lived in Scranton, PA. NOW, we're in Indiana and NOW she's claiming that she lived in some small rural white town. GEEZZZZ, Sen. Clinton, I guess NEXT you'll be telling us you lived in Puerto Rico, Guam, Kentucky, etc. Wow… .

Wow….if you Americans are buying her PANDERING wink-wink THEN you deserve another 4 YEARS of Bushman's politics.

Wow… who is the TRUE elitist here.

Disgusted in Hayes   April 30th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Why in the world are you in the media extolling and embellishing to the public a gas tax holiday when, if you were responsible journalists, you would be encouraging less use…I am disgusted with you in the media who seem to find a way to embellish any proposal that will appeal to the consumer's pocketbook and not to their long-term well-being. FYI, I am neither Democrat or Republican, and quite frankly, am disinclined to vote this fall because none of the candidates have said one thing that appeals to me.

Mace   April 30th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

To all the people complaining about what to do NOW!!! Here is my two cents. 1) Drive less 2) Purchase fuel efficient automobiles 3) Continue to save money and spend less on immediate/knee jerk purchases in order to pay for gas. Seriously, Obama is the only candidate who I have heard say he wants Americans to remember what it means to sacrifice in order to lift up our country! McCain and Clinton seem to pander to the quick fixes which are widely popular but do nothing except to delay future problems. I've had enough of people in government telling me what I want to hear, how about we switch it up and tell the American people what we all need to hear. Go Obama!

Katie   April 30th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

On Good Morning America this morning, an economist said Barack was RIGHT about the gas tax relief, and McCain and Hillary are WRONG! They're summer gas relief will not bring much relief, if any!

Ian   April 30th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Sharon from Minnesota,

You of all people should understand why the gas tax is important. Look out your window at I-35 North out of Minneapolis if you need a reminder.

John Smith   April 30th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

How realistic can we get!!

Why has Hillary not been dragged to the press to explain

1. The actual Bosnia event. We still need the truth from her

2. The NAFTA deal by Bill, and the gains they are now making from those past deals ($109 million)?

3. Why she is still married to an ex-president who was impeached in this nation (lots of sexual scandals).

and the list goes on

Matthew Chicago   April 30th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Who is guaranteeing that prices will come down if the tax is suspended? They did this in IL and the companies/station owners pocketed the money. THe prices did NOT fall

Lino "Hussein"   April 30th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Beaautiful ad, congrats Obama team.

Don't miss this one too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C9bkuJliMY

honkey white guy from cali   April 30th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Hey Sharron in Minnesota! The public education system seems to have failed you! Every expert in the industry both economics and petroleum have stated that the Mc Cain and Clinton tax break will do nothing! in fact it will make the problem much worse! most will not even see the federal tax decrease because the stations being good business man will not lower the prices but instead take the extra money to line there pocket and in the long run hurt as alot more and make us even more dependent on foreign fuel. He has long term solution written out very very plainly so as that even someone like you with a limited education can understand it is not his fault that you and many other Clinton supporters never read! You listen to your queen and do her bidding like a bunch of brain washed lemmings it is so sad that so many in the US can be mislead that easy!

Go Obama 08 Yes we Can

Carol Myers   April 30th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

to @americans,

Hillary never rejected Michigan and Florida vote but has always wanted them seated. Obama must not have wanted Michigan's votes because he took his name off the ballot. There wasn't any rule against this because he decided to leave his name on Florida's ballot. Just another example of his "judgement".
I wouldn"t mind saving $30 at the gas pump this year, but I'm not an elistist Liberal like Obama, just a woman who has voted Democratic for over 40 years.
Nobama Go Hillary

Nicolas Smith   April 30th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Pandering and more pandering. Guess what America it will not stop. Young people like my wife were ready to vote but now they are all turned off. Both of us feel insulted. I think I wasted my time in college when politicians play with my destiny. they set the guidelines for success by policies and to see people like the Clintons and Bushes play with my future.

jeff   April 30th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

25-30 dollars savings over a long term fix? This just shows how Clinton goes for the headlines, but mis-represents the results.

50 year old college educated white male for Obama

Susan MO   April 30th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

He could be very well wrong!

JP   April 30th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

Obama is the only one willing to tell the American people the truth for a change!

Obama is the only one who:
* has told the truth on the gas tax
* has not said "obliterate" or "bomb bomb" IRAN
* has repeatedly said we need a new approach to foreign diplomacy (in case anyone thinks our current one is working!)
* was rignt on the money in 2002 - before we invaded Iraq - he said "it will fan the flames of anti-American sentitment around the world and cost Americans billions of dollars and thousands of lives"
* the only candidate left who was right about Iraq - showing good judgement from the start
* the only one who has outright refused to take lobbyists money and who has very publicly said he wants to change lobbyists influence in Washington (crickets from McCain & Clinton on that issue).
* the only one who has said that nuclear proliferation is the #1 threat to America, not terrorism. Nuclear arms in the hands of terrorists or rogue states is the #1 threat to the world.

See this if you want proof of his sound judgement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1LhCch-JEo

Obama 08   April 30th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

I have become convinced that American voters would rather be pandered to and lied to than to hear the truth.

God help us with four years of either Clinton or McCain.

Geri   April 30th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Doesn't Obama remember when he tried 3 times to get this thru in Illinois and it got voted down every time.

Dave   April 30th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

A three month gas tax holiday would spike demand, especially over the summer months. Increasing demand while doing nothing on the supply side will INCREASE gas prices not decrease them. Then, when the tax is added back in, we'll really get hammered. Obama is right - stop the pandering and the quick fixes, let's get to the root of the problem.

Maxine   April 30th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Before we get off oil, we have to do exactly what Obama is saying. I tell you these quick fixes are useless and are only what the American people want to hear, so people can get elected. How is Hillary going to deliver all of this………She can't it is the same reason her Health care plan didn't work before.

Get real people and think about it.

Maestroh   April 30th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

So Senator Obama for all his professing that he is for 'the little guy' doesn't want to give 'the little guy' some relief at the pump?

Sharon   April 30th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

Hello…..it's supposed to be a quick fix….temporary immediate help for those struggling to buy food right now! I guess Bo would rather do nothing and his rich supporters don't understand how much $10 means to some people in this country….BTW….go ask the truckers how much it would help THEM!

Debbie   April 30th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

You GO OBAMA. DON"T STOP MOVEON.ORG - Let them do their job. The media does you no justice, so let moveon do their job.

susie   April 30th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Why isn't Sen. Obama helping out the crime problem in Chicago, his home state? Has he done any good in Illinois during the time he has been a Senator?

Lisa   April 30th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

How can anyone with any sense think saving $9 or $10 a month for the summer is gonna help. McCain actually said we could use the extra money to go on vacation. Where does he expect people to vacation?? Their backyards?? It is not a solution and anyone who thinks that it is going to help is naive. McCain and Clinton…aka McClinton… think the America people are too stupid to do math and are just gonna fall all over themselves with gratitude. Well I for one am not impressed.

Dee, MO   April 30th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

It's great how Hillary always seems to be agreeing with the Republicans. Makes you wonder is she a true Democrat?

Jayson   April 30th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

Every time the oil companies release their earnings it is big news. However nobody ever points at the fact that the federal government does nothing and takes in more money then all the "big bad" oil companies. Now just imagine if those companies were drilling in the US instead of outside of the US. The government would be taking in even more money since they would be entitled to royalties on the oil.

Time and time again politicians have raised a fuss about supposed price gouging. But just like the claims that Bush should be impeached their is nothing to back up any of the claims made. Not to mention the fact that for all the calls to do something about the rising price of oil the environmentalist hold enough clout to make sure that a comprehensive approach to the problem will never emerge. As long as we import oil and gasoline instead of taking advantage of our own supplies the price will be heavily influenced by every conflict or possibility of conflict in oil producing nations.

Different Mike   April 30th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Ken, you need a new calculator. .82 cents per gallon tax (nationally) with the average tank being somewhere between 16 and 22 gallons comes out to between 13 and 18 dollars per fillup savings. I would say that's a little more than a couple of bucks Einstein.

Jerry Judy Canton, OH   April 30th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Obama voted for a gas tax holiday THREE times in Illinois.

Tim Rivers   April 30th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

"Obama Voted to repeal the gas tax as a legislater in Illinois
in 2000! Whats with this guy anyway. Obama is trying so hard to out think the other candidates, that he is compromising his own integrity
in the process."

Actually, Google this information a little better. Yes, Obama voted for a gas tax holiday in IL. Once it was in effect, the price of gas did NOT drop because the oil companies and station owners decided to keep the increased profits for themselves. When the idea came up again in another year, he voted against it for the same reasons he opposes it now - it will not drop the price of gasoline appreciably and will have little effect on long-term or short-term pricing.

Nick Mann   April 30th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Obama has never seen a tax that he does not love. His pro-tax record speaks for itself. For those of you that think he will only tax the "rich"……..your drinking the KOOLAID.

Truth   April 30th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

This is true…
What will be the benifit of 18 cents. If you shop well you may find a gas station chaeper by this amount
McSame and Hillary are jokes. Each have more than 100 million $$ in the bank and they don't care about us..
What? 18 cents?

Betty SC   April 30th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Hey everyone what did Bush say to Hillary and McCain about a tax holiday? I don't think they even have the rights to suggest this with Bush's approval and the vote of congress. People Hillary and McCain wants your votes not a solution to our problems. Wake up people and smell the coffee. Obama is trying to help but you are criticizing him for telling you the truth. Then if you don't believe him shame on you and then when it don't happen go figure.

Stephen   April 30th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Her plan is to do everything Obama is proposing and more with the tax breaks. And that is the "truth"

Jamaal Kansas   April 30th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

There is no immediate plan anything the tell you would be a lie because if it was something immediatly that they could do it would have been done last year and the year before that there is no short term solution this is a global problem people is like Cancer you just can't give it antibotics to cure it because it will not work and Senator Obama is merely telling the truth

Precious   April 30th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

And iif I save only 10.00, it would be a little bit of something I would never have had. I could use it to buy bread, eggs and sugar, or I could use it to add to my grocery bill. I was always told that "every little bit counts". I could also give it to someone who is hungry.

HRC won't be able to do anything!   April 30th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

HRC won't be able to accomplish any of her pandering, she will owe to many big corporations favors for financing her campaign. And we will be left to hang and dry….I truely believe that is why she was unable to accomplish anything when she was first lady. People! How soon everyone has forgotten the scandles that came with the Clintons when they were in White House. Nothing has been said about the fraud case that has been filed against them, How come? She says that she has been fully vetted, more then likely not, there is always something shady going on with the Clintons. How come China donated to have his library built? A lot seems strange with them, I for one do not trust them. If the pastor, flag pin, and being an elitest is the worst about Obama, then he sould be elected tomorrow. I want my president to be better then I am, so IF he is an elitest, that's great as far as I'am concerned.

candi   April 30th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Okay you dumb Hillary and McCain gas tax freaks. Can you take that $10 or so saving of gas and feed your family for a week. No. This is not like a tax break holiday that you go to the stores and buy anything you want without paying taxes for three days. Things that you buy during this time can be seen as useful many months away. The prices of these items for tax holiday will go back to the orignal price or even higher. No for gas tax holiday. We need for them to bring the tax down instead of raising it later.

Lisa Salt Lake City, Utah   April 30th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

The $25 savings in gas will not pay for the alignments needed when you are driving over the pot holes. Also with all the workers getting laid off who would be doing the road work - will now have their homes get foreclosed on too — just so you can save a $1 or $2 when you fill up - and probably spend it on coffee or soda at the gas station.

jay   April 30th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

IF HE SOOOOOOOOO SMART, WHAT IS HIS PLAN????????????
THESE WORKING PEOPLE NEED RELIEF NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patsy L Paschke   April 30th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Why all of a sudden is everyone concerned about Gas prices? Oh I know why, its election year. Where were the politians when the gas prices starting going up when Bush took office. The price of gasoline at that time was $1.29 a gallon. Has anyboby bother to look into Bush buying gas stock since he became the Boss. All three candidates are nothing but lairs.

Jamaal Kansas   April 30th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Refreshing to see a politican that care about the American people and can actually tell the truth so refreshing Keep going Barack we are with you all the way we see through there false promises

HAWK,TEXAS   April 30th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

WHEN YOU ONLY MAKE $700.00 A MONTH ANY SAVINGS HELP. AND AS TO THE TAX FIXING ROADS IT IS ONLY FEDERAL ROADS. THE OTHER TAXES THAT THE STATES LEVY GO TO STATE HIGHWAYS. SURE OUR ROADS ARE I TERRIBLE SHAPE. BUT THE ROAD MONEY WAS SPENT ON BUSH'S TAX BREAK FOR HIS SUPER RICH FRIENDS, TAX BREAKS FOR BIG OIL, AND HIS MISBEGOTTON WAR.

Different Mike   April 30th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

The only thing gouging us Barack is the Democratic Congress who has now filibustered two seperate votes for oil exploration here on our own soil. If we harvest our own we can control the price, If we buy from someone else they control the price. It's amazing some of those "smart" people in congress can't figure this out. By the way, Shell Oil Co sold 114 billion in oil last year and pocketed 7.4 billion dollars. As a business owner myself I would not call a 7.2% profit margin a "windfall" to use your term.

TwoCentsWorth   April 30th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

I'm with Clinton to the bitter end, but I have to say that a gas tax holiday is a very bad idea. The so-called relief for the individual consumer is so small as to be down-right insulting. The whole debate is a diversion from more serious issues. Moreover, the actual loss of revenue in the aggregate will have a really significant effect on funding for infrastructure repair. The stop/start costs for a tax hiatus will only be handed back to the consumer in the future. Higher gas prices could be seen as beneficial, as reducing fuel consumption and therefore carbon emissions. Also, now that Bush has started smirking over high gas prices making the public more amenable to ANWAR drilling, I'm very willing to pay the high prices until he rolls up and goes away.

D.Kimbro OHIO   April 30th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

To all of the Obama haters, he is the only one to oppose this bad ideal as well. Right on the war, right on this pandering. Hillary is looking more and more like a republican every day. Of course she will say whatever it takes to try and steal this nomination.

Sharon Minnesota   April 30th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

If you want the truth about the blame game for the 35W bridge collapse in Minnesota, Google (35W bridge collapse blame) . I didn't find any mention of Bill Clinton or the gas tax so I think the nut job who has been trying to equate the two has been a little off his track today,

Michael, Ms   April 30th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Bush got elected by saying that going to Iraq our gas prices would drop cause Iraq had so much oil, he pandered to the people and by electing him we fell for it. Hillary and McCain are doing the same thing pandering to the people with a quick fix, they will say anything to get elected. Obama might not get elected but his alternative fuels in the long haul is the way to go, we have to get away from this dependency of oil its like a noose around out necks. People that want an overnight fix are living in a dream world, prices on gas did not get where they are over night. Everything takes time and Barack has the right idea even though it might not get him elected, I have to respect him for at least telling us how it is and not playing the pandering game.

Tjaye   April 30th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Thank you. I am amazed at how so many Clinton supporters are open to anything she offers them without question. I will give her credit; she knows her supporters and how to string them along.

A.K.   April 30th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Sharon Minnesota, nice to see you on here every day making pro-Hilary comments, despite the real issues. Is an extra 30.00 for groceries over the course of the summer that much relief to you? I find it hard to believe you can manage to be on the internet every day if you need 30.00 that badly for food. Shouldn't you be working? Or is it false sympathy for the people you're conjuring that would be helped by this tax plan? I would be part of the "traveling public", but I couldn't afford to go anywhere with or without the cut. You should become informed on the issues before spouting your "mumbo jumbo".

FRED, Atlanta GA   April 30th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

To Sharon in Minnesota: I don't know how much extra groceries you are going to buy for $30.00 LMAO!!!!! $30.00 is not going to get you much extra AT ALL!!! I wonder what will you have to say then when gas just sky rockets and when you get to the pump your going to have to decide either on GAS or FOOD it's to the point where we have to make life decisions at the gas pump im not down with short term solution for a easy 3mos then come fall I can't afford any gas at all and neither will you. So sad how BLIND and I do mean BLIND these BILLARY supporters are….

OBAMA 08/12 YES WE CAN and YES WE WILL!!!

JOHN   April 30th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

THE GAS TAX GIVES ME GAS . HILLALIE IS DOING A FLIP FLOP ON THIS ONE HER MATH ON THE GAS TAX IS LIKE HER MATH ON WHO HAS THE MOST VOTES IT'S VOODOO MATH.

BL   April 30th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

But… Obama has no plan at all.

I cant wait to NOT vote for him.

A.K.   April 30th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Your "temporary, immediate relief" is your tax rebate. Is ten dollars a month a great relief to you, K?

Nunya   April 30th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

It isn't going to save you $25 in the first place. Supply and demand rule. A lower price will mean that consumption will be higher than it was, and the actual price you pay won't go down by the full $.18. So you would gain in immediate terms less than the $25. And in the long term, you would pay far more because gas taxes fund road repairs, and less repairs to the roads means more repairs to your car. So in the long run, you very likely end up *worse* off if the tax is suspended.

Willy   April 30th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

Libral's hate tax refunds

Dal   April 30th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

tax is 18 cents a gallon.
10 gallon tank = $1.80 saved per tank full
4 fills of gas per month = $7.20 a month.
6 month short term = $43.20 for six months
12 month saving will be a whopping $86.40.
At this saving you will be able to eat a $1.00 burger from McD a week plus 80 cent fries.

Hillary have save you what? Think and do the math don't depend upon HRC's New Fuzzy Math.

Read the Facts   April 30th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Hillary wants to tax the oil companies so the funds do not come out of transportation. Please… read the info in its entirety before you yet again write vicious words about her. Go Hillary!

Brian   April 30th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Yes, better efficiency!

Steve   April 30th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Why can't we have it both ways and Re-instate regulation on the OIL CO.s other Country's do it .
But then 30 other country's have 100% of there peolpe covered with health Care
17 other countries Rank higher in education
5 other countries pay for state run College Edu.
I can Go ON & ON
I Love this Country but we seem to going Backwards for most Americans will I Travel up & down the East Coast

jd   April 30th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

OBAMA IS HONEST TO SAY WE WILL SAVE VERY LITTLE. BELIEVE ME I DID THE MATH! Thank you Sen. Obama for being truthful. After all who can trust Billary, remember the Bosnia Lie. OBAMA /08

reality check   April 30th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

well hes a flip flop

"Obama voted three times for a tax holiday when he was in the Illinois legislature. Legislators were responding in 2000 to gas reaching $2 a gallon in the Chicago area."

Tony, Miami   April 30th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

K

Do you know why this silence? Can't ask you if u r one of the high school drop out

Sinbad   April 30th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

This 'tax holliday' is reminscent of the 'bank holliday' by Pres. Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression. If you pacify the publics worst fears than you've accomplished something…you have fooled them into thinking that you have solved a problem.
Wasn't it last year a bill was proposed to raise the taxes on oil companies? Wasn't it our own government that pleaded with Americans not to vote for it? So why is Hillary expecting her proposal to be successful this time? I'm trying to stay open to each candidates ideas, but there IS NO quick fix. ANY SOLUTION MUST be a longterm solution, just as it took time for us to get into this situation.

GL   April 30th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Amazing how little homework the people of this country actually do. Thanks to our 30 second clip media, they've managed to train an entire generation of Americans to have the attention span of a gnat. And with that were left with Hillary still running and the possibilty of McCain winning.. How sad for all of us. We deserve to be paying $8.00 a gallon.

There are no quick fixes. Repealing the gas tax for a short term is not a solution. Will cause reprehesible damage to the long term that will result in $8.00 a gallon. Bio fuels aren't the answer either. At least from corn or sugar cane. Why do you think your food bills went up so much this past year? You don't think diverting tons of corn to a worthless process of creating biofuel didn't have anything to do with that? Currently the only viable crop worth converting into biofuel is sugar cane. How much of the Amazon needs to be cut down to supply the US with enough sugar cane to even make a dent in the fuel prices? What do we about global warming once the rain forrest is gone? Won't matter, we'll all be dead at that point.

You see all of these issues (jobs, taxes, biofuels, global warming, gas prices, food prices, etc. etc.) are all interrelated. You cannot fix any of them simply focusing in on one of them. Certainly not by repealing a gas tax for 3 months. Each of them looked at separately right now, only causes greater problems downstream.

There is no way that McCain can navagate these interconnections, he can't even decipher who's fighting who in his parties war in Iraq. No way Clinton can find solutions and be "ready on day one" to face these issues, she's too busy with 3am phone calls and taking roll call at Trinity Baptist.

Our only hope is for CHANGE. Drastictic change to the entire system. That change starts with Obama. It only takes affect when each of us realize that we too have to change, rather than expecting everyone around us too. Time to take some ownership and some responsibility for the mess we are in rather than tring to find someone to blame. The oil companies are not to blame for this 100%… currently they are the beneficiaries of the climate we've allowed Bush & Washington DC to create for them.

Wake up people.
Do your homework.
Stop commuting in SUV's.

Obama '08

Richenel ( The Netherlands, EU)   April 30th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

It is very curious to see a big difference between the knowledge and intelligence of Obama supporters and Clinton/ McCain supporters.

For months i am watching the comments on articles here on CNN. For example this one….. every well educated person knows that the focus on low prices for just three months will end up in a high demand, more costs for oil companies and even higher prices after that season.

And what about the environment?? Obama seems to be the only one who cares about it.

It is very obvious to me that both Clinton and Mc Cain are trying to get votes by choosing not very realistic solutions.

I hope that both Clinton and McCain supporters will think more about their solutions in a critical way. Perhaps they will awake and choose for the more longterm and better solutions.

Cathy   April 30th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

If Senators Clinton and McCain want to disagree with Senator Obama and virtually every reputable economist on the issue of a gas tax holiday, that is certainly their right. But if they are making this argument out of conviction rather than as a political gimmick, why don't they get back to Washington and do what senators are supposed to do: introduce legislation to implement what they propose on the stump?

Neutral   April 30th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

HEY! A DOLLAR HERE, A DOLLAR THERE, PRETTY SOON WE WOULD BE TALKING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS!!!

Darn! Koolaid drinkers, you all suck in MATH! No wonder its easy for Obambi to hoodwinked and bamboozled you! BWAHAHAHAHAH!

...   April 30th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Jay,

You can't just have a magic solution thats going to fix things immediately, plans like that do not work would you rather have an extra 10 dollars a month for three months or get a permanent fix

Jo   April 30th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Ken — we have people in our country that have to drive to work. When they have kids, a mortage, medical bills, and insurance to pay — a few dollars a fill up will help. We have people choosing between gas and medicine and gas and food. Hillary plans to work for alternate fuel sources and help minimize some of the pain Americans feel when they go to the pump. Obama jumps on one small part of her plan and stages an attack so that uninformed voters will be misdirected. He is the "spin doctor." Hillary is for real. My votes is for her.

Neutral   April 30th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

A lot of you do NOT read. Gas tax will be taken from the windfall of oil companies, every profit they make for 6 months will be taxed much higher than they usually get so the American people can have a break from paying almost $4.00/gallon. You all listen to Obama, the man don't have any plan at all!

I thought you koolaid drinkers are "educated"………NOT!

The Dude   April 30th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

We have the technology to have cars getting as much as 100 MPG, but BIG OIL buys up the pattents and they never see the light of day! Sen. Obama is absolutely 100% correct. It's time the American people stand up and say NO MORE!

Research the Tesla Rod - Free energy!

Go rent "How They Killed The Electric Car"

Seriously, you guys, no matter who you support in this race, we need to come together and not stand for this treatment. These guys need to be held accountable for their actions.

Common Sense '08!

Dusacre   April 30th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Is Clinton doing us a favor? Let see:

Yes you may save $25.00 or $30.00 on gas, but as a result and at the same time for the entire country will be short by $12 Billions dollars, this is the money needed to repair high ways, roads, and bridges and in addition about 351,000 lost jobs, these are the people whose works depend of fixing our roads, high-ways, and bridges or the people who work. Now the government will take money from somewhere (loan from China maybe) to pay for jobless compensation to the new 351,000 families.

God forbid your car breaks on the road because of bad roads or bad high way or a collapsed bridge. How much will you pay to fix your car. I bet more than $25.00 or $30.00. At the end how much have you as individual saved? How much have the 351,000 people who will lost their jobs save? How much will society as a whole save when we eventually pay back the loan to china or to whomever the government end up borrowing money from?

Money will come from the tax of the oil companies? No, the oil companies will raise the gas price and we will end up paying the oil companies the money they need to pay tax. So at the end we are the very people who will pay for that so call $25.00 or $30.00.

At the end we are worse off than we started; not only you don’t save, but we have bad roads, bad high ways, bad bridges, 351,000 jobs lost, and some will have additional cost to repair their cars.

This is the reason I don’t like the Clintons: they are smart and highly educated, but they use their intelligence to trick people and appear good to the very people they are taking advantage.

Lieutenant Colonel Fred   April 30th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

REPLY for Sharon Minnesota and others who think like she does:

HILLARY IS PROPOSING A SHORT TERM FIX FOR SHORT TERM MINDS.

WHY NOT BE SMART AND PUT ASIDE YOUR LITTLE INDIVIDUAL GAIN OF $30 BUCKS, FOR A LONG TERM SOLUTION THAT WILL DECREASE THE BURDEN WE'LL HAVE TO FACE IN THE FUTURE!

Senator Obama is being Honest with you people…you really need to pay attention.

MCCAIN AND CLINTON...NOTTTTTTT   April 30th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

People…..you will save a total of $30 for a WHOLE 4 months total.

GOSH…will people belive anything a Clinton says. That 9-10cents will only save you $25-30 total. Clinton fans we know you are special and you might need some help. The information below will help you understand why college grads are voting for Obama.

$25 divided by 3months = (estimated)$7.30 a month (SAVED)
$7.30 diveded by 4 weeks = (estimated)$1.82 a week (SAVED)

THIS IS CLINTON AND MCNUTS BIG SOLUTION. SHE IS NO LONGER INTHE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS. $1.82 OFF OF $90 A WEEK WILL IS NO BIG SOLUTIONS. STOP THE KITCHEN SINK METHOD AND SHOW ME A PRESIDENT!!!!!

melikeyhill   April 30th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Obama treats Americans like real people and grown ups, no more lies, its time to change Washington, obama 08!

Johnny   April 30th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

You're kidding yourself if you think $20 or $30 dollars over 3 months is going to make much of a difference in ANYONE'S pocketbook. And guess what, you're not even going to get that. As noted above when demand increases from the tax cut the price will jump even more, ending all benefits of the cut. The only ones who will really benefit is the oil companies.

Taxing their profits won't solve anything either, they'll just jack up the prices even further to recover their loses.

Get a clue, Clinton and McCain supporters.

GoHillary   April 30th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

We aren't interested in your SOCIALIST policies OB.

Hillary, please put this joker away - he's just a drop in the ocean.

steve   April 30th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

People fail to listen. Clinton said she would pay for the gas-holiday with a windfall tax on the oil companies. The hatred towards this lady knows no bounds on the Internet. She is the most qualitifed candidate (and yes she has her big share of skeletons). Let's have the country run by a rookie.

Venus   April 30th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Thank you Obama!

Obama for President!

sacto joe   April 30th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Clinton is pandering to the public. The truth is, there are no simple answers to this problem. 18 cents on the gallon (the total fed tax) is peanuts!
I'm tired of watching people drive Hummers at 70 mph!
We need a national gas card that prices gas on the basis of your income and rations it on the basis of your need!

Aaron   April 30th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Obama's plan makes the most sense. We won't actually save at the pumps becuase the oil companies will just raise their prices.

I also want to add that the two candidates that are for it are also deep in Oil Company PACs and lobbyists (conspiracy anyone?).

We need a fix not a band-aid.

As for Jay…first of all, as far as what can we do now, try carpooling, or public transportation.

Secondly, when you ask a question you end it with either a question mark "?" or if you want a loud question you can mix you puncuation makrs "!?!". For example: "Why can't people see past Clinton's obvious pandering!?!"

Lieutenant Colonel Fred   April 30th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

REPLY to K

There is no short term solution, because if they implement the "short term fix", we will be paying the price in the LONG term.

GOT IT!

Jay   April 30th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

"E. loz Miami April 30th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

You know $25-$30may not mean much for millionare Senator Obama but it means a whole lot more to low income families & truck drivers.
Besides, Clinton also shares the same long term solution but Obama seems not to care for a short term solution?
Politics as usual-Obama is misleading the facts & THAT"S the truth."

Clinton's are about 100 times richer than the Obama's

…So you think youre going to save 30$ a month? Wait a month later, you'll be spending the same amount as demand increases and prices go up without the tax. Meanwhile the bridge you've been driving over is crumbling.

You want to save money? Get a bike. Walk. Take Public transport. Stop buying plasma televisions and read a book. There's a lot of things left to cut as far as costs go. If gas is your chief concern, you have a problem.

Penn State   April 30th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

If the price of diesel fuel increases, the transportation cost for trucking companies increases. If the transportation cost of the trucking companies increase, the trucking company charges the manufactures more money to transport their goods. If the manufactures cost increase, they charge more money to the customer for their products such as milk, eggs, bread, cereal, etc. So, not only are we saving the cost for fuel, we are also saving ourselves the cost for other goods as well.

Obama does not know what he is talking about. CNN, please post this because people need to know this. It is a very large cause and effect scenario.

Sante   April 30th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

(Please Post)

I personally believe that the NObama/Wright controversy was staged.

I believe that NObama used this farce as an opportunity to get on a platform and look emotional and apologetic to the American people.

I believe that NObama knew that he was losing momentum and needed to appeal (emotional) to the country.

NObama knew that he NEVER denounced himself from Wright, so he needed to try and do the right thing, to appeal to the Catholics, blue collar workers and white male voters that he was losing.

NObama and Wright are like two peas in a pod, this was staged I say!!!

Go Hillary!!!

Don't buy into NObamas false beliefs, he's a wolf in sheeps clothing!

Did anyone else believe that this could be?

Cynthia   April 30th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Senator Obama tells it like it is. I wish voters would really listen to each of the candidates on the issues and research and ask someone if you don't know for sure. Politicians will tell you anything to get your vote.

Jed in Texas   April 30th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Threaten to nationalize the oil companies and see how fast the prices drop.

atn   April 30th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Why is Obama against a plan very similiar to the one he just voted for-the stimulus plan. It too is a short term plan that was added to the deficit. If the tax plan is pandering, what was he doing when he voted for the stimulus plan?

CL   April 30th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Better the gas tax plan than nothing. Sort of like his speeches.

Chuck, Oregonians for Obama   April 30th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

To save $50 a month on this gas tax plan, I would have to purchase 275 gallons of gas each month that would cost me $1043 per month. This is just an example of how silly that is. Reality: to have a savings of $15 each month you would have to purchase 82 gallons of gas which is just shy of the average monthly consumption of most Americans. Over a period of 4 months you would save enough to by one more take of gas providing gas remains at 3.67 a gallon. Rolling back the gas tax will take tons of money away from fixing our already completely messed up national highway system. I ask you if saving $15 per month for a 4 or 6 months is worth that? Maybe it is a savings for the truckers, but then again that savings will not effect the price at the grocery stores.

Jay   April 30th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

IMMEDIATE PLAN!? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

How much are you going to save?

3$ per fillup. THREE… DOLLARS…

and then what happens? Ever head of supply and demand? we have a high demand and low supply = high prices. High prices are supposed to lower demand and reduce prices. If you lower the price while keeping demand and supply constant, demand will INCREASE and PRICES WILL INCREASE.

It's not an IMMEDIATE SOLUTION, its an IMMEDIATE SUICIDE PLAN!

You're being lied to. Think about it and vote Obama.

He's genuine. This is proof; ask any economist.

Lieutenant Colonel Fred   April 30th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Remember….

Senator Obama will tell the American people what they NEED to KNOW.

Unlike our other candidates who will tell you what you would LIKE to HEAR.

Think about it.

RonM   April 30th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Obama should have also pointed out that 300,000 road construction jobs would be lost if the tax was waived for the summer (that was the estimate on CNN).

As Bill Maher said when McCain proposed this "Grandpa is going to give you $5″. Now he can add "Old Aunt Hill" to that.

Liberty   April 30th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Repeal all taxes.. Income, Estate, property, sales, gas tax, luxury tax,
Shut the government down and let us keep our money to use as we please. That will end the recession overnight. The politicians would have to get real jobs.

Ken in Western NY   April 30th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

All you foolish people that think that this tax break on gasoline is a great idea - THINK AGAIN !!! Obama is the only candidate who is honest enough to tell us that it is a big mistake to do this. And it's not only Barack Obama who says it's a bad idea - a slew of economic professionals have come out to say how ridiculous this gas tax holiday is.

Clinton and McCain are only trying to schmooze those voters who don't have the time, energy of smarts to think it through, and who think that this is going to bring them big-time savings. Guess what - it might save you $30 overall - not each time you fill up your tank.

Chris in Va.   April 30th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Okay Mrs. Clinton and Mr. McCain, make it happen. You have 26 days until Memorial Day. Either you yourselves can make this happen or you are simply lying to the American people to get votes. It's up to you.

Michael Templer   April 30th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

The fact is the fundamental demand for oil is up and the supply is about the same and most likely within a couple weeks of the tax holiday the prices will go up since we don't itemize the amount of taxes we pay on our gas receipts.

if you don't cut the fundamental cost for oil or refining it or lower demand

the gas prices will go right back up

Why can't we buy that Iraqi Oil at cost

why don't we buy the Iraqi oil at costs until the difference between the cost number and the market price

equal the 2 trillion were going to spend on the war

Tom   April 30th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Mr. Obama? Ask a trucker if he'll save just $30 in 3 months of work. Or anyone who delivers products or does a great deal of driving for a living. $30 my ***! At 18 cents/gallon, many truckers would save more than that at 2-3 fill ups!! You really don't have a clue do you?

Dave, PA   April 30th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Funny that back in 2000, Obama was happy to vote for a gas tax holiday in Illinois.

It obviously is not a solution to the gas problem but it wouldn't hurt. I think he needs to explain the difference in his thinking now versus then. The argument that it would cripple the highway construction budget is ridiculous.

Without serious conservation, alternate fuels, and increased domestic oil production, the price of oil and gas will continue to rise.

phelgm   April 30th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

to rescind the federal fuel tax. would increase demand with the remaining short supply. thereby increasing prices.

the benefit of this gas holiday will be negligible to the consumer and detrimental to the government's future economic plan. but hey. you bleaters like it when the fat cats throw you a chew toy. why else would this country be so dangerously myopic.

John McHenry   April 30th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

I'm a repulican and I favor Tax cut but this one is a gimmick, OBAMA is the best of the 3 Candidates on this tax holiday on gas.It will lead to nothing but increasing the pockets of the oil companies and leaving the country with a deficit in fixing the highways.
Clinton should be 'Ashmed of herself 'borrowing themes from the GOP and she does not even believe in what she is promising. She will do anything; say anything to get elected and that is a shame. I will VOTE for the better Candidate with the right solutions but not a candiadte who wants to promise and say anything to be elected. Shame on You hillary. Learn to tell the TRUTH. I'm one republican who will tell the truth.

HillarySkank on myspace   April 30th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

And now President Bush is thinking about following along in the ill advised McCain/Clinton "tax" holiday scheme. So what happens when the prices still go up and our highways don't get the repairs they need? We will pay higher taxes for the summer break.

And what would Hillary say when this happens? Whoops, I mispoke again.

scott   April 30th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Ill take the break they will get my money for roads and bridges through my recent rise in tabs. and if they want more cash for roads stop making them look like they are made out of granet or limestone hills. stop paying all this money having people acess the roads and coming up with ideas like leave the road we will just put up a overpriced wall to block the sound. or make 2 lane roads into 1 just because. I lve 2 blocks from the Mpls. bridge that went down they happen to of been working on it when it went down. 9I FRANKLEY THINK IT HAD TO DO WITH THE REPARES. want money for roads quit spending it stupidly and give me alittle back now while they sit and figure out the long term fix.

Incoming Sniper Fire   April 30th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Today marked the 7-month that violence has escalated in Iraq! I guess the media isn't interested in that story. Today almost 500,000 plus U.S. Citizens have had to face home foreclosures. I guess the media isn't interested in that story as well. Today Iran put a halt to the sale of oil to the U.S. because they said the dollar is too weak. And Iran is also pressuring the OPEC nations to join them. I would've thought the media would think this story is important to U.S. citizens considering all the talk about oil tax and the economy in the upcoming summer months. This is what Sen. Obama is talking about when he points to the fact that in every election cycle the MSM and politicians engage in the body politic like some sporting event, instead of the life altering impact the wrong decisions have on this country and the rest of the world. It is very sad that the world is watching this nation become a shell of its promise of a true Democracy. They are looking at how MSM is hijacking the electoral process, along with bought and paid for politicians. It has to be quite perplexing to see CNN cover elections in Pakistan and critique the process, when they are part of the very problem why things don't change right here in this country.

D   April 30th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Obama is right on this one. And this coming from a non supporter of Obama's. We need to lift the moratorium on drilling on our lands and seabed. We can also make oil from coal as this was done many years ago…….and would cost us today about $55/barrel of oil. I think Congress should PUT THIS COUNTRY FIRST for once. We can use this oil to increase our supply while at the same time giving this country TIME for an alternative fuel supply that will actually work, unlike the corn based ethanol that the Politicians so drastically PUSHED before looking and thinking of the consequences. Typical Poliiticians if you ask me. LET'S VOTE THEM ALL OUT, and VOTE IN THOSE THAT WILL ACTUALLY WORK FOR WE THE PEOPLE.

Dusacre   April 30th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Very good Obama, this is an excellent ad. Stick to the truth no matter what. American people are smart and good. All will be well at the end.

Joseph   April 30th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Gas tax suspensions DO NOT WORK!

Oil companies cannot raise their supply fast enough to meet the increased demand so the price of gas increases to right about what it is without the tax cut. So who benefits from the tax cut?

THE OIL COMPANIES!

Illinois experimented with this a couple of years ago. Our roads are a disaster due to the tax dollars lost that would have gone to maintain them.

If you want relief to your gasoline bill, carpool, ride a bike, take a train/bus, walk, in other words, DRIVE LESS. Sure a lot of driving can't be avoided, but I bet a significant portion of the driving that a lot of do would be considered voluntary or not necessary.

This is just pandering on Clinton's and McCain's part to get them through an election not get you through the summer.

NickNas   April 30th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Finally a leader who tells the TRUTH and just not what people want to hear so they can REALLY get what they want…..POWER!!!!

America for Obama   April 30th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

THE DEM RACE IS OVER PERIOD.
NEWS CHANNELS LOVE TO MAKE IS SEEM LIKE IT'S STILL ON.
WHY?
MORE VIEWERS, MORE CLICKS ON THIER WEBSITES=MORE REVENUE FROM COMMERCIALS AND ADS.
CNN, I DARE YOU TO POST THIS, YOUR STAFF KNOW FOR A FACT THAT CLINCTON STANDS NO CHANCE. YOU KNOW THAT OBAMA WILL BE THE DEM NOMINEE.

Lynn in Iowa   April 30th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Obama is right, Clinton is wrong. Period. Tell Minneapolis citizens that we need to suspend the gas tax while they try to replace (not merely repair) a major bridge. As pointed out in earlier posts, it is truly nice to have a candidate treat us like adults, tell the truth, and be upfront to us. Clinton is just another politician saying what she needs to get a vote, hoping that we are all truly uneducated like she thinks we are.

Ilona Proud Canadian   April 30th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Ken in Western NY,

Yes you are perfectly correct! That stupid saving, of about $30 over the summer, will take away more than $1billion in the maintenance of roads, highways, bridges, you name it. It will also take away over 300,000 jobs (the people who are responsible for taking care of these projects) and it WILL drive up the price of gas, because people will tend to drive more, this will create higher demand relative to supply.
This is just a stupid short term band aid, it just sounds good to people who just see a couple $ in savings. Clinton and McCain are just taking advantage of those people who really cannot grasp these concepts. Sen. Obama is right, you have to look to long term changes. I hope the American people will open their eyes and realize that McCain and Clinton are both dead wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell the truth   April 30th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

People do not like to hear the truth. Obama is willing to tell American people the truth. I do not know if that wil be his down fall. Thanks Obama for telling the truth. I understand but do not know if other people understand.

Dave W.   April 30th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Clintons plan would only see the oil companies raise the price again to make up for the amount Clinton is going to take awat from them. Everyone else can see it except the Clinton supporters.