Comments on: Obama ad criticizes gas tax plan

By: J

Thu, 01 May 2008 02:21:58 +0000

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!

By: Just telling the truth

Just telling the truth — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:39:14 +0000

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.

By: spyturtle

spyturtle — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:29:41 +0000

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.

By: a4

a4 — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:25:59 +0000

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.

By: JAX, Florida

JAX, Florida — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:23:55 +0000

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.

By: Sure

Sure — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:18:18 +0000

But Americans always needs everything NOW!!

By: Roger

Roger — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:17:52 +0000

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.

By: L MIAMI FLORIDA

L MIAMI FLORIDA — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:15:27 +0000

COUNT OUR FLORIDA VOTES ASAP !

NO HILLARY = NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VOTES !

ENOUGH OF BACRACK OBAMA !

By: sigh

sigh — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:15:06 +0000

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...

By: Roger

Roger — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:14:06 +0000

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!

By: Kat

Kat — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:11:07 +0000

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.

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:10:16 +0000

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.

By: McShame

McShame — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:06:42 +0000

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

By: steveda Poconos pennsylvania

steveda Poconos pennsylvania — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:06:14 +0000

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.

By: King

King — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:04:17 +0000

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

By: axt113

axt113 — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:03:59 +0000

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

By: axt113

axt113 — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:02:34 +0000

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

By: carlo

carlo — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:01:27 +0000

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.

By: Joe Schmo

Joe Schmo — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:00:04 +0000

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

VOTE FOR SENATOR CLINTON!!!!!!

By: Joe Schmo

Joe Schmo — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:58:47 +0000

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

By: Tony B B.C. MI

Tony B B.C. MI — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:57:56 +0000

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............................

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:57:16 +0000

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!!

By: madison

madison — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:56:17 +0000

Yeah! Rah!
GO OBAMA!!!!

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:54:54 +0000

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.

By: d

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:52:46 +0000

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

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:52:22 +0000

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.

By: Dave W

Dave W — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:51:59 +0000

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.

By: Chris L.

Chris L. — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:51:05 +0000

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.

By: Michael from Notre Dame

Michael from Notre Dame — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:47:51 +0000

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

By: Raf In California

Raf In California — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:43:11 +0000

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.

By: Kevin-Seattle

Kevin-Seattle — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:41:44 +0000

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..........

By: Antoinette

Antoinette — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:40:41 +0000

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

By: paul

paul — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:38:48 +0000

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?

By: MCD

MCD — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:35:32 +0000

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!

By: Hoosiers for Obama

Hoosiers for Obama — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:34:10 +0000

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.

By: leon IN

leon IN — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:33:10 +0000

SOLOTION!!! OBAMA O8

By: ErinOK

ErinOK — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:30:09 +0000

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!

By: Kitty

Kitty — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:28:25 +0000

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?

By: EBC

EBC — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:27:18 +0000

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.

By: Disgusted in Hayes

Disgusted in Hayes — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:25:58 +0000

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.

By: Mace

Mace — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:23:36 +0000

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!

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:23:15 +0000

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!

By: Ian

Ian — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:19:39 +0000

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.

By: John Smith

John Smith — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:17:47 +0000

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

By: Matthew Chicago

Matthew Chicago — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:17:33 +0000

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

By: Lino "Hussein"

Lino "Hussein" — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:17:11 +0000

Beaautiful ad, congrats Obama team.

Don't miss this one too:

By: honkey white guy from cali

honkey white guy from cali — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:17:04 +0000

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

By: Carol Myers

Carol Myers — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:16:43 +0000

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

By: Nicolas Smith

Nicolas Smith — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:15:00 +0000

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.

By: jeff

jeff — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:12:29 +0000

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