May 1, 2008
Posted: 07:31 AM ET

From

KOKOMO, Indiana (CNN) – Hillary Clinton is defending her proposal to eliminate the gas tax this summer, as rival Barack Obama and some economists continued to criticize it as a gimmick to appeal to voters that won’t actually impact their wallets.

“You’re going to hear from my opponent, and you’re going to hear from columnists and you’re going to hear from talking heads about how there’s nothing we can do about these gas prices except to have a long-term plan,” Clinton told supporters at an Indiana rally Wednesday night.

Clinton and McCain are calling for a summer gas tax holiday.
Clinton and McCain are calling for a summer gas tax holiday.

“Well of course we need a long-term plan,” said the New York senator. “But I’m not going to sit idly by and see people go out of business who are independent truckers not able to continue to choose between food and gas because they can’t afford either. I’m not going to sit idly by.”

To illustrate her point, Clinton rode to work with a steelworker from South Bend, Indiana, Wednesday morning in a pickup truck. In a staged photo-op, they stopped for gas and paid over $60 for just under three-quarters of a tank.

Clinton has said hers is a short-term solution that would mostly benefit truckers and drivers with long commutes. She plans to introduce legislation in the Senate in the near future.

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Indiana


Af.   May 1st, 2008 11:39 am ET

Oh shut up, Hillary. You useless hag.

Danny Beaulieu   May 1st, 2008 11:41 am ET

If by "talking heads" Hillary is referring to anyone that knows anything about economics, then yeah I guess they are all disagreeing with her.

Obama will be President   May 1st, 2008 11:41 am ET

Yeah…why don't you borrow another one of McCain's horrible ideas like a gas holiday…..are you kidding me? FIX THE PROBLEM dont add to it.

Hillary, admit it you're a Republican aren't you?

sacto joe   May 1st, 2008 11:42 am 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!

fred   May 1st, 2008 11:42 am ET

You go girl!!!

Hillary has more brains in her little finger than Obama has in his whole body!!!

YES YOU WILL!!

Veterans for Obama   May 1st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Why hasn't anyone shut her mic off? If we ignore her, maybe she'll get the hint and go away!

Dale Wise   May 1st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Number of Delegates:
Indiana: 72
North Carolina 115

Don't be fooled. North Carolina is the big prize, not Indiana. If Hillary can't 'close the deal' and win North Carolina, then this race is over - despite what the media and the Clinton campaign portrays.

Cammi317   May 1st, 2008 11:43 am ET

When you learn how to actually operate a gas pump and are actually paying for your own gas, then I'll give you some consideration. As long as the Secret Service is pumping and the tax payers are paying for your gas, you will never understand the common mans woes.

Veterans for Obama   May 1st, 2008 11:44 am ET

STUPID IDEA! That will accelerate demand imbicile! I expect this kind of thinking from Mccain, but Hillary is supposed to be smart, delusion yes, but smart.

Milwaukee for Obama   May 1st, 2008 11:44 am ET

And as a presidential candidate, how exactly is she going to make sure her proposal is effected?

Juno   May 1st, 2008 11:44 am ET

Oh Hill, if you rob Peter to pay Paul, who pays Peter, ME?

mama4obama   May 1st, 2008 11:44 am ET

You are still missing the point Hillary. Twenty or thirty dollars is not going to make a big enough difference and in the end we will suffer for taking that bait.

Why not take that "windfall" tax and put it into the alternative fuel technologies that exist.

Pull that big head out of your hind end and think. This is not going to work. Stop trying to say that it will. Hillary you only have today in mind.

Obama has our future in mind. What really counts?

Its the future for me that counts.

OBAMA 08.

Greg in Memphis, TN   May 1st, 2008 11:44 am ET

Clintion it's clearly that you don't care what happens with gas prices in the future. "Quick Fix" is what it's called….

Obama 08!!!

Beverly   May 1st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Go ahead Hillary, Keep shoveling, some people will buy your BS. When another bridge collapses because there was no $ to fix it due to your 3 month bandaid, will this be another mis-speak.

Obama for President   May 1st, 2008 11:45 am ET

And I suppose in the Fall, when elections are close you will push to have the tax reinstated, I don't think so…..actually you won't be the nominee, so it wouldn't matter to you.

28 year old White MAN in FLORIDA   May 1st, 2008 11:45 am ET

She is lost……….
Obama 08

Becky in In.   May 1st, 2008 11:45 am ET

At least she is trying to solve problems. But for her effort another superdeligate stuck his political finger in the wind and went wishy washy. What an absolute idiot!!!!!!

tidho   May 1st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Why was she sitting idly by until now? She's in the legislative body of the government right now. Gas prices have been plenty high for longer than the last two weeks. Why didn't she introduce this scheme to congress two years ago?

Maybe because its a bad idea. I just hope that, given she has a shot at the Presidentcy, she is smart enough to realize it. Its one thing to think voters won't be smart enough to realize it and play it politically, but if she actually believs its a good idea, well that's a little frightening.

If you fund it by raising taxes on oil companies, oil companies will rase their prices (or cut jobs, or alternative fuel research). That's what corporations have to do to stay competative in a free market. They aren't villians.

Dumbest Solution Ever   May 1st, 2008 11:45 am ET

WOW! Hillary must think Americans are stupid. The gas tax isn't the problem. What is she going to save us about 30 to 60 dollars? Give me a break!

If these are the kind of solution you are bringing to the table with all of your "experience".

NO THANKS!

DO NOT VOTE FOR HILLARY!
OBAMA is the right choice!

Very Concerned   May 1st, 2008 11:46 am ET

If Hillary is elected, will she testify in Paul V. Clinton? The judge said on 4/25 that she does not have to testify until after the election. So….if she wins….will the President of the United States of America testify in a trial for campaign fraud during her senatorial campaign?

Can the President decide not to testify?

If Bill is convicted….will she pardon him?

If President Hillary Clinton is found guilty…what then?

I don't know what is more sad….that a President may have to be embroiled in a trial right after the election…..or the fact that THIS IS NOT IN THE NEWS.

Have we lost the plot or what?

OJW   May 1st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Right, re-act to the situation and not respond. Reaction-suspend the gas tax–with no thought for how it will affect the country later… Make me happy now… so I won't see the future… Wow, are we really this blind…?

Obama is a GODSEND   May 1st, 2008 11:46 am ET

This is the best you can come up with…..do we need more bridges to fall because of lack of infrastructure funding. Please keep my gas tax money, i want the overhead freeway to NOT fall on me.

Independent   May 1st, 2008 11:46 am ET

She is just playing short term political games. We all know that the tax holiday in gas will not do anything for the people, it's just a political tactic to win the election by lying to the people that will do good thing for them. Only President Obama says the truth, that's why he is winning the most pleged delegates & states won. He will win the nomination and democrats will be united in FALL, and we will have a Democrat as President in 2008.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   May 1st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Ok, while she was riding with the driver and watching him get his tank filled up, her entourgae was driving behind her in full sized SUVsand the press corps was driving in their vehicles. allof these vehicles idling, wasting more gas while she tried to make a point which has been overwhelmingly dismissed as a political ploy by politicians and financial specialists alike!

Hillary, if you are going to to offer up a remedy, it is aa good idea to 1. come up with your own instead of stealing it from the Republican party and 2. make certain that it would actually be beneficial and not add to the pain being felt by Americans. i think this is another case of her campaign and staffers letting her down because they should have known better. Now, she can't back down without looking even dumber than when she did to push the proposal.

Obama in 08, 12   May 1st, 2008 11:47 am ET

GAS HOLIDAY=FALLING BRIDGES

A CANUCK   May 1st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Hillary is like a chameleon……and becomes what and who she needs to be on any particular occasion………will the REAL Hillary please stand up …….so we will know what to believe ??

Alex   May 1st, 2008 11:49 am ET

All experts said it is a BAD IDEA but she continues with her cheap lies… People are not stupid, they read, listen to and THINK…They see who is telling the truth - Barack Obama ! If media were doing their job as supposed to - they would slam your proposal very hard!. Thanks God, we have NYT and Washington post who are doing their job and telling people the truth and WHO YOU REALLY ARE, HRC.. The polls show that 60% of voters don't trust you… So, continue to lie, Clinton..

Change 2008   May 1st, 2008 11:50 am ET

There she goes again. Sen. Clinton is willing say or do anything to win the presidency. Even at the cost of the Democratic Party.

In every state she has promised that demographic of people something. I have an idea…Have Bill use some of their $100,000,000 to help us poor folks out.

John Kampe   May 1st, 2008 11:50 am ET

I hear comments from the two Democratic candidates and Republican candidate concerning high priced fuel and how they will address this issue when they are elected. All three have been and, still are, members of Congress
and have had ample opportunity to make a difference in the past. Why should we believe they will make a difference in the future when they surely didn't in the past?

Cha Ching!   May 1st, 2008 11:50 am ET

Sweet Lord, what the desperate will do to pander for those few votes from the one making minimum wage. Have you NO tact at all woman!!?? If she's this pig-headed and desperate to get votes at the future cost of our bridges and the inevitable excuse her and McWalkingcane's plan would give the oil companies to hike it up at the end of the Summer, I don't know what is!! Stop it already ffs!! You have LOST Hillarity!!!

Obama, Honesty, Integrity, Perservance.

Bill from Fl   May 1st, 2008 11:51 am ET

If anyone will fight for the american people it will be her.

She has demonstrated she won't back down from anyone.

Jay   May 1st, 2008 11:52 am ET

GREAT JOB HILLARY!!

Obama has no clue what to do. He says that is a temp problem solver? Well, it helps. You have no solution at all. At least while Hillary has proposed this, she will work for something better in the long run. Every penny helps, but you would know nothing about that.

Ron, TX   May 1st, 2008 11:54 am ET

Yeah, 18 cents a gallon makes a WORLD of difference…

All of a sudden, people can start buying t-bones and porterhouses instead of sirloin and chuck steaks!

Oh wait, no they can't…

Kris   May 1st, 2008 11:54 am ET

I won't sit by, instead I will steal an idea from John McCain that sounds good and has been slammed by all major economists who say this is a bad idea. Ready on day one??? Not according to this plan.

Greg   May 1st, 2008 11:56 am ET

Is she going to pay for our gas?

Fred up north   May 1st, 2008 11:57 am ET

TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! TIC ! THE CLOCK IS AGAINST YOU HILLARY PPEOPLE ARE NOT SPUTID !
IF YOU CAN'T DAZZLE THEM WITH BRILLANCE , DAZZLE THEM WITH BULL !!!!!!

Alex   May 1st, 2008 11:59 am ET

Short term & long term solutions are needed. Go Hillary !!!!

Bill   May 1st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Why? She has so far. The entire democratic congress has done nothing about rising gas prices. Why change now?

Alex in TX   May 1st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Hillary, you need to study economics. We expect a president who is playing chess not checkers. Eliminating the gas tax for even a few months could have ramifications on the nations infrastructure not to mention eliminate construction jobs.

Stop pandering to the electorate by promising $70 off their gas bill this summer and think about the big picture.

Nobillary Andobama   May 1st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

The hypocrisy that is rampant in our country makes me want to vomit…

We whine about high gas prices, yet we still drive around in gas guzzling SUVs and hot rods.

Instead of looking at alternative methods of transportation (car pools, hybrids, bikes, public transport, etc… ;) Americans complain that this solution inconveniences them and drive their gas guzzlers up like sheep to the pump and fill up while cursing and blaming the government it is their fault that gas prices are so high….never bothering to think that the always increasing demand against limited supply could actually be driving the prices up????

ABC=Anybody But Clinton   May 1st, 2008 12:01 pm ET

OH PUHLEEEZE Hillary…….ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!! GO LEARN HOW TO PUMP GAS AND WORK A COFFEE MAKER!

honkey white guy from cali   May 1st, 2008 12:01 pm ET

It is funny there is not one expert Democrat or Republican has anything good to say about this. She has been caught in a bad judgment!

Go Obama 08 Yes We Can

David, Silver Spring, MD   May 1st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Hillary won't sit idly by whenever there's a chance to pander to the voters or exploit an issue to get votes. Why won't she tell us her gas tax vacation will mean fewer roads will be repaired, fewer bridges will be made safe, and fewer people will have jobs this summer?

Her behavior in this and in the Wright affair show everything that's bad about modern American politics.

Snowcat   May 1st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Before all you Hillary haters start in on her for proposing this short term fix you should remember that while Obama is critical of this proposal now he voted for the very same thing here in Illinois. Just one more example of the man's duplicity. Of course everyone knows this is not a long term solution. but it would still help people through the summer. Obama doesn't care,. Hillary does. Oh that's right Obama doesn't have to worry about gas prices…He gets carted away on the backs of the people he is trying to deceive. Stop the Drama Stop Obama

so ironic   May 1st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

You forgot to mention how Senator Clinton said she has not pumped her own gas in years. Way to relate to Joe Q. Public, huh?

JJ   May 1st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

A possible $30 Savings is hardly enough to "stop people from going out of business" Translation: "I want to win in Indiana so that I can stay in this race and ensure democrats loose in November". People are starting to pay attention Hillary! you cannot bamboozle the American people anymore, its not the 90's anymore its 2008. The sleeping giant is starting to awake from its long slumber.

Debby   May 1st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Well at least she is doing something now temporary unlike Obama who just blows alot of hot air in his stumps.

True Independent, MD   May 1st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

What is she going to do, force Iran and Saudi to reduce oil price with her confrontational attitude, get us into more Chinese debt?
One line responses will no longer get her elected. Even non-college educated blue collar workers now see through this charade.

so ironic   May 1st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

So again, how does this short-term solution help the average person?

Sc, Shawnee   May 1st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Hey Hillary, remember Iraq? You are the reason the gas prices are the way they are! You voted for it. In reality, on a 20 gal tank of gas, I save $3.68, that is if the station would lower the price, and that $3.68 won't buy me a gallon of milk, but maybe it would cause another bridge to collapse because the fed won't send any more money back home.

No More McSame   May 1st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Ever been to a to a gas station lately Hillary? When was the last time you people think that she has touched a gas pump and I am not talking about Bills?
She can try to paint Obama with any kind of brush that she wants but we know the truth. Obama is closer to us than what she is.
Obama08

alexis   May 1st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Yes, yet another example of how Billary is trying to buy this election. Wake up America! Who is going to have to pay for her billions upon billions of "solutions"? Why not have a thoughtful, sustained policy instead of giveaways?

Unite the clans!   May 1st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Unite the CLANS! I have supported Hillary but will vote for Obama in the nc primary because he will be the nominee. I also want to push for Hillary to be on the ticket as the VP.
We can no longer afford this division and in fighting while Rush and Bill O'Reilly are laughing at us and encouraging chaos in our party.

The time has come for Unity! Get on board!

ITS NOT 3AM EVERYONE PLS WAKE UP!!!!   May 1st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

LIAR-YOU WILL SAY ANYTHING TO GET ELECTED. ALL OVER THE PLACE WITH PROMISES YOU WILL NOT FULFIL. I DON'T TRUST YOU ON ANYTHING.

WHY DIDNT YOU DO ANYTHING ON HEALTH CARE WHILE YOUR HUSBAND WAS IN OFFICE? TOO SCARED OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT GAVE YOU MONEY OR WAS THAT YOU COULD NOT WORK WITH REPUBLICANS?

WHY NOW??? OR WAS IT BARRACK??

Laura V, NJ   May 1st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

YES!! Finally someone is doing something about this. Our economy is going down the tubes which no one seems to be doing anything about including the President we have now. Its ridiculous, we need the Clintons to bring back the economy we had in the 90's!

We love and support you all the way Hillary!

PRESIDENT 08′

sue   May 1st, 2008 12:05 pm ET

YOURE A PHONY.

Anyone with half a brain can see through this gimmick.

You are lying to our faces Hillary!!

Nunya   May 1st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

So maybe paying more for gas will cause him to get a vehicle with better gas mileage. Undoubtedly too much to hope for…

SS   May 1st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

What a hoax!!! Did you see how many LARGE trucks were in that motorcade?……

Kevin in DC   May 1st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

This woman's whole campaign is aimed at people who are fooled by instant gratification promises.

Paul Dobro   May 1st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Thanks for saying it Hillary, we need a president who ignores the experts and instead gives the people what they want, $30 more in their pockets.

Thanks for standing up to logic and intelligence of the so-called experts!

Hillary 08!

Ryan   May 1st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Although I strongly support Hillary, I'll admit that I know little to nothing about the laws of economics. So, if a bunch of economists who are much smarter than me are saying Hillary's gas tax moratorium is a bad idea, well, I'm inclined to believe them. But Obama and others are acting like this is Hillary's only solution to our energy problems, when she has long talked about a comprehensive, long-term plan. I understand that right now she's talking up the gas tax, but shouldn't the articles and commentary note that she has other ideas, too? And wouldn't it be more helpful to get some analysis on the strength of those ideas?

Darth Vadik, CA   May 1st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

You'll just flap your lips about it and then do the opposite behind closed doors.

Dave   May 1st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

You already are.

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   May 1st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Help. Somebody. Anybody.

Washington better start listening. How can they sit there and let the oil companies make record profits and watch the rest of us struggle to survive.

How can they send tens of billions of dollars to a foreign country and watch their own country diminish.

How can they let a corrupt administration continue to rape the American public and shoulder no blame for anything.

Kevin in DC   May 1st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Ask any economist, the amount even truckers will save is hardly enough to purchase even one meal.

Get real, Hillary. This isn't a short-term solution or even a "helping hand;" it's flat-out political pandering…which is really the only thing you're good at.

PA for Obama   May 1st, 2008 12:09 pm ET

The solution to rising prices at the pump ISN'T to take a gas-guzzling caravan of trucks and SUV's to a photo-op at a gas station. It's not only pandering of the worst kind, but it was also environmentally irresponsible.

But I forgot - Republicans don't care about the environment. After her appearance on Fox News yesterday, the only thing missing is Hillary's GOP registration card.

michelle   May 1st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

CNN ,
we get it your station supports Hillary ,
you are using Fox news polls and saying there is no margin of error ,and that Hillary is more able to win .
Please give Obama the same type of coverage that you are giving Hillary she is no Saint either and is less able to win against McCain that is why the Republicans are so willing to help her lie, cheat and steal the election against Obama.
If she is able to use super Delegates and fuzzy math I will vote for John McCain.
I used to have a great respect for Senator Clinton and CNN and now the last of the what was thought to be free Media is gone just like Hillary's Intergrity .

Praetorian, Fort Myers   May 1st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Why would Americans–allow her to spend our tax dollars to only help a small segment of the electorate–when so many are affected? Is this a good idea?

Why not target efforts and actions on something that will help all Americans like increasing oil supply within domestically controlled real estate?

Full of ideas–for some odd reason appear to only be targeted at those entities who may help her get elected.

Let's bring real change, and real common sense back to government!!

P.S. It is not Hillary or Obama.

Hattie / Chicago   May 1st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

WHAT ELSE CAN SHE DO ??? SHE HAS NO PLAN…

Curt   May 1st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

What an absolute joke!

Hillary wants to paint herself a normal 9-5 person??

Didn't even know how to get coffee at a convienent store but she feels our pain??????

Most of us can't even "afford" coffee at a gas station. We have to buy cheap coffee and brew it at home.
Please Hillary, stop it!! You are way out of your territory on this one. Then chatting on your cell phone while driving to work with the guy.

You don't have a clue!

Honest Abe   May 1st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

CNN showed how she set up that visit to the gas station in Indiana. How fake this woman is - and CHEAP! She paid half a tank of gas for the guy (in his borrowed truck). Where is her sense of conservation (that means saving gas for her uneducated supporters)? After planning that thing out - she could,ve used a hybrid or something, but NO a big huge gas guzzler was her choice! And just think… her plan will save the American family $30 this summer (WOW). Then gas prices will rise again in the fall! Is this how she plans on fixing the country. Funny how her gimic is aligned with McSames.

Anonymous   May 1st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Wow, just like one of "us."

I have spoken   May 1st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

That's right Hillary say and do anything. I mean anything…come on ride to work with a worker? Since being first lady, she probably hasn't even pumped gas.

chris   May 1st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Americans please listen. This is a case of simple economics. When Clinton or McCain removes the gas tax for the summer there will be an increased demand for gas. This will decrease supply and increase market speculation which will drive up the baseline cost for gas. Now when the gas holiday is over, gas will be more expensive than ever because we will have a new baseline cost.

Lets be smart about this and not fall for political gimmicks. Everyone knows you DONT get SOMETHING for NOTHING!

R.I.F.   May 1st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

The issue is that this so -called "short-term solution" will be a big time problem the very next month when the tax holiday is lifted. She is totally feeding voters that don't read and research a bunch of BS and someone needs to call her out on this.

Also CNN, it's not "some economists" , its every economist on the planet with a brain.

Vig   May 1st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

The reason I trust Clinton will do what she says: She's not all smiles, all the time. She has no investment in being Ms. Congeniality, like her opponent. She's not invested in image, like her opponent. She knows what she's talking about, unlike her opponent. She's vetted, tested, experienced and mature, unlike her opponent.

Th3rdpwr   May 1st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

"Introduce legislation", that the Republicans in Congress will stall.

If Hillary manages to win the presidency, she'll accomplish very little for the American people because of her contentious relationship with the opposing party.

Femi   May 1st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Sometimes action is not the best thing in every situation. there is a time to fight andf a time to refrain from fighting.

It is wisdom to know when to press the brake in a racing competition even though the goal is to move ahead.

She only mentioned that this would be short term measure with a proposed long term after he initial proposal came under fire. The long term one does not sound at all feasible.

Elfin   May 1st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

A temporary gas tax holiday is a superbly bad idea. It will either force the stalling of needed highway repair projects (reducing jobs and putting the already neglected infrastructure in this country at greater peril), or increase the deficit, which is like trying to empty a flooded basement with a spoon. Most likely a gas tax reduction would benefit the gas companies, by encouraging consumption, which in itself might put upward pressure on prices, eliminating the small price reduction. Even at $4 a gallon gas is still less than half the price of gas in most of Europe. We have to drive less, slow down to below 60 miles/hour, inflate tires properly, buy more efficient cars, and insulate our homes better. These measures would save more than a few cents per gallon tax reduction. Hillary Clinton, by joining McCain in this ill-conceived idea, proves that either (like McCain) she has no clue about the economy, or that she is willing to do anything to appear consumer friendly - even if this appearance is based on bad ideas.

Cooper   May 1st, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Pitiful how this woman panders for votes. Say and do anything to get votes. It's just so sad. I hope the voters see the gimmicks here. It was not a good idea in 2000 but somehow, she is running for president and it has become the best idea on Earth.

Al   May 1st, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Take the $30 you'll save me on gas this summer and put it towards some braces to fix that overbite.

Scott ATL   May 1st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

I don't trust her. She must owe alot of money and political favors to people to continue this dillusional campaign… (Can you say "Mafia")

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   May 1st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

HRC has absolutely no power, real or imagined, to control gas prices, and her suggestion that she does is insulting to anyone who knows this basic economic fact.

Jimmy Alderson   May 1st, 2008 12:16 pm ET

What do you call what you have been doing in the senate for the last several years? Gas prices have climbed more than 2.5 times what they were 5 years ago. And *now* Clinton says "I won't sit idly by"

She disgusts me

paul oregon   May 1st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

what a arrogant cocieted hypocrite hard to belive the things that come
out of her mouth. and billary claims to be a leader look at her honesty ratings. shes just another bush look at his rateings

NORTH OF THE BORDER   May 1st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

"IN A STAGED PHOTO OP." Everything about Hillary is staged. Did she at least pay for the gas?

Mike from Westchester   May 1st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

People - Consider this, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Rielly, FOX News, Lou Dobbs, and a host of other conservatives appear to doing anything they can to kill Obama's campaign and are even being very charitable to Hillary AND Bill, who they have professed to hate in the past.

WHY???????????????????????????????

Debbie   May 1st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

No, you'll come up with another con to try to trick the American people.
How much gas was used and money spent to video your pathetic drive for gas. You are so phony and your supporters are basically looking past your character. You're always pandering. You will be anything, say anything, do anything to get a vote. Will the real Hillary stand up. You were raised in every state in the US. YOu've bowled, fished, hunted, bought gas,drink shots, etc…. you disgust me.

Damian   May 1st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

She plans to help out trucking and transportation companies, folks who already make tons of money….I still feel the pinch of paying too much for gas, her "solution" doesn't really help me, yet she's trying to hype this gimmick. Beside, with those big users buying up all the gas while saving thousands of dollars, demand goes up, prices go back up, except the money doesn't come back to us in the form of better roads and bridges, but instead goes to the oil companies and big businesses when they capitalize on the high demand and profit in the end. She also probably came up with this strategy with the help of big corps who want lower transportation costs to make bigger profits, while still screwing over the little guy…unbelieveable.

Jim Shimmer   May 1st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Biggest liar in the world.

She sits on a pile of money and pretends to care about us ordinary Americans.

Sick! She wants to win by instilling fear in people just like Bush did!

Virgo20012   May 1st, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Seems to me that's what you were doing during your time in the senate. Anyway, I will not be voting for Billary. The government actual shut down because of grid lock with the Great Bill Clinton. No thank you Hillary!!!

LJ Blue   May 1st, 2008 12:18 pm ET

We could all use the $50 we would save if the tax was suspended for 3 months!!!

John Hofmeister, president of Shell Oil Co., the U.S. division of Royal Dutch Shell said,
"the U.S. set a goal to produce 2 to 3 million barrels more a day in this country, we would send a shock around the world that would immediately say to the speculators, hey, U.S. is serious."
I doubt that the US would benefit that much. Most of the oil consumption in the future is going to go to China and India, so unless we regulated it better, our oil would also go there, Shell oil is a Dutch company, not a US company.
We should produce more oil and mandate that excess profits go to alternative energy and our problems would be solved sooner than later.
Look at what already happened to corn as a fuel alternative, pushed by congress, now realized as not cost effective and we have to start all over again. Our government already Subsidizes the oil industry which allows them to have record profits and subsidizes farmers not to grow crops.

t   May 1st, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Its sickening the amount of political pandering she is willing to do just sickening.

Theresa, Ohio   May 1st, 2008 12:20 pm ET

I will say anything and do everything to get your votes - Hillary 2008

The Big Picture   May 1st, 2008 12:20 pm ET

We don't need your temporary solutions, we need a longterm plan to fix this. This is the veil of politics at its best.

This woman is a joke and becoming moreso by the day

Mer   May 1st, 2008 12:20 pm ET

so why isn't Hillary doing the only thing she will be in a position to do as a Senator….Working on lowering gas prices right now instead of pandering it as some great policy she will implement.
She is a Senator right now , what is stopping her from making this happen?

Pam   May 1st, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Seen the video of her trying to use the coffee machine at that gas station? So much for being one of the "regular" people!

William   May 1st, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Can someone please explain how either HRC or John McCain are going to eliminate the gas tax this summer when neither will be president . Remember summer 2008

trellskig   May 1st, 2008 12:21 pm ET

YEAH RIGHT!!! What ever lady!!!

mitch from ark.   May 1st, 2008 12:22 pm ET

you'll have to sit by and watch, as barack shows you how to really solve problems,for the long term.your pandering and dirty tactics will not work any longer.you do not have a monopoly on the white house,anymore.the white house belongs to all americans,and we're tired of the shame you've brought to it,in the past.

Geesh..   May 1st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Sorry but I am not going to vote for her just so she can risk construction jobs and save me only $30 for gas in a few months time. Its going to take time to press for windfall tax so that isnt going to help roads anytime soon but cost many many jobs and end up paying $200 for a rim and tire for a pothole that couldnt be afforded to be fixed… or peoples lives that a bridge didnt get repaired and caused damage like what happened before.

Get real Hillary.. your playing the Republican ticket not the Democrat! Maybe you should switch parties!

Linda from PA   May 1st, 2008 12:24 pm ET

She SHOULD sit idly by - like OUTSIDE of the campaign! Voters should be be surprised by her sudden interest in cutting the price of gas….she needs every vote she can get. However, even Hillary admits that this "short term solution" (i.e. as long as the campaign lasts) won't help the average driver - it is intended more for long commute drivers and truckers.

For the love of this independent   May 1st, 2008 12:24 pm ET

How about thinking before acting. Just a thought.

Promise Universal Healthcare didn't deliver.
Promise New York 200,000 jobs lost 30,000

Voted for shock and awe now over 4000 dead and 500 billion spent
"Begrudgingly" campaigned for NAFTA and now closed factories and lost jobs
Wants a gas tax holiday long term affect lost construction jobs or higher gas prices or both.
And let's not forget bring troops home without considerating advise from generals and Obliterating Iran.

These all sound good but everything has a long term consequences. Doing things without knowing the ramifications in not action it's irresponsible.

McCain proposed it. Obama said it was not good because the taxes go towards construction Jobs. Then Clinton said it is good but we will make oil companies pay. What do you think the Oil companies will do. Be nice and take a cut in profit and what happens when the holiday is over.

Jen B.   May 1st, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Her vote getting gimmicks are laughable and desperate.

RealityKing   May 1st, 2008 12:27 pm ET

What projects has Hillary ever supported that INCREASED our supply of oil?

Meanwhile, Senator Hillary Clinton has requested nearly $2.3 billion in federal earmarks for the next year alone. That's three times the largest amount by any single senator during this year. Obama and McCain have not asked for any pet project funds this year. In fact, McCain has never request any pet project funds, while Obama has released all of his earmark requests since being elected to the Senate in 2004.

When will Senator Hillary Clinton discloss her earmark history and reasonings??

rj   May 1st, 2008 12:27 pm ET

i don't think Clinton understands basic economics. a gas tax holiday will do nothing but drive up the price of gasoline even more since it will not do anything to lower the demand. if the demand goes up, the price will go up. If you drive 2000 miles/month and get 10 mpg then yeah, it might give some small temporary relief but if you drive the avg miles per month and get 20 mpg then you'll save about $9/month. I'm sure that will keep many people from starving or going out of business.

Jim   May 1st, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Over the past month, while McCain and Hillary tout the politically expedient but economically idiotic idea of taking away 18.4 cent gas tax….

the AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON has already increased by 20 cents over the past month.

Does this show you how idiotic and pandering and useless Hillary McCain's idea is????

if Clinton goes after oil companies   May 1st, 2008 12:29 pm ET

She needs to go after all US farmers and milk producers as well.

When companies that are agricultural in nature have quarter profits of 5,000% and oil has one of 15%, and we get mad at the 15%… you have a big problem.

Clinton and Obama know the bigger problem is not oil, but the government's lack of response. Focus all the attention on only part of the problem, and nothing gets solved.

Barry   May 1st, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Just out of curiosity…how many SUVs were in the Clinton caravan (while she rode in the pickup truck)? Does anybody know?

Gary   May 1st, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Get a clue lady. There is absolutely nothing you can do to stop the rising cost of gas, your husband said there is nothing that can be done as well. Give us a break from your pipe dream spinning. Jobs with higher wages or alternative fuel may hold the key. By the way, the gas station media opt was soooooooooooooooooo tacky.

Indiana voter   May 1st, 2008 12:30 pm ET

URGENT MESSAGE TO INDIANA VOTERS WHO ARE UNDECIDED.
Please pick up a copy of GLOBE on your next stop to the grocery or convience store……
There is very IMPORTANT message on the front page that you should read and make your voting decision on………….
the entire front page features hilary and just another scandal she is involved in…..
i dont know why the cnn news is not picking up on this.
this is a true story

Obama Supporter in NC   May 1st, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Yeah, and on her ride to the gas station with the guy in the truck she talked on her cell phone the whole time giving some radio interview.

Way to respect your supporters there Hillary!!!!!!!!!

This woman is so pathetic!

Independent-woman-voter-for-Obama   May 1st, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Sadly, people will be FOOLED by her! Can a president REALLY affect the price of gas?! NO!

What affects the price of fuel is: SUPPLY AND DEMAND! If we, Americans, would just CUT back our use of fuel we would see the price drop!

However, we need to face the FACT, that oil IS in short supply and we desperately need a president who has that courage to do the hard work it will take to get us off oil and into alternative fuels!

Please go to Sen. Obama's web site and read, inform yourselves about his plans for our future!

Tracy---Indianapolis, IN   May 1st, 2008 12:32 pm ET

This so called short term solution will not help, they can go ahead and take the taxes off the gas…….But who's to say they won't raise the prices up even more……..Besides why take money from the highways that some peolpe drive on everyday…………Thanks McClinton and McCain but No Thanks…………

Obama "08

Brendose, Oceanside CA   May 1st, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Hillary, why don't you ask an economist to look at your plan! You know why she won't? Because they would tell her that taking away a tax would increase a demand in gas, therefore RISING the price of oil and gas. Then, gas prices would be EVEN HIGHER, and she would have to put the gas tax back on top of the price after the summer is over, leaving Americans at $5/gallon.

In addition, creating a "windfall" tax would not work. This would again drive prices higher, for now oil companies would have to make an even HIGHER profit to be at the same level they are now. What does that mean? HIGHER PRICES!!

DON'T BE FOOLED BY THIS POLITICAL PLOT! HER PLAN DOES NOT WORK! IT WILL FURTHER DRIVE AMERICA INTO STAGFLATION!!!!

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