May 3, 2008
Posted: 09:37 PM ET

From
Sen. Hillary Clinton stumps in a pickup truck in North Carolina, Saturday.
Sen. Hillary Clinton stumps in a pickup truck in North Carolina, Saturday.

GASTONIA, North Carolina (CNN) — Three days before the North Carolina and Indiana primaries, Hillary Clinton laid out the differences between herself and Barack Obama, attacking his voting record and his rejection of her proposed "gas tax holiday."

"I understand my opponent disagrees with me, he doesn't want to give you a gas holiday, he doesn't want to go after the oil companies. He wouldn't vote against them with the 2005 Dick Cheney energy bill and I did," Clinton told supporters.

"Sen. Clinton's been using this issue to make the argument that I'm somehow out of touch," Obama said earlier Saturday at a rally in Indianapolis. "Only in Washington can you get away with calling someone out of touch when you're the one who thinks that thirty cents a day is enough to help people who are struggling in this economy."

Obama has seized on the issue, pointing to analysts who say the legislation to tax oil companies' record profits is flawed. They argue that it would either have little impact or it would have a negative effect by either causing drivers to drive more or oil companies to
simply raise their prices.

Obama also made fun of the questions surrounding Clinton's plan, saying she could only find an oil lobbyist to go out and support it.

"The Obama campaign must be bitter about sliding in the polls and is clinging to these gas tax attacks out of frustration," Clinton spokesman Doug Hattaway responded.

Clinton said that her biggest difference with Obama is over health care, arguing that his plan isn't universal and leaves 15 million people uncovered. She also took him to task for not supporting her efforts to place a moratorium on home foreclosures.

"We've seen this from him before," Clinton said in Moorseville, North Carolina, about the candidates' division over the gas tax legislation, "instead of attacking the problem, he attacks my solutions."

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


zona   May 3rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Ken from Michigan—I, too, wonder about the Paul scandal and WHY it hasn't been more publicized. IF people would look THAT one up on google, they would see what America is headed for if Clinton wins.

I DO NOT understand how people can be behind a woman who has such a difficult time telling the truth. Is it that many Americans would rather have the security of something they THINK they know, rather than take a chance on someone new and alive with brilliant ideas? Are people afraid of change? Set outside the box, people. Vote Obama.

Give peace a chance…vote Obama, 08

Ohh No!!   May 3rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Fine we get a gas tax holiday for a WHILE. The price will steadily go up for three months to over $4.00 with out the tax, THEN BAMMM. The tax gets put back just when our kids have to go back to school. We could be paying $5.00 a gallon by that time.

Is our current president in hiding or something?

FOOD PRICES WILL SKY ROCKET.
JOBS WILL BE LOST.
CRIME WILL INCREASE.
PEOPLE WILL BE RIOTING IN THE STREETS.

Then what will she say "indeed I did have….", "WMD's cause it" or "Sorry that was Bill idea".

AudacitytoBelievethis____   May 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Senator Clinton's plan IS 'calculated'.

The thing that I can NOT GRASP is how clear and obvious this is but people are still eating it up! I used to think the American people were smarter than this. It does not take a college degree to figure this whole thing out so even the so-called 'Reagan Democrats' or Blue Collar voters should see this. ARE YOU PEOPLE BRAINWASHED OR WHAT?!?!?

I am going for the candidate with integrity and the ability to give it to us straight — OBAMA 08

GA Voter

Mr. Los Angeles   May 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Finally, a debate on real issues!

More gas consumption???   May 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Some of Obama supporters said lower tax would lead to higher demand and higher price. They are out of touch! With inflation and the sluggish economy, people are struggling financially. Our family and I guess million of other people are desperate to make end's meet this summer. What in the hell do you think we will use more gas this summer if we get a little bit tax relief?

Obama = out of touch + no solutions + a lot of speeches and oppositions.

Mae   May 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

James, she has no support for this in Congress and she is not the President. She can't do anything.
This is totally stupid.
And now she can't back out because she would have to admit it was stupid.

JFH IN NC   May 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

If you'll listen and read Sen. Clinton's positions, the gas tax moritorium is only a small part that includes a comprehensive Energy policy.

That's not anything CNN would want to point out. Just they don't want to point out the lack of understanding of the Electoral College system
the Obama supporters seem to have.

Bill in Rochester   May 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Seems like Hillary's gas tax pill is like taking an aspirin for your headache, when you need to follow Barack long term strategy and find out that you have a brain tumor and what to do about it.

dwc   May 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

She is just saying this is for some short term relief. I don't know about anyone else, but something is better than nothing right now. He doesn't have a clue about anything, that's why he either copies her ideas or attacks them. He tell lies just like every other politician, the difference is that he has absolutely no ideas of his own on how to fix anything.

Peter   May 3rd, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Hillary Clinton Solutions:
1. Gas tax relief – Very bad policy to anyone with ANY grasp of economics and business.
2. Foreclosure Moratorium – Very bad policy which increases credit costs and decreases credit availability,
3. Universal Medicare – Great policy which is incompatible with private insurance. The dream which has failed at Hillary Clinton's own hand and that will certainly fail again!

Wake up America ..you are being scammed by a person you already admit is a scammer, a liar and a cheat!

Nic   May 3rd, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I just don't think a gas tax holidy is really doing anyone a favor. Gas has gone up 100% in the last 5 years. 18 cents for 3 months isn't going to do anyone any good. I don't care if they'll save $30 this summer, they are still spending 100% more than 5 years ago. Lets actually fix the problem instead of throwing out a temporary relief strategy. The US can't afford anymore temporary fixes…

Matt   May 3rd, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Atleast he is saying what is correct and not just something popular that will win votes. I can't stand to watch clinton lie everyday, either about that Sniper issue or something else. I don't know how one can trust her as president, who repeats the same lie again and again and then comes out and says that she was tired and misspoke. She will do anything to win this nomination. If she does end up stealing the nomination from Obama, I will vote for McCain.

Jason   May 3rd, 2008 4:38 pm ET

My father called on Americans to ask what they could do for their country.

Those who answered his call built a movement that transformed our country and brought out the best in our national character.

Barack Obama has followed in that tradition — dedicating himself to public service as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago and then as a state and U.S. Senator.

Now, Barack is calling on a new generation of leaders to get involved and help transform this country.

The Obama Organizing Fellowship is designed not just to help win this election, but to strengthen our democracy by training dedicated volunteers in communities across the country.

Answer the call. Ask what you can do — for this movement, for our democracy, and for this country.

Thank you,

Caroline Kennedy

GoHillary   May 3rd, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Another lie from OBAMA!!!!

Hillary already said she would pay for it with a windfall tax on oil companies.

BO do you really believe the BS that you speak?????

Mario   May 3rd, 2008 4:37 pm ET

She says that there wil be a save of 70.00 for three months ohohoh Thats mean 3 full tank a day ahahahahah

Derek   May 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

This gas tax is just another example of how Hillary Clinton will say anything to try to get elected. How does this address the problem – Americans use too much gas. Also OPEC now represents less than 35% of the world's oil supply so they are not able to control the world price – it is driven by supply and demand – and people in Asia and the developing world as their incomes increase are buying cars and thereby increasing the demand for oil. WIth a world demanding a whopping 90 billion barrels!! of oil a day – American Oil Companies are going to need those profits if they are going to find increasingly scarce remaining reserves of oil in a world – especailly at a time when national governments around the world are increasing preventing them from drilling for oil in their countries.

Hillary is using fear and misinformation to scare voters. I am impressed that Omaba has resisted the temptation to jumping on this (gas tax) bandwagon.

Seems to me these two candidates are running to be president starting in January 2008. A gas tax holiday this summer before the convention has even been held is nothing more that a cheap political move that offers no long term solution.

Randle Bate   May 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

HILLARY IS A BIG, FAT PANDERBEAR!!

Donna, MA   May 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Hillary said that she would do anything to win. Now she is buying votes with gas tax. She has no power to do what she is saying. Wake up people. She is not tell you the truth.

Nate P   May 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Ok, maybe it's just me, however I was watching CNN and all Obama did was rip on Clinton's gas tax plan. What was his idea? I didn't see one. He just talked smack about one plan but didn't offer his own. I want some straight answers Obama

Venus   May 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Not only is she stupid but she's lying!

Not only will the gas prices continue to go up – but so would food and every thing else!

We are paying more for gas which is why we are paying more for food!

The smart thing would be to have us all ask Bush for some help – since he is still president.

It would be nice if this could be our last week with Hillary!

Go Obama!

observer   May 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

When you are solution provider, you solve the problem like hike in gas price. The solution is to ask insane profit-making gas companies, which don’t invent anything, to pay for the gas taxes and not many low-income Americans. When you are just talker, you can’t provide solution but say “its phony idea”.

Charlie   May 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

If one burns an average of 6 gallons a day driving to and from work My math comes up with a saving of $5.40 a day. Over a 3 month period of 20 days a month my math reads $324.00. That is worth considering instead of listening to a false prophet with no solutions.
Houston, Texas

chad   May 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

hey hilary supporters she'll give you 30 cents a day for the holiday to get elected!

Dmitriy   May 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Obama needs to rip into those people who are trying to silence Rev Wright. As an ex-Marine he, more than others, has earned his right for freedom of speech. He made that right possible for others. Let the reverent exercise his God given right.

kingsley   May 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

IS BILL SNIDER ON A CNN PAYROLL OR CLINTONS PAYROLL?

WHY ARE WE NOT SEEING HEADLINES ABOUT THE LOBBYIST FROM SHELL TRYING TO CO-SIGN HILLARY'S PANDERING TAX CUT.

OBAMA DESERVES FAMILY VALUE HEADLINES FOR HAVING HIS KIDS ON THE FIELD. THEY ARE NOT SURROGATES. THE WOMEN VOTERS WANTS TO SEE A MAN WITH FAMILY VALUES

OBAMA 08

Randle Bate   May 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Hillary should tell Bill that should he experience an erection lasting longer than three days he should immediately seek medical attention – of Monica.

Joyce   May 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Just a reminder that Hillary's proposal was to tax the oil companies, not pull from the highway/bridge budget. Obama does not have the experience to go into Washington and make changes. It takes more than a speech. She knows how to facilitate change. I am hard pressed to believe that Obama can move mountains in Washington when half of his church can't decide whether to back him or not.

Steve H minneapolis   May 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

well we wouldent have this problem if there were more educated people in this country These politicians think they can fool the public and they seem to get buy with it now mind you if we were more educated we all vote Obama and we wouldent have to listen to this crap our fault we validate those such as the clintons due to are ignorance

SC voter   May 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Obama just continues to attack Hillary's plan with no solution for himself, and just because her plan is a "quick-fix" to the gas problem doesn't mean that she isn't concered about the long run either…
Obama just continues to call her plan a quick fix, which it is, but its just along the road to a long term solution, admittedly neither one has clue on

Neutral   May 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

He VOTED FOR it.

Obama will SAY ANYTHING when its POLITICALLY EXPEDIENT for him to do so. He VOTED THREE TIMES for Holiday Gas Tax in Chicago in 2000, that is a PUBLIC RECORD!

This man is a FLIPFLOPPER!!!

Lets talk about Wright Obambi, you were outraged what he said but you did not denounce him. Without Wright, you're nothing!

Not Buying Your Gas, Hil   May 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Hillary must really think we're morons if she expects us to buy the idea that her tax holiday idiocy is possible at all, let alone ready to roll out this summer. Congress wouldn't touch it even if she were president right now, because it is universally recognized as a HORRIBLE IDEA. This whole pander is perhaps the most disgusting, contemptible thing we've seen from her yet, and I doubt she's come close to hitting bottom yet.

Michael   May 3rd, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Come on people, get real.

Clinton has real solutions and ideas to fix the energy crisis, and gas prices. All Obama has done has said oh that won't work that is political pandering. Well guess what where is your idea then?

You are always saying Cliton is negative, Clinton is like Karl Rove, well then stop attacking her ideas, and come up with some of your own.

Please someone on this thread respond and tell me what Obama's plan is on getting gas prices down besides the other steps that Senator Clinton has already outlined.

He is playing politics with people's money and that is not right.

I want to hear from him what he will do, instead of saying Clinton is trying to get votes. I don't care about that I care about having money in my pocket so I can afford to eat.

This makes me so mad, that he is going around all of these towns and saying Hillary's plan is calculated and political, but then has no plan of his own.

COME ON OBAMA, YOU ARE JUST WORDS AGAIN.
GO Hillary 08

joaquin   May 3rd, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I love hearing Hillary say she wanted the oil companies to pay our gas taxes this summer. Great. Can she get someone to pay our sales taxes too? Will the tobacco companies pay the cigarette taxes? She's pandering to the uneducated white North Carolinians. Why no "pie in the sky" promises for the tobacco consumers?
I pray the voters will see through her hype. Obama is our only chance out of this mess. He may not be perfect but he's honorable and will only get better. Please North Carolina and Indiana. End this nightmare and send the former first lady back to New York where she can still be a fine senator.

IN Voter   May 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Hillary's latest tactic is to just bribe people from the Treasury now. She also promised the people of Guam reparations from the US government for what the Japanese did there during World War II. Good to see the people of Guam aren't buying it, and we in Indiana won't be bribed with $20 for the summer!

G08AMA!!!

TXbyrd   May 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Forget that this ends up being a few dollars. Forget that economists have roundly derided this suggestion.

Let's stick to the basics.

Exactly how are McCain and Clinton going to give you a tax-break this summer? Last I looked, the election is in, ummmm, November. And last I heard, this is not something that can be done by the President with some kind of royal decree.

If this works, voters are dumb

This insulting idea on the part of Clinton/McCain is the best thing to happen for Obama in weeks. Thankfully, he is using it.
May the voters of Indiana and NC prove that, as Obama said today, that McCain/Clinton have truly insulted your intelligence

Nelson Masha   May 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

I personally think that all this McCain and Hillary clinton's summer gas thing is all but gimmicks_full of hotair. Voters pretty know that Hillary is trying to get a way to win the left primaries and not anything substance to solve the gas hike problem; American people know that, there are not such stupid to be wiped the nose by the baby nappies. And the truth is no matter what she bluff this time, it wont work; this time we have a choice; a choice that is honest with the voters, a choice that talks what he can do, and do what he talks, and that choice is BARACK OBAMA.

I hope all the prospective voters, who are getting this very slow can now get the reality based on the challenges that America is facing today.

James   May 3rd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

She is only trying to give people a little relief. People who have to drive more and truckers will feel much more relief.
She has NEVER said this was the fix but only temporary relief.
She has ALWAYS said long term plans are needed and has proposed such.

old Daddy   May 3rd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

This guy only understands Rev Wright' style.

C'mon Senator, whatz the problem if we can save some pennies ??

Neutral   May 3rd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Obama will SAY ANYTHING when its POLITICALLY EXPEDIENT for him to do so. He VOTED THREE TIMES for Holiday Gas Tax in Chicago in 2000, that is a PUBLIC RECORD!

This man is a FLIPFLOPPER!!!

silence do-good   May 3rd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Ozombie comment: "shame the devil!" (above)
Farrakhan: "Hilter was a great man"

Be afraid of Obama and his friends.

karin   May 3rd, 2008 4:30 pm ET

to me its all smoke and mirrors ; the oil company's run the show the banks who are gov't regulated run the show .how else do you think these theives get away w/ the same old scams or when the establishments money gets low .and then; ka-boom conflict in the world gas prices go up . housing market starts failing etc…… but a bail-out is on the way. the federal saving and loan was a backroom scheme; the scam that was pulled off in the nixon admin. this gov't is worse than the mafia run underworld , this is all a big joke its all maddess. we are doomed to fail . vanity of vanity all is fair; there is nothing new under the sun.

Lewis   May 3rd, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Hey Billy, the bus just left without you. If you run, you can still catch it. It's the short one.

Neutral   May 3rd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Obama VOTED THREE TIMES for Holiday Gas Tax in Chicago in 2000, now he is AGAINST IT!!! This man is a FLIPFLOPPER!

Yolanda Diaz   May 3rd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Every little bit helps

SHEILA   May 3rd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

HILLARY IS RIGHT AS USUAL ANY CUT IN ANY TAX IS A GOOD THING!!!!!!

GoHillary   May 3rd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

At least Hillary has a solid idea to start cutting into the price of gas. All BO can do is criticise and be negative.

Obama is like a sulking schoolboy who didn't get his own way!!!

INDIANA   May 3rd, 2008 4:28 pm ET

YOU HAVE NO SOLUTIONS TO HELP PEOPLE AT ALL AND YOU ARE ADMITING IT.

A REAL PRESIDENT ACTS AND HELPS THE PEOPLE SO YOU DON'T HAVE THAT PROFIL AT ALL IS WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

OBAMA-WRIGHT IS NOT WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS FOR 4 YEARS.

YOU ARE LOSING AND WE CAN ALL UNDERSTAND WHY.

Unfair politics and media   May 3rd, 2008 4:28 pm ET

CNN is treating Obama's campaign unfairly.

Just look at the headlines they have up. They are trying to drag out rev. wright when everyone is over it. Every headline they have for Obama is always worded negatively, while they are always giving Hillary a pillow.
As a matter of fact, earlier this year, CNN accomodated HRC quickly when her camp was complaining about being too nice to Obama. It's obvious that they've avoided vetting Clinton this entire primary season.

Who's paying you off, CNN? or are you just too afraid of Clinton's camp to vet her like you have done Obama?

Time to move on   May 3rd, 2008 4:28 pm ET

OBAMA thank u for telling the hard truth which will benefit everybody in the long run not the shortsighted ideas to scare up votes
GO OBAMA 08

Jane   May 3rd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

When Barack Obama is sworn in as President of the United States in January, Hillary will still be out campaigning claiming she has 'more of the popular vote." Give me a break.

nancy   May 3rd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I would hardly call it "ripped". He commented on it, but ripped into it? Hardly.

zona   May 3rd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Although it sounds good, it's an idea that won't work. Get real.

Out with the old; in with the new. Hillary and Bill, please go home and enjoy your life together.

"Give peace a chance"….Vote Obama, 08

Obama 08   May 3rd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Superdelgates today: 4 to 1 for Obama….Still waiting for a headline :"Obama gaining on Clinton in Superdelegate Support"…a gain of over 90 supers since Super Tuesday!!!!

Joyce   May 3rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

I would think that Obama would be intelligent enough to know that any kind of relief is better than no relief even if it's a small amount. It actually shows that our government does care. I would like to see nothing better than the oil companies to take on some of the burden. Obama is out of touch with the working folks.

angelina st paul mn   May 3rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

He is right , he is not saying "oh a break for three months," like someone we know is saying………….. just to get our vote that is the big \dfference betyween them

Obama= honesty no matter what
clinton= aLIAR no matter what

cnn her royal media news: clinton news network

CNN please report on Pau Peter vs. Clinton
the largest fraoud in our history

AS   May 3rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Obama has been very negatvie lately. He is showing is true color. He did not talk about the merit of the gas tax holiday but personlly attacted Hillary.

Never vote for Obama

NOBAMA   May 3rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Obama may be telling the truth, but he has not, is not and will never do anything to solve problems. He is too busy hoping for a miraculous change.

Jason   May 3rd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Hillary does not know the meaning of truth.

Michigan for Obama   May 3rd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Senator Clinton, with all due respect, we do not need "some kind of break this summer," if in the end it will mean loss of jobs for thousands, billions in debt, and roads and bridges crumbling. No thanks. What we need is a sound, long term plan to get us out of the mess Bush got us into. What we need is Senator Obama.

PJ   May 3rd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Obama, a little relief is much better than nothing as you offer. In the long term solution Clinton is head and shoulders above your proposals that are in line with the oil industry lobbyists that you have in your campaign. Please be honest and stop trying to be "another one of the guys". How was the ice cream party earlier today?

Jayson   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Funny how a man who thinks that oil companies are screwing everyone doesn't seem to think the same thing about the government who has been taking in large amounts of money regardless of the price of oil/gasoline. Even though the government isn't doing anything and has failed to adequately use the tax revenue from gasoline sales to maintain the infrastructure of this country. This is the same government that instead of doing more to stimulate the economy continues to waste countless hours trying to save people from their own stupidity. If every time people make dumb decisions and expect the government to take care of them they will never learn from their mistakes.

Dylan John   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

This bogus plan would lead to the loss of 300,000 jobs and the negative impact on highway repairs would be severe. All this for a measly 30 cents in savings a day? There is not ONE economic expert who doesn't think this plan is absolute rubbish.

Apparently Hillary is hoping for an information-deprived electorate on Tuesday.

Thank you, Senator Obama, for once again talking to the American people like adults and not playing election-time politics.

Moses   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

The savings better be in the travelling public instead of the pockets of big oil.

Is it true that Senator Obama voted for the Bush-Cheney energy bill that gave BIG OIL large tax breaks?

If yes, it looks that Senator Obama cares more for BIG OIL than for the majority of Americans.

Emsteroo   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

WHY is there yet another article on Obamas ex-pastor on the top of the ticker? WHY? What would happen if the media went a whole day without mentioning that particular distraction? Maybe we could address some of Clinton's mountains of baggage, instead of focusing on the molehills of Obama's. Maybe we could focus on some actual issus instead. Media – Please stop manufacturing the level of focus on one issue, and get back to fair coverage.
Go Obama

ORANGE COUNTY,CALI-Don   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

My father called on Americans to ask what they could do for their country.

Those who answered his call built a movement that transformed our country and brought out the best in our national character.

Barack Obama has followed in that tradition — dedicating himself to public service as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago and then as a state and U.S. Senator.

Now, Barack is calling on a new generation of leaders to get involved and help transform this country.

The Obama Organizing Fellowship is designed not just to help win this election, but to strengthen our democracy by training dedicated volunteers in communities across the country.

Answer the call. Ask what you can do — for this movement, for our democracy, and for this country.

Ed, Fl   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

This isn't called attack. He is just showing to the voters this subtantial difference on how they will each approach the economic crisis if either one of were to be elected.
CNN get a hold of yourself. You are loosing credibility.

Bob Stephens   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Barack, Hillary does not like when anyone confuses her with facts. I am sure that she is trying her best to think up something evil to do to you now…

justobserve   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

If Clinton's supporters have any brain they would have asked themselves why a candidate opposed a candy to voters in a tight race as this. Shouldn't it easier for him to do like Clinton to get their votes too? He should ask voters what is their choice: a savings of 30-70.00 on gas for summer or the lost of 6,000 to 7,000 jobs? That is tha tax holiday is reserved for.)
Clinton proposes to tax the oil companies? Why didn't they be taxed already? What did she do in the Senate during all this time?
By the way, Obama got endorsement from the Friends of the Earth for just this very difficult decision not to pander to get votes.
"Friends of the Earth Action cites senator’s stand for real energy solutions instead of sham Clinton-McCain ‘gas tax holiday’ as key reason for endorsement."

mike from CA   May 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

And he should. We don't need short-term solutions to buy votes and would make 300,000 construction workers lose their jobs. We need real solutions with cleaner energy, coal, and more drilling.

phony politics   May 3rd, 2008 4:23 pm ET

To Charlotte,
The lady who keeps posting Barack receives more money from subprime mortgage lenders: The companies themselves do not contribute to Barack's campaign, that would be illegal. Only the employees of those companies do. And by Hillary's figures she received $199,000 more then Barack in this category of subprime lender's employees. (FEC reported numbers which came from the Clinton Camp)

What do you have to say now Charlotte???

ej oregon   May 3rd, 2008 4:23 pm ET

It's hard to put Senator Clinton's comments into context without hearing her contrived Southern accent in North Carolina and southern Indiana. But a bad idea is a bad idea in any accent, thanks Senator Obama for keeping it real.

Solaris   May 3rd, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Clinton said that Obama is "attacking my plan to try to get you some kind of break this summer"

Well, that means that either: (a) Clinton beleives that Obama is against helping and offering solutions to people, which can only mean that HRC is as dumb as a doorbell, or (b) that HRC is actively pursuing politics of old in a smart, calculated, old fashoned, destructive, insolent, and irrespectful manner.

Be that as it may, I'm true blue, and if she wins the nomination it'll still be a thousand fold better that McCain.

In the meanwhile: Yes we can! GO OBAMA!

Obama 08   May 3rd, 2008 4:23 pm ET

What a joke CNN has become…finally a posting about what Obama is doing today and most of it about Clinton!!

Cowboy Jack   May 3rd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Obama is such an elitist…. maybe saving money isn't impt to him, but it is impt to people who are living day-to-day on their paychecks

kathy in ohio   May 3rd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

i thought you were about CHANGE sounds like same old same old

Ohh No!!   May 3rd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

It is pretty clear that what Obama is saying is true. For the life of me, I don't know why people even listen to the side talking Clinton's. Polls show people don't think Hillary has integrity, nor do they think she is honest but they still vote for her. The Clinton's have had investigation after investigation linking them DIRECTLY to improprieties, an impeachment and still people vote for them. They can lie to our faces and then say sorry when people question their motives with out skipping a beat. Billary seems to take credit for telecom and tech companies creating new technologies in the 90's that opened new jobs and fueled our economy. I don't think Billary has any patents on cell phones, the Internet, operating systems, etc. You, who are reading this, could have been president and the economy would've grow. There were more jobs then people to fill them then, those days are gone. DON'T BELIEVE BILLARY WILL SOME HOW MAGICALLY BRING THEM BACK.

Watchman   May 3rd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

I am bitter on the gasoline's price. Give me a solution rather than words. Nobama for sure!!!!

Clinton 08

sacto joe   May 3rd, 2008 4:21 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! These greedy SOBs are sucking up more than their fair share of fuel!

We need a national gas card that prices gas on the basis of your income and rations it on the basis of your need!

NotThisTimeinNY   May 3rd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

I was mistaken – no conviction for the Clintons pastor … there's some wrong info out there … but paulvclinton.com still stands as pending against the Clintons!! I will be more careful in the future … so the valid site are: peterfpaul.com and paulvclinton.com — I cant find anything on CNN regarding the case … hmmm … what if it were PaulvObama … do you think we'd hear anything???

Eric, Durham, NC   May 3rd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Dear Hillary,

I do not want summertime relief for what has been a longterm problem.

I want real and substantive measure enacted that will help to solve this problem for years to come. Dropping the price of gas by 12 -18 cents over the summer when it is slated to go up above $5 is just short sided and small minded.

Give me a longterm solution….

Obama '08

Ricardo Williams   May 3rd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

The solution to gas prices is to have American workers work from home. We have developed technology to the point where we can do this. If you call any American company it takes years to get someone on the phone and then when you get someone, they can't help you. So let's work from home and reduce our dependencies on Oil.
Obama 08

GoHillary   May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

The puppet speaks – one of the bitter ex-Clinton campaign team must have their hand up his back!

Now let see if he can answer questions on his proposal…er…um…er..but…but..but…!!

Jay, Chicago   May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Here are the facts – not a single expert on economics on either side of the aisle supports a gas tax holiday. The only person stumping for the proposal is a lobbyist for Shell. You decide who's telling you the truth.

CA 4 Obama   May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

The gas holiday would save Americans approximately $27 this summer. Experts indicate that about 300,000 employees will be laid off as a result. I'm sorry, but I'd rather pay the $27 to keep food on Americans tables and grills this summer. McClinton is just desperately tyring to get votes.

The truth   May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Anyone that doesn't go along with Hillary's plans must be a outcast. Obama has the brains not to follow crooked people.

Go Obama!

Jenny from Indiana   May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

EXACTLY OBAMA!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR TELLING US THE TRUTH!

This gas tax will save you about $30 over three months! It's a band-aid, and used one at that! We need real solutions! Not to mention, our federal roads will be ruined for the summer!

Obama is the only politician left in this race who is brave enough to tell us the truth instead of voting for the "popular" solution that is bad for the country and only "popular" because it has been mispresented to the AMERICAN PEOPLE!

OBAMA '08!!!!!!!!

Sam   May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Obama is right – this gas tax holiday is just a phony idea to win election. First of all, it will not save much and second $10 bi or so in lost revenue will come from superhighway fund which means they will have to defer the construction work on highways paring 3000 jobs.

Clinton again and again comes off as dishonest and someone who will say anything and do anything just to win election. Once the elction is over, I don't think she is going to solve anything. Besides, she is a polarizing figure and is unlikely to be able to bring people together to solve tough problems.

Jim   May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Clinton's gas tax proposal is so phony it is beyond belief. She is hoping that the people of Indiana and North Carolina are either too stupid or just don't understand the way these kind of economic changes work to know the difference. It is pandering of the most insidious kind, and is another reason voters end up hating politicians. It has NO chance of ever becoming a reality and NO chance of providing any price relief if it did.

Hopefully, the people will see through her tricks and finally end this "gone-on-way-too-long" race.

Eddie   May 3rd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Edwards needs to man up and shut Hillary the destroyer down.This gas tax would last over a 3month period and only give me enough money to by my family a cheap breakfast.Then the price would rise and make me sale my car and end up trying to walk 25 miles to work,get real Hillary/McCain.

Kentucky   May 3rd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Looks like the Obama train is rolling again!!!!

ray   May 3rd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Good judgdement…on your part ….OBAMA.
Stay above the fray ..and always tell the truth ……you will be our president.
Obama 08

OPO   May 3rd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Obama is right! Hillary "The Chameleon" Clinton putting forth this "gas tax holiday" plan as a way to get back into this race but at the expense of good policy and a real long-term solution. What good is a temporary solution when we will be in the exact same spot in a few months with more people having lost their construction jobs and our highways and infrastructure in even worse shape. This idea is so stupid that it doesn't surprise me that a Republican (McCain) is putting forth the same idea. I think its hilarious that she sent out a Shell oil lobbyist to convince us of why this is good for US. lol

Obama '08

D R   May 3rd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

I wonder how many super delegates pockets are being greased by the crooked Clinton clan! Of course if Hillary can convince Ohio and PA that she didn't support NAFTA, then anything is possible.

Jerry   May 3rd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Hillary got booed at the Jefferson Dinner along with Gov Easley why CNN didnt report this I read ABC news this morning on there website and they reported it. I guess CNN is bias against Obama

Ganesh   May 3rd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Even noble prize winners for economy (2001,2006) prefer Obama's plans and ideas over Hillary and McCain. Too bad I have never heard any mention of it on CNN but I wud trust this guy given the support he has from experts…

california voter   May 3rd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

instead of making negative comments (which he swore off of the other day) against Clinton's proposal, he could just be proactive and explain in detail his own plans to provide help.

Jim   May 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

HRC proposal isn't really worth talking about except for the fact that many voters will fall for this campaign ploy. I hope the voters think it through. Let's say the savings over the summer encourages greater consumption – this will lead to higher prices on top of re imposition of the tax in the fall. Tell us again Hillary, how this helps us. It's laughable, but the joke is on the voters. Believe me, she knows better.

Ricardo Williams   May 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

First of all Hilary it is not your plan, it is John McCain's plan. You remind me of my two year old daughter. At this stage of her life everything she says, "It's mine." Well it's not your plan. While I want to see the Truckers get help. I feel we must tackle the problem at its source and not give into a quick fix, because the next time I drive over a bridge that collapses I'll regret the 30 bucks I save on gas price. My life is more valuable than 30 bucks. Get real Hilary. Stop playing games with people's minds.

Esoxslayer   May 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

You never hear about Chelsea dating anyone. Wonder why?

cameleon116   May 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

NM Party Chair Brian Colón Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown: 277 To Go

Earlier today, New Mexico State Party Chair and superdelegate Brian S. Colón endorsed Senator Barack Obama, citing Obama's ability to bring new voters into the process as well as the positive campaign Obama has run.

IFH (Idiots For Hillary)   May 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

It will be no surprise if Clinton's "gas tax" gimmick get's her some votes. There is a reason why the least educated Americans are voting for her…they just don't understand these not-so-complex issues, never mind the ones that actually are complex.

Belle   May 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Yup…sounds like Obama…no ideas of HIS own, so he criticizes other ideas as "stupid." Then mocks the candidates…

He sounds more like Rev. Wright every day.

Nate McDonald   May 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It smacks of Hillary Clinton up to her scheming Hillary tricks. I think Obama was right to call her out for it.

cary   May 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

HILLARY IS VERY PROFECIONAL, SHE HAVE PREPARATION, EXPERIENCE, I VOTE FOR HILLARY.

HILLARY NET PRESIDENTE EU. 2000 GO………….

Rob   May 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Its hilarious how this women keeps trying to champion this gas holiday to people but EVERY economic strategist in Washington has said this won't do a thing to help. She is really playing the public for fools

derrick smith   May 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

i have wrote a few and they were not posted i will try one more time

bill once said(i did not have sex with that woman) Hillary was hiding from bullits ,a set of liers .

Obama 2008.

Over the Hill(ary)   May 3rd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Interesting how she calls it "my plan", when it's the plan she stole from McCain. Regardless, the plan sucks, and so does Hillary.

Tommy   May 3rd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I do not see the point of the gas tax. this will only make gas prices higher and set the U.S. back even more.

mitch from ark.   May 3rd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

obama has stated that he did support the illinois gas tax suspension and it didn't work!thats why he doesn't support it now.chalk one up for experience and honesty.phil singer needs to quit lying to people ,on behalf of hillary,because he's only confirming that hillary and her supporters are full of lies.we're sick of it!we will not elect anymore liars to the white house.

raul   May 3rd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Gas holiday means street construction workers layoff

obama08   May 3rd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

hello her plan and mccains doesnt make sense. oh wow even .30 a day for 90 to 92 days will not help us. now 1000 thatll help. i mean does clinton and mccain even watch the news. expersts have already said this will cause more issues than intended. and its just like clinton to agree with a republican. ANOTHER ERROR IN JUDGMENT????????

Billy from FL   May 3rd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I HAVEN'T HEARD OF A PLAN FROM OBAMA YET>

HE IS ALL SMOKE AND NO FIRE>>

WHAT A PHONY…WE ARE TIRED OF HIS YES WE CAN SPEECHES,

HE HAS NO SOLUTIONS

60 YO white female , Springfield, VA   May 3rd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Polls say that a high percentage of voters don't trust Clinton so why should people believe what she says about this gas holiday ?
All the financial experts are saying this is not a good idea.
It will hurt more than help, but we live in such a instant gratification
society, there will probably be many who think this is a good idea, in spite of what the experts are saying. What a shame!

kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama   May 3rd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I think Mr Edwards is HOLDING OUT for Clinton! Wonder what she
promised him. I think I know.

Economist   May 3rd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

. . .Senator Obama is 100% correct. Not to mention the neglect in
the infrastucture (bad roads) just for a temporary fix with saving only
pennies. If we don't pick this man we'll be sorry. Because Rev. Wright
sure as heck won't be standing at the gas pump when we are filling
up our tanks at $10.00 a gallon.

Obama 08.

David, Paducah, Kentucky   May 3rd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Gas has been high for quite some time now. Its amazing that Hillary is supporting this gas holiday days before these important primaries knowing that she will have already capitaized on the gimmick when it gets shot down by Congress. I have been watching CNN and you would never know that Obama is even out campaigning. Its all been about Hillary today. Its no wonder Hillary is gaining in the polls. She gets all the free coverage by CNN while Obama gets ignored. Bythe way, did HIllary offer Wolf Blitzer the Vice Presidents position? He has been falling all over himself to aid Hillary every since she whined about the media being unfair to her.

Mace   May 3rd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I like her rebuttle, "attacking my trying to get you some kind of break this summer, " or something to that effect. His side of the issue asks you to think about the consequences of a gas tax break, while hers promises quick relief at the pump without asking the average American to sacrifice anything. I hope most Americans would see through her empty promises and at least think about the issues and the consequences we have to live with.

Eric   May 3rd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

You are right Barack but the problem is, there are a lot of voters out there who are ignorant, looking for short-term relief and not for sound solutions. They will get caught in her gammick. I am happy to see you are distroying the only illusion left in her campaign, the pretention that she offers real solution.

kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama   May 3rd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

At least, With Obama, we get the truth. He will fight for us.
Hillary and Bill in the White House Would Be the Biggest Disaster
we can imagine. We'll be looking at each other and saying "duh"
we did it again. Can you imagine, Bill won't have to walk very far
to talk to the foreign lobbyists to sell more jobs and pocket the
money into "their personal wealth fund".

If Hillary wins by cheating, Whites and Blacks alike will "know" and
be totally enraged. I heard she has already got thousands of people
voting for her in N.C. Bribery works well for the Clintons. Google
Clintons and Google Clinton's Outsourcing and it will knock your
socks off when you realize who you are voting for. She lies.

Anthony in Phoenix, AZ   May 3rd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Why aren't the "pundits" talking more about the fact that her gas tax holiday would only save us on average, Half a tank of Gas… for the entire summer? The department of Transportation said it would cost us 300,000 highway construction jobs. And for what? So I can save $25 over 3 months? This is an absurd idea, and she needs to be attacked for it. It's pure political pandering, and people need to see her for what she is: a say anything and do anything politician who's more interested in winning than real issues.

NM   May 3rd, 2008 4:07 pm ET

She is filthy. The way she's preying on those who don't grasp enough basic economics to understand this is a nonsense plan than will ultimately only raise gas prices is shameful. She calls Obama an ivory tower elitist, while she's the one who's spent her whole campaign looking down on and pandering to the less educated. She's using you, folks. She's counting on you being stupid. Don't prove her right. The facts of why the gas tax relief plan won't work are simple to find online and painfully easy to understand.

carrie   May 3rd, 2008 4:07 pm ET

mr president
you have the most beautiful family
you should be in the white house
we want to see a happy loving family,bonded by love
not a cold family that sticks together for political gain
i love you,mr president

SeattleMOM   May 3rd, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Obama is so quick to critize Clinton and Mc Cain's tax plan. What better plan can he come up with? Stop attacking and come up with a better plan…..

dean   May 3rd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Phony gas tax scam.. Please Indiana and North Carolina put Hillary out to pasture..Obama 08..

Kevin Coughlin   May 3rd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Good for Obama, Clinton/McCain's plan for the Gas Tax Holiday is stupid. What the real question is will the candidates support a WINDFALL PROFITS TAX. Come on Exxon makes $11.7 billion in quarterly profit and earns $1,300 a second in 2007.

Do you think our $20.00 savings over the Summer will mean anything.

Grant   May 3rd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Why does Hillary try to pander so much?!?

Simple economics: Take the tax away and demand goes up. Demeand goes up, then prices follow.

NotThisTimeinNY   May 3rd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Do it Barack!! Just keep telling the truth … "Tell the truth – shame the devil!!"

Barack "The Truth" Obama '08!!!

carrie   May 3rd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

obama all the way
hrc,go back to arkansas
we dont need you
we need hope and change
not fearr

Whining Obama   May 3rd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Wait till Tuesday to see what the people of NC and Ind think.

They want Clinton for President!

Ken from Michigan   May 3rd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

If she was so concerned why didn't they do something while they were in their offices in Washington? And besides, she can't do anything about the gas tax this summer, she's only a pandering to the electorate.

Peter Paul?

cary   May 3rd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

" HILLAR " PRESIDENT 2008

MY VOTE FOR HILLARY EVERY TIME, THAN YOU HILLARY

Mario   May 3rd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Hope the voters understand the difference. Because when Hillary lies she lies no matter what or who because she doesn't care. The only thing she wants it's power…

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