May 5, 2008
Posted: 06:20 PM ET

From
Sen. Hillary Clinton defended her proposed legislation to have a gas tax holiday Monday.
Sen. Hillary Clinton defended her proposed legislation to have a gas tax holiday Monday.

MERRILLVILLE, Indiana (CNN) – Hillary Clinton returned to Indiana Monday afternoon, delivering her closing arguments before Tuesday’s primary contests and passionately defending the legislation she has proposed to make oil companies pay the gas tax this summer.

“I think you should have some immediate relief. In fact I think it’s a false choice - as my opponent and others have been trying to say, ‘Oh we can’t do anything in the short run to help people, we can only worry about what we do in the long run.’ People live in the short run,” Clinton told a packed firehouse in the northwestern corner of the state.

Clinton has been steadfastly outlining which issues she and Obama diverge on, namely, home foreclosures, health care and – primarily – the gas tax holiday.

“My opponent Sen. Obama disagrees with me, he wants you to pay [the gas tax], not the oil companies. And he’s always going on TV, and he’s always saying ‘oh you know, that’s just [saving] like $20’. Well you know, for a lot of people $20 is something,” said Clinton, adding that the Department of Energy figures the number is closer to $70 for the average household.

Clinton has also been emphasizing that it’s not just about the money saved but the message sent.

“When are we going to start laying down the line on the oil companies? They have been part of the problem, not part of the solution,” Clinton told her supporters. “I do see you, I do hear you. I do believe that you’re doing the best you can under difficult circumstances and we’re going to get in there and we’re going to reverse these circumstances but in the meantime, let’s provide a little help along the way.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John McCain


Bubba   May 5th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

She's certifiable.

Griff   May 5th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Dollar's in the pocket, are much better than: "Obama's loose Change"

Bridgette - PA   May 5th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Indiana, please don't let her fool you with this "gas tax Holiday". She is playing on your intelligence. Sop her tomorrow.

Greg   May 5th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Bravo!

Hillary can save us $30 on gas this Summer!

Let's elect her Queen!

Bridgette - PA   May 5th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Indiana, please don't let her fool you with this "gas tax Holiday". She is playing on your intelligence. Stop her tomorrow.

Jane, NC   May 5th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

It is a false choice. Sen. Obama would have us believe that the choice is between a meaningless quick fix and a substantive long term solution. That's not the case. Sen. Clinton's proposes a very sound long term plan, but she also recognizes the need to include some immediate relief, which he does not. Whenever there is a crisis, as the high price of gas has become for motorists, truckers, farmers and others throughout the country, both immediate and long-term solutions are needed. She has more insight into this and most other issues than he does.

Navy Vet   May 5th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

It's a political ploy and nothing else. She needs a win in Indiana pure and simple, and she'll say anything to get it. Do you want to vote for someone who'll just tell you what you want to hear, or someone that'll give you the truth? C'mon NC and IN, PLEASE do what's best for the country tomorrow. Thank You.

Ardnuas   May 5th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Voters…. Hillary is willing to GIVE you .30 cents a day for 3 months, while she and Bill made 109 MILLION DOLLARS….. Don't be a fool, vote for Obama!!!!
Obama/Edwards08

janice   May 5th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

How can Hillary put so much stock into a stunt that she cannot even deliver. She is not President yet.

She makes it sound that begining next month you could have extra money in your pocket if it wasn't for Borack Obama.

She cannot do a thing about this this year.

Sorry you are being misled by the best.

obama 08

NLS   May 5th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Well, we know that it costs $30 to buy a McCain/Clinton voter.

C'mon, Indiana, let's make the right decision and end this.

Sara   May 5th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Send her out to pasture on Tuesday, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ds   May 5th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

I guess those people who save $20 bucks but lose their jobs because the tax revenues disappear will still be happy.

Here's to Dr. Clinton, who knows more than Nobel Prize winning economists.

DB   May 5th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

She makes me puke in my mouth.

Steve from Oregon   May 5th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

If Billary really wanted to help people in Indiana and North Carolina, then she would take the money she spent in those states campaigning against Obama and hand write them all a check…hahaha!

Terrence, NC   May 5th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

If she won't become President until January 2009, how can she suspend the gas tax over the summer of 2008? Shouldn't she being working on this right now in the Senate instead of campaigning? Unless of course, she's just telling us what she thinks we want to hear and hope we don't ask questions about the specifics.

THINK people, THINK! Stop being sheep.

GloriafromPA   May 5th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Obama picked up 9 more super delagates. Hillary picked up 1. That dissolves her lead of 22 (originaly over 100) down to 14. Remember, it's the superdelagates that will decide this not the voters being swayed back and forth by CNN for profit. Google Paul vs Clinton and become enlightened.

Dexter   May 5th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Good one, Griff… I bet that one took you all day.

An American in Canada   May 5th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

I WOULD BET THAT ALL THE TRUCK DRIVERS AND ALL THE FARMERS THAT USE GAS FOR THEIR FARMING MACHINE WOULD WELCOME THAT BREAK.

"Obama's loose Change" I like that Griff, and I am going to use it, it will be his new slogan…

As in Obama give his losse Change to his Kool-Aid gangs.

PREDICTION:

H.R. CLINTON WINS INDIANA BY 53% OF THE VOTES

BIG UPSET IN NORTH CAROLINE H.R. CLINTON WINS BY 51% OF THE VOTES…..

AND LETS HEAR IT FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT H.R. CLINTON…..

Black Voters UNITE   May 5th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Deisel fuel will give give a .28 per gallon back to the trucker.

the below average trucker drives 500 miles per day 6 days a week= 3000 miles

Average truck gets 10 miles to the gallon; that's 300 gallons per week.
300 x .28 =$84 PER WEEK for 10 weeks $840!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVEN THOUGH OBAMA IS A CHUMP..
THAT IS NOT CHUMP CHANGE.

Jesse   May 5th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

~~

Clinton is a LIAR

Indiana for Barack   May 5th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

I will donate my $20 (or 70) to Barack's campaign. He knows what he is talking about. Fellow Hoosiers, lets bring it home for Barack.

jd   May 5th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

Obama says the Truth, it will make no difference. I did the Math! OBAMA/08

Steve   May 5th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

Math truly is bad in this country isn't it? $20 over 3 months is $6.67 a month. Woo, I can go to Starbucks one more time a month. :P

Let's put this in real world numbers. My truck has a 19 gallon tank. One fillup 'saves' me $3.42. If I normally fill up once a week, that's almost $14 a month. Naturally, though, everyone things 'woo, gas is a whopping $0.18 cheaper!' and drives more. If I then fill up twice a week, that 'savings' has actually turned into a deficit. I'm spending more because I think I'm 'saving'. Even if I only have to fill up one extra time a month because I think I can drive more, I'm still losing (it's about $70 to fill the tank once).

Do people really not understand how this works?

SP   May 5th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

Iraq was a short run decision as well. Short run decision could be better termed short sighted. Think people. Think.

Mary   May 5th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

She cannot make the oil companies pay gas taxes. She is once again saying anything to get what she wants. This method will do more harm than good.

James   May 5th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Lies lies lies.

CONCERN NEW YORKER   May 5th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

YOU PEOPLE ARE SOMETHING ELSE, IF OBAMA SHOULD WIN HE WILL NOT BE ELECTED PRESIDENT FOR 2009, IT WILL BE
MCCAIN, ALL YOU HILLARY HATERS GIVE THE REPUBLICAN THE GO AHEAD. YOU GO HILLARY I'M BEHIND YOU 200% GO
GET THEM SHOW THEM WHO YOU ARE AND PROVE TO THEM
ALL HOW MUCH OF A WOMAN YOU ARE. OBAMA IS GOING TO
SHOW YOU ALL SOMETHING BEFORE IT'S ALL OVER, A WOLF
IN SHEEP CLOTHING.

GO!!!!!! GIRL GET'EM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Gnomepark   May 5th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

$20….$70 You must think the American voters are retarded!

Where Is A REAL Plan!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa P   May 5th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

And I would guess the short run *she's* interested in happens tomorrow in Indiana and North Carolina. After that? Hey, maybe she keeps on pushing her unworkable short term plan, maybe not. I remember how she stuck to her guns with her universal health care plan in 1994. Oh, wait…

Robert O'Rourke   May 5th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Hilary's just sticking to old politics and "overblown gastric gimmicks! "
Come on.. a cd is $20! popcorn at the movies $15!
We need serious help and we are not all simpletons…!
She has over $100 million in the bank…and really doesn't know what a $20 bill is.

We need help! not gimmicks!

And so she is should stop dividing her own party… just for her own ego!

LA Ben   May 5th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

The fact that Clinton herself admits that the gas tax is a short term solution yet still continues to pedal it says it all.

All reason and logic has gone out the window with her. She'll say and do anything for a vote.

Steven   May 5th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Good job, Hillary!

JOJO   May 5th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

SHE IS GOOOOOOD!!!

Jessica, MI   May 5th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Griff: I bet you really thought that was clever. It's sad that people can't see what a pandering, fake candidate Hillary is. I thought we Obama supporters were the "sheep"

Cowboy Jack   May 5th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Can we stop clinging to this negativity? It makes me bitter

David, Paducah, Kentucky   May 5th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

This woman is something else! Does she really think the American public is so stupid as to not see through this? All you have to do is watch the news. The House leaders, the Senate leaders, the economic experts, and the media are all saying this isn't going to happen. The ysay its a stupid idea that will end up hurting all of us. Its pandering for votes and taking advantage of the hardships being faced by the general public. Hillary Clinton is treating us like we are fools and that we should believe her and not believe the experts and the people in control of Congress.

laura   May 5th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

So, if elected president, she's going to spend time pushing this through congress…$70 bucks, to change the way the gas tax is paid, where the gas companies can offset the cost, not to mention the potential damage to the environment and lost opportunity of making real change in energy policy. Obama's plan is better, a windfall profit tax and $1000 payroll tax break to working families.

leej   May 5th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Bush-lite….if you don't agree with me, as in ALL the economists, then you are ALL wrong cause "I AM FOR THE PEOPLE" talk about an elitist who made 100 million over the last ten years..jeepers.

CANADA FOR OBAMA   May 5th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

IF HILLARY'S PLAN WAS AIMED AGAINST THE OIL COMPANIES, THEN HOW COME, HER MAIN SPOKESPERSON FOR THE PLAN IS A SHELL LOBBYISTS. THESE GUYS ARE NOT KNOWN TO ENJOY TAKING A FINANCIAL HIT, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CONSUMER. ONLY THE STUPID WILL BELIEVE HER, AND FALL FOR IT.

Roger   May 5th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Who should we believe here? Economist that have an education and experience with this sort of thing or Hillary and her campaign advisors who clearly have a short term agenda….

I am going with the experts who happen to agree with Obama.

Earl   May 5th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Hillary's right.

Another example of Obama not seeing the big picture. Why not have long-term AND short-term fixes?

Like when he said that John Edwards and Hillary were wrong to vote for legislation that would cap credit card interest rates at 30% because 30% was too high. But Edwards and Clinton argued while they agreed that 30% was too high, they want to a least put A CAP on the interest rates credit card companies could charge and 30% was better than NO CAP.

Obama is so focused on perfect legislation that he can't understand that there are also ways to propose short term legislation that can help Americans too.

Obama just has judgement issues that seriously hamper him in my view as an electable Presidential candidate.

Go Hillary 08!

Darryl   May 5th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

Hillary the Do anything say anything to get your vote more of the same Clinton spend lie drama…

fran   May 5th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

She's right. $20.00 is a lot of money for some people. But the bigger picture is that at least she is talking about helping people NOW! I bet everyone of you who disagree with the tax holiday would wait in line at a gas station that was selling gas today, for .18 cents less than other gas stations in your area. I will go to a gas station that has gas for 2 cents less per gallon…every bit helps. And by having a gas holiday, it makes congress do something about these prices and puts the problem on the front burner and get congress to get up off their butts and do something

JOJO   May 5th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

She's a certified IDIOT. As a politician, your job is to make good & responsible policy. Your proposal is 100% GIMMICK, has been denounced by all leading economists as bad policy, and furthermore has NO SUPPORT even among your own Democratic party. Lead responsibly, or GET OUT OF THE WAY!

keith   May 5th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

She is playing to people's fears over the economy by copying McCain's plan. This is both econimically irresponsible and wrong just as she played to people's fears over Osama Bin Laden in the PA. campaign ad.

Let's get real solutions NOT a temporary fix it scenario that will hurt us in the long term.

I have to admit that I like her fight, but I don't know how anyone can trust she is fighting for the right thing

Michelle   May 5th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

I think its pretty pitiful if the promise of $30 buys your vote. And thats $30 that you will never see….

I guess its the thought that counts huh? Tell that to the soldiers dying in Iraq while you feel a little 'imaginary relief'.

mona   May 5th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

The elitist's who support Barack Obama just don't get it do they? When I go to the pump and there are two gas stations directly across from each other and one says 3.79 and the other says 3.78 I am going fill up at the 3.78 gas pump. Why? Because that penny matters to me if it means I am saving something. So if what Hillary proposes is going to save me a penny in the summer…so be it!!!! Now if you choose to pay more for you gas, than by all means you definitely should be voting for Obama. When did $30 not become a savings in this country? I could feel a child for a whole week with a savings of $30. This elitist mentality is what keep the rich, richer and the poor, poorer

President Hillary 08

Michelle   May 5th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

PREDICTON TIME:

Hillary will win both Indiana and North Carolina.
SHOCKER!! not really she is better than Obama.

Mike Guinn   May 5th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Hillary Clinton proves once again why she is not capable of being President, why she shouldn't EVER be President, and why she has a 60% NEGATIVE rating.
She is a panderer, a liar, and together that spells typical politician.
Can't wait til she's done for–and that will be SOON.
She's going to get every nasty trick and innuendo out there before she's done. Millions of we true Democrats will never forget this or forgive her for it.
She will NEVER be President of this Country!

KA   May 5th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Are the oil companies going to bear these costs? Given they make hell of a profit even during down time. I don't think so. I m not against hillary or I don't support obama, but this is a highly immature thing to do. If she makes the gas companies pay for this they are going to reciprocate the same on us. Long story short we will end up paying all of that if not this summer may be in winter. Law of demand supply if the demand increases and there is a scarcity of supply, obviously the prices are going to increase. Will the 20 cents she talks about going to make any difference if the price becomes 4$ 20 cents? I believe not.

John   May 5th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Hillary Clinton,we as your supporters are with you all the way.A good response from voters,well informed,mature,hard working and realistic; are unanimously vouching for you. Winning Indiana,and North Carolina is just a tip of the iceberg.More promising and encouraging events in the primaries will catapult you to the big House,Pennsylvania Avenue #1600.No braging,insulting,jeering anyone.We will however humbly accept your advancement.Go Hillary-in the taugh trek ahead to unite the people of America,and develop success to bring prosperity and intergrity we all deserve!You got the wisdom and strength to just do that.Tomorrow will be a great day!!!!!!!!

Obama is the man   May 5th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Sorry Hillary–I took Econ 101–did you? Apparently NOT!!! You are delusional, and so are your followers!
People–read up a little on this. How is is possible that not ONE economist can agree with her plan? Does that tell you something?

mona   May 5th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

May 5th, 2008 7:22 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

The elitist's who support Barack Obama just don't get it do they? When I go to the pump and there are two gas stations directly across from each other and one says 3.79 and the other says 3.78 I am going fill up at the 3.78 gas pump. Why? Because that penny matters to me if it means I am saving something. So if what Hillary proposes is going to save me a penny in the summer…so be it!!!! Now if you choose to pay more for you gas, than by all means you definitely should be voting for Obama. When did $30 not become a savings in this country? I could feed a child for a whole week with a savings of $30. This elitist mentality is what keep the rich, richer and the poor, poorer

President Hillary 08

marcelo   May 5th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Nice Hillary!! A play right out of the Republican playbook.

Keep BUYING votes like the republicans by promising of tax cuts and make anyone who's against them look like they are the bad guy. We're currently in a $300 billion budget deficit for the current fiscal year and she doesn't care because this will help her win.

She's just like Bush! Spend now, let our kids pay for it later!

Oreo   May 5th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

How many people here really think Hilary Clinton knows better than the economists?

I'll give you one thing: She knows politics better than the economists, and she knows how to please everyone by saying what they want to hear and victimizing them.

Gas tax holiday = bad idea. Anyone with an inkling of intelligence should know that, even if they don't know the reasons why. I guess people just go along with it because it sounds good. Economics should be required in every high school.

Tjaye   May 5th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

I can GUARANTEE you that after saving $30-$70 over the course of 3 months, you will STILL be complaining about high gas prices.

I gotta give it to Hillary…she's seems to know her supporters are just not that bright.

Obama O-8!

Will   May 5th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Instead of gas tax "holiday", which is going to increase demand, how about "free public transportation for the summer" paid by oil companies?
(Taxis not included of course).

Well, people in the urban area will get more from this since public transportation is more prevalent. And this can be extended to include greyhound and amtrak as well.

At least, it will help "some" households to save money on transportation costs, and it will reduce oil demand.

Plus, this approach focus more on the lower-middle income people, since they use more public transportation.

wolfsbane   May 5th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

CNN, your coverage is horrible - you have not included Obama's response, it's all Clinton.

Report both sides, not Clinton's version alone.

aware   May 5th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Right Hillary!

Hillary Clinton 2008 and 2012 - America's Margaret Thatcher!

Hillary has short range and long range solutions! :)

Obama - the candidate of obfuscation, misinformation and far left ideology!

Truth Be Told   May 5th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

with hillary's gas relief plan, it's penny wise, pound foolish. i guess most people don't see it that way. true, $20 means a lot. however, if you're going to lose $100 in the long run, it's foolish. the gas companies will just raise their prices (as they're doing on a daily basis nowadays) to offset hillary's gas relief. also, it's not going to happen this year. will it happen next year? don't bet your house on it!

JN   May 5th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Good for all you Hillary supporters..Thirty dollars in your pockets..Just one thing to remember. DO you really want to cross that bridge that has been left to crumble because her great idea takes money from the street workers? Is thirty dollars worth your liife? Hillary has a jet she's flying with your tax dollars..Bet she ain't worried about $30.00..She can't even use a coffee machine or for that matter pump gas>>>:(

Minnie Hadley   May 5th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

I am beginning to think we do not know enough about Obama. Maybe we are rushing too fast.

Felicia   May 5th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

I find it very funny that you Obama supporters dump all over Clinton because of her plan. Instead of bashing Clinton's plan, why don't you brag about Obama's plan–OOPS I forgot, he doesn't have one!

NOBAMA!

K   May 5th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Obama is an arrogant nitwit and an empty suit.

Chris   May 5th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Love how Obama is the only one stating THE FACTS, yet America is so not use to an American politican telling the truth what do they do? THEY JUMP ON HIM sayign hes not doing enough. Please… if you listen to all the major news all the top economics say it will do nothing to help. Get with it people.

Answer This One !!!!   May 5th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Obama Doesn't want Us To have Any releif At All !!!!
Obama Is Worthless . He Doesn't Have A Clue How To Handle The Problems That This Country Is facing Now . No Plans Or Actions To Turn Things Around . Obama Wants Us To Suffer , He Out Of Touch!!!!

No Obama !!!! No More Problems!!!

HILLARY 2008

Sean   May 5th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

She misses the point. They will just raise prices to cover the cost of the tax. There will be NO savings, just a long term increase in cost because Big Oil isn't going to drop the price when the "Gas Tax Hilliday" is over. Think about it. She doesn't seem to be…

James   May 5th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

This woman has some very major mental problems. It has become clear that she is running for McCains VP.

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