Obama on gas prices

Posted by David Roberts at 3:35 PM on 01 May 2008

Read more about: politics | presidential race 08 | Barack Obama | oil | energy

If you can overlook the silly "price gouging" bit, this strikes me as an enormously effective push-back against Clinton's attacks:

For story: Obama on gas prices
4 Comments | Post a Comment

Allright, but Americans deserve better still

Obviously, even Americans deserve a long term view on matters.

Even though I'm in favor of next-gen biofuels in the developing world, I think it's time the Presidential Candidates start talking about electric transport.

Highly developed countries should invest in electrified mobility now, provided it is based on reliable and renewable baseloads (that basically means: biomass).

So when do the candidates prepare the American public for the grand transition to electric transport and mass mobility?

Or are you a stalinist if you dare utter the words "collective transport", in the US?

Over here in Europe, you cannot get elected if you don't mention mass transit and public transport.

by Jonas at 4:01 PM on 01 May 2008

5 second memory

mass transit. most definitely. and our real problem is americans have a 5 second memory. who can recall from one moment to the next what was mentioned before when you're bombarded with the detritus of our lives through every conceivable form of media. we do need to think of very solid, long term solutions and we've known that alternative energy - that is, appropriation of monies to support it in some significant way - is critical. we know the oil companies have to pay more taxes like every other commodity out there. and we know that we as individuals have to think of ways to use less and enjoy life more.

Make a difference with your groovy mind!

by The Groovy Mind at 4:43 PM on 01 May 2008

I'm feeling it...

...woo hoo, I get to vote for him on Tuesday in the primary... Gobama! Even my kids are feeling it.

Seriously we need more of this. Lots more. Plus the MoveOn anti-McCain ad.

November can't come soon enough. Enough of the bullshit. Let's get him in office. I know all the reservations, but the country needs someone who can lead, and I'm dearly hoping he will rise to the occasion...I don't think Hillary has it in her, but he does. As long as he doesn't compromise all the change away...

But my primary is Tuesday, and this week I'm optimistic.

by GreenMom at 10:08 PM on 01 May 2008

Higher gas prices are generally a good thing

I have to side with Obama in that this proposed gas tax cut by McCain and Clinton is a short-term solution, and very narrow-minded at that. While McCain and Clinton believe that it would provide relief, it is very minor for each consumer.

But the main problem here isn't taking away extra cash from consumers. Higher gas prices have sparked an interest in what consumerism entails, especially from an environmental standpoint. Not only are consumers more aware about CO2 emissions, but they are becoming increasingly aware of other environmental issues. This obviously can't be attributed entirely to higher gas prices, but it provides another information point whereby we think in a more systemic manner.

One valid argument against higher gas prices is that lower income individuals will suffer the most. However, this problem offers an opportunity to install better public transportation systems. To get us to that point, we should provide tax savings (and not gas savings so that we discourage consumption) to the lower tax brackets.

by mitch77 at 11:56 PM on 01 May 2008

ADVERTISING POLICY

You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have an account, log in. If you don't have an account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five.