Obama’s Plan Is To Come Up With A Plan To Convince People He Has A Plan On Gas Prices

07 Apr, 2011 by John Hawkins

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Obama hates the oil industry, he’s blocking drilling in ANWR, he still has the clamps down on drilling in the Gulf — in other words, if it increases the price of oil, he’s in favor. If he were honest, Obama would simply make the case to the American people for high gas prices. But of course, Obama’s not honest. He’s a diehard socialist with a moderate candy shell designed to trick people into swallowing his leftism.

So instead of the truth, we get a dog and pony show that’s designed to mislead the American people,

For much of President Obama’s term, White House aides were convinced the main barrier to his reelection was the worrisome unemployment rate. But even as the economy bounces back, a new political obstacle has emerged: rising gas prices.

Trying to defuse the issue, the White House has arranged a slew of speeches and public events to reassure Americans that Obama has a plan for cutting gas prices.

On Wednesday, Obama flew to Pennsylvania — a perennial swing state — for a town-hall-style meeting devoted to energy. He travels Friday to Indiana, another important state on the 2012 election calendar, where he will appear at an event in Indianapolis that is also focused on high oil prices.

“It’s on the minds of a lot of people right now because you’re paying more at the pump. Anybody notice that?” Obama told workers at a wind turbine plant outside Philadelphia. “For a lot of people, money was already tight before gas prices started climbing.”

…Gas prices have risen 30% over the last year and now average $3.69 per gallon for regular grade, according to AAA. Potential Republican opponents are taking notice. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has set up an exploratory committee for the 2012 race, released a video last week that flashed images of gas stations showing prices topping $4 per gallon.

Mindful of the public’s frustration with rising prices, the White House is pounding the message that it is working toward a solution.

While taking questions at the White House this week about the budget impasse, Obama worked in a reference to Americans who are “worrying about gas prices,” adding, “and that’s what they want us worrying about.”

…As Obama tries to soothe the motoring public, though, he risks disappointing his base. Some young voters attracted to his promises during the 2008 campaign are displeased with an Obama energy policy that still sees a place for oil, clean coal and nuclear power.

That last line is a killer, isn’t it? If there’s no “place for oil, clean coal and nuclear power” in America, then we will have a place for one thing: Lots and lots of darkness, because that’s where we’ll be spending most of our time. Sadly, this is where Obama is coming from ideologically.

Now, can Obama do a whole lot to reduce gas prices overnight? No. Can he do a little bit right now and a lot long term by unleashing the clamps on coastal drilling and drilling ANWR? Yes. He. Can.

Instead, expect him to continue to make the situation worse while he gives lots of speeches about how important it is to him. Come to think of it, that’s the same strategy he has for dealing with the deficit — and look how well that’s work out for us.