Clinton Goes on Gas-Price Offensive, Aims at Obama
GRAHAM, N.C. — Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday criticized Barack Obama for opposing the concept of suspending the gas tax during the peak summer driving months, a plan both she and Republican John McCain have endorsed.
The idea to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day was first proposed by McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee, as a way to ease the economic burden for consumers during the summer.
Obama does not support the “gas tax holiday” and has said the average motorist would not benefit significantly from such a suspension; by some estimates, the federal government would lose about $10 billion in revenue.
“My opponent, Senator Obama, opposes giving consumers a break,” Clinton said, campaigning in North Carolina. “I understand the American people need some relief.”
Clinton said she would make up the difference in revenue by imposing a “windfall profits tax” on oil companies.
“If we suspended it and made up the lost revenues, that’s the best of both worlds,” she said.
Clinton commented at a firehouse in Graham, where she was urging North Carolinians to take advantage of the state’s early voting, which opened more than a week ago ahead of the May 6 primary.
She and Obama have been pushing their supporters to go to the polls early here and Indiana, which also votes May 6. Obama is favored in North Carolina while the two are competing closely in Indiana.
Besides her push for early voting, Clinton was to spend part of the day raising money. She and daughter Chelsea were to appear at a closed-door fundraiser in Greensboro, with two more fundraisers scheduled later in Charlotte.
Obama also planned campaign appearances in the state, with events in Wilmington, Wilson and Chapel Hill.
Lets see, lower price of gas will increase consumption, lowering inventories, raising prices. Then we reinstate the taxes next fall, raising prices again. Real smart. Tinkering with supply and demand always results in the same outcome. Either shortages or higher prices. How about we remove restrictions on producing energy to increase the supply thus lowering prices?
I’m with Andy, so the decrease is ONLY for the summer and after the summer what? This is just another attack from Hillary to keep her in this race. Hillary has lied on several occasions and if you really are honest with yourself, Obama has ran this political race with respect and honesty and that is what we need in order to have REAL change, not just temporary change!
Anyone happen to hear about the 22% PROFIT the oil companies are bragging about for the first quarter???
Exactly WHAT are they doing with this 22% PROFIT (wish they would translate that into dollars, it would have a much bigger impact)…….. Oh, I forgot. . .those oil execs (and soon-to-be-back-behind-the-oil-exec-desk elected officials) must continue their OWN lifestyle and those of their closest associates.
I hope next time there is an oil baron running for president we all think real hard before putting them into office. It’s bad enough we have one, but for the top two positions in this Country to be filled by oil barons is simply suicidal.
Why doesn’t Hillary Clinton just join John McCain’s campaign and start stumping for the Republicans if she agrees with so many of his policies? I’ve never seen anything like this. Clinton, a Democrat, is correct to challenge Obama’s message, however, she should NOT support the likes of John McCain. Speaking as an average, working class American single mother, I can say wholeheartedly say that Hillary Clinton is NOT what we need. After 8 years of a self-serving President Bush who has driven our economy into the ground, this country needs a President who is going to work hard to advance the interests of the AMERICAN people, not work toward advancing their own political agenda. Win at any cost? Promise anything for a vote? That’s got Clinton written all over it. If that’s the message that Clinton supporters are buying into - God help us if she becomes the nominee and is elected President. Everything she (and Bill) wants and needs personally will be at the forefront of her political agenda and within her first 100 days she will be saying, “What Americans???”.
Ok, let me get this straight…Clinton say she would make up the revenue by imposing a “windfall profits tax” on oil companies. Will somebody explain to me how we are going to get this accomplished in 33 days (May 31st - Memorial Day)?
I think it’s ok to offer a different solution Hillary, but don’t lie to the people about how you’d make up the revenue. Anyone with an IQ higher than 2 knows that your revenue capturing plan has fault.
From: A concerned voter who doesn’t take sides on this issue.
Can’t trust Hillary or the Oil companies. Obama is right. Have to be 100 percent about the profits and revenues. Hillary can’t produce that yet. Can’t take any chances. We have to trust Obama.
For lower income people, even a little break on gas prices would be great. I also find it encouraging that Democrats and Republicans can agree on things. Since the “Gas Tax Holiday” was not Obama’s idea, it appears he’s going to once again act like a child and oppose the idea. I thought much of his campaign was based on helping lower income people and encouraging cooperation in Congress? This “Gas Tax Holiday” would have been an excellent opportunity for Obama to prove that he’s sincere about what he says!
Senator Clinton has shown real leadership. She has the experience and the know how to revive this country and our economy. She is the only one who can win in November and the super delegates are watching. It is time to vote smart and vote Clinton.
Comment by C; I remember Ken Star & millions of dollars spent on investagation that found Clinton did nothing wrong. What about Obama’s lies?
Can anyone believe anything Hillary says after sniper-fire stories?