Obama on gas prices: Better get used to it

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Obama-....html?x=0&.v=4

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FAIRLESS HILLS, Pa. (AP) -- Pitching the promise of energy independence, President Barack Obama cautioned Wednesday that it's going to be tough to transition from America's oil-dependent economy and acknowledged there's little he can do to lower gas prices over the short term.

"I'm just going to be honest with you. There's not much we can do next week or two weeks from now," the president told workers at a wind turbine plant. It's a theme Obama's struck before as he tries to show voters he's attuned to a top economic concern with gas prices pushing toward $4 a gallon.

Obama said he wants to move toward "a future where America is less dependent on foreign oil, more reliant on clean energy produced by workers like you." That will happen by reducing oil imports, tapping domestic energy sources and shifting the nation to renewable and less polluting sources of energy, such as wind, the president says. He has set a goal of reducing oil imports by one-third by 2025.

But the president said it won't happen overnight and if any politician says it's easy, "they're not telling the truth."

"Gas prices? They're going to still fluctuate until we can start making these broader changes, and that's going to take a couple of years to have serious effect," Obama said.

Obama needled one questioner who asked about gas prices, now averaging close to $3.70 a gallon nationwide, and suggested that the gentleman consider getting rid of his gas-guzzling vehicle.

"If you're complaining about the price of gas and you're only getting 8 miles a gallon, you know," Obama said laughingly. "You might want to think about a trade-in."

The president spoke at a town hall meeting at Gamesa Technology Corp., a Spanish company that makes giant turbines that use wind to generate electricity. According to the White House, it is the first overseas company of its kind to set up shop in the U.S.

Back in Washington, negotiations continued on a budget deal to avert a government shutdown Friday and Obama urged lawmakers to get it done. The president said he wants to cut spending, but not at the expense of cutting priorities like energy and education.

As fuel prices rise because of growing demand worldwide and political unrest in oil-producing nations in North Africa and the Middle East, drivers are feeling pinched at the pump. Republicans blame Obama and his policies and he, in turn, is striving to show the public that he gets it.

Gasoline prices rose another 2 cents Tuesday to a new national average of just over $3.68 a gallon, according to AAA and other sources. Obama's visit to Gamesa was his fourth energy event since March 11. He's scheduled a fifth for Friday in Indianapolis.

Obama argues that shifting to cleaner and domestic energy sources will help create jobs and boost U.S. competitiveness.

Education is another item on Obama's competitiveness agenda. That issue was to be the focus of a speech he was giving later Wednesday to the Rev. Al Sharpton's civil rights group in New York City. Obama's appearance keeps a promise he made to the National Action Network when he spoke there as a presidential candidate in 2007. Obama pledged to return, win or lose.

He returns just two days after launching his re-election bid. He is facing a key constituency that at times has scolded him for not being attentive enough to certain issues, such as double-digit black unemployment, but continues to hold him in high regard.

Obama deflects such criticism by arguing that his polices to expand the economy, create jobs and improve the education system, among other goals, will help the country as a whole, blacks included.

Ninety-five percent of blacks who voted, opted for Obama in 2008. A Gallup poll released last week showed his job approval among blacks holding at 84 percent, about the same as six months earlier.

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Obama is right. What's the problem here?

^^^ :tu

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Originally Posted by coyotes_geek

Obama is right. What's the problem here?

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darrins would rather him be dishonest.. of course darrins probably drives a vehicle that gets 10 mpg..

Obama's "Cadillac One" gets 8 mpg. Maybe that's why he laughed.

So Obama is an out of touch elitist. Does that make him wrong about the price of gas?

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Originally Posted by Winehole23

So Obama is an out of touch elitist. Does that make him wrong about the price of gas?

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Did I say he was wrong?

Just what the hell are you saying, Darrin?

So basically, if you cant afford it, do something about it so you won't have to bitch anymore and afford it or do/get something else so you won't have to bitch anymore about it. Is that what should be taken from all that. Is that what everyone is basing their hallpass on?

If Obongo is serious about us becoming energy independent the price of gas will drop pretty fast. I know the gas business. Just ask clambake.

[email protected] pitching the promise of energy independence.

Hey george, see if there is a poll out there that says americans believe barry will keep this promise.

I guess all the blue-collar working class folks that NEED a truck for their jobs are just screwed.

Is the president supposed to do something about gas prices? I thought you were a free market guy, D.

The guy who needs his truck for work presumably can still make deductions for gas and depreciation on his taxes. Are you suggesting he deserves some kind of extra handout, and that Obama should take the lead in seeing he gets it?

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Originally Posted by DarrinS

Obama's "Cadillac One" gets 8 mpg. Maybe that's why he laughed.

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Pretty sure that's not an "ordinary" car. I think bulletproofing adds a little weight.

The blue collar worker that needs a truck for his job? I can't think of very many that fit that descriptor off the top of my head. Parts runners?

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Originally Posted by LnGrrrR

Pretty sure that's not an "ordinary" car. I think bulletproofing adds a little weight.

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Of course, the armor is balsa wood, so I'm sure that doesn't factor in either.:lol:downspin:

maybe darrin is upset about all the money he spent at truck driving school.

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Originally Posted by TeyshaBlue

The blue collar worker that needs a truck for his job? I can't think of very many that fit that descriptor off the top of my head. Parts runners?

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You don't watch enough Ford F-150 commercials.

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Originally Posted by Viva Las Espuelas

So basically, if you cant afford it, do something about it so you won't have to bitch anymore and afford it or do/get something else so you won't have to bitch anymore about it. Is that what should be taken from all that. Is that what everyone is basing their hallpass on?

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So what exactly are we supposed to be calling Obama on here?

I don't see gas getting significantly cheaper anytime soon. Do you?

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Originally Posted by DarrinS

I guess all the blue-collar working class folks that NEED a truck for their jobs are just screwed.

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I guess so. Hey, maybe we could start up some new welfare program to help make gas cheaper? You'd be okay with that, what with you being so concerned over the wellbeing of the blue-collar working class folks, right?

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

You don't watch enough Ford F-150 commercials.

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Mike Fucking Rowe gets on my last nerve.:flipoff

If they need a truck for their jobs, then the truck and expenses would be tax deductible as business expenses, right?

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Originally Posted by boutons_deux

If they need a truck for their jobs, then the truck and expenses would be tax deductible as business expenses, right?

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Should be....plus mileage.

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Originally Posted by coyotes_geek

So what exactly are we supposed to be calling Obama on here?

I don't see gas getting significantly cheaper anytime soon. Do you?

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You didn't address what I posted so I'll pose another question like you did. Your questions really aren't what I was getting at but I know how assumptions are here.

Would you be ok with it if a republican president told you that? If Bush 43 told you that?

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Originally Posted by Viva Las Espuelas

Would you be ok with it if a republican president told you that? If Bush 43 told you that?

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:lol Yup, C_G is a hardcore liberal.

What's to take offense to? A President saying that someone getting a low MPG shouldn't complain about high gas prices? *gasp* What an asshole!

Shit, I bet it won't be long before that dirty mf'er tells us to check our tire pressure too!

Darrin is battling Yoni for most laughable anklebiter