Obama's Approval Dives as Gas Prices Rise

Reader Comments

Back to blog

robert of NJ:

Assuming you took Economics 101, that is YOUR conclusion of why there are higher oil prices; your conclusion is not, necessarily, fact.

Excerpts from Economics 102:

http://www.econbrowser.com/archives/2007/10/does_dollar_wea_1.html

ann keenan of MI 11:13PM March 15, 2012

How does the weak dollar affect the price of oil and gasoline? It seems if our dollar has been debased by printing tons of paper dollars over the past 4 years that this may be catching up with the price of oil? Is that a possible cause and effect to the increase to the cost of oil?

If you sold your oil for $85 per barrel in 2008 and the dollar was debased by 25%, what would the price be increased to level the price? Try $108 per barrel........

What is the price of oil today?

Who has printed five trillion of new debt?

Who is the cause of this huge oil increase?

Who ? Did you say President Obama.........

This is economics 101.

robert of NJ 2:31PM March 15, 2012

I am still trying to figure out how most people think that governments are responsible for setting oil pricing, and, specifically, it is President Obama who can control the price of oil. I see lots of Conservative and Far Right Websites that claim this, and even offer "proof." Why do they suddenly come up with this alleged "proof" when anyone in the oil business and the "oil barons" can tell you that President Obama's has negligible control of prices--oil prices are set in the World market.

In addition, judging by the Websites of the Right Wing, it is an obvious political attack on Obama, according to primary documentation provided by FactCheck.org:

http://www.factcheck.org/2011/03/is-obama-to-blame-for-4-gasoline/

Additionally, some of the complications from oil pricing in the U.S. was wrought by House and Senate, and Big Oil companies:

"Big Oil companies could also benefit from as much as $53 billion in unpaid royalties from their production of oil from federal waters—oil owned by American taxpayers. Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, attempted to halt this huge taxpayer rip-off by offering an amendment to the House Republicans' fiscal year 2011 budget.

The amendment to the Republicans' spending bill would have fixed a flaw put in place by a Republican-controlled Congress in 1995 and seek to recover funds from faulty drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico that allow oil companies to drill without paying any royalties. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has estimated that taxpayers could lose up to an additional $53 billion over the next 25 years as a result of royalty-free drilling when oil prices are high. The Interior Department also informed Rep. Markey that American taxpayers will lose $1.5 billion just this year from this free drilling.

Unfortunately, his amendment lost on a vote of 174-251. Only 11 Republican House members (5 percent of the caucus) voted to end this costly practice while 25 Democrats (13 percent of the caucus) voted to maintain these handouts."

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/02/profits_v_prices.html

http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2012/02/americas-economy

http://cowboybyte.com/5203/analysts-white-house-congress-have-little-control-over-rising-gas-prices/

Why didn't Daily Finance and AAA mention President Obama?

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/29/gas-prices-world-high-low-country-pain-pump/

ann keenan of MI 2:04AM March 13, 2012

i agree that the gas prices are rising because i spend more money on gas and taxes, and i am going to have to stop buying organic foods for my child because i am losing money. and trust me we do not spend our money freely, it is secure.

AD of FL 8:50PM March 12, 2012

Obama is wasting America's time by being in office. We made a terrible mistake. Can't wait until he is out of office because I know he will not be re-elected again.

Mark of NJ 2:21PM March 12, 2012

Hello Kristin of Wi, Barack Obama won't defeat Dr. Ron Paul and that's what worries Dem strategists. Dem bosses and Republican bosses are all worried that Dr. Paul is participating this season, and that's why the people are winning.

(Ron Paul won The Virgin Islands just recently 29% to 26%, but only the people know that.. it's the sort of thing that's kept hush ;)

Also, did you know that Ron Paul polled at 26% in Virginia until the day of voting and got 40% of the vote? Or that Dr. Paul polled at 16% in Washington State until they voted and he actually got 25%.. beating Rick Santorum? Let's not talk about Maine, that was Outright dirty to keep him from being reported as "winning".

Kristin, find out as much as you can about Dr. Paul... any search engine... bet you join us :)

John of NY 1:50PM March 12, 2012

1st, ppl don't seem to understand the real reason that gas prices are going up & it's not due to Obama not handling it well. In addition, his approval rating could continue to lose a few points & he still would efeat any Reb chosen as the Pres. nom

Kristin of WI 11:48AM March 12, 2012

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

Ken Walsh's Washington

A longtime chief White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, Kenneth T. Walsh has covered five presidents beginning with Ronald Reagan. Along with other U.S. News writers, he continues to provide insight into the White House of Barack Obama and the world of presidential campaigns.

advertisement

Photo Galleries

Storms, Wildfires Tear Across U.S.

Heavy rain, high winds and fire continue to plague regions throughout the country.

advertisement

Latest Videos