White House Watch: Will Bush criticize Big Oil's big profits?
Some House and Senate leaders say they are surprised that President Bush hasn't added his voice to the decrying of massive oil profits by major fuel companies. "Bush should join us," said a top aide to a House GOP leader. "That would rally more people around him." Another aide said that because Bush is viewed as sympathetic to oil firms, speaking out against profits as winter nears would show he means business when it comes to punishing greedy companies and aiding the poor: "That would be huge."
Last week, House Republican leaders criticized the large profits and aides said that there's more to come as winter nears. "We are not finished playing our cards on oil," said an aide. But administration officials say it is unclear what political pressure Washington can bring on oil and fuel firms to cut the price of gasoline, natural gas, and heating oil amid high demand.