Gas prices, Bush's approval ratings, and Al Gore

[montana500]

One thing I have noticed the past few years is that the one thing most attached to Bush's approval numbers are *gas prices*. It seems when it gets down to it, this is THE issue for people. His numbers always sink when gas prices go up. Most people only show concern with things that effect them everyday. Gas prices would be at the top of the list as far as being effect daily. Bush's numbers just plummet with high gas prices.

Where does Al Gore fit in? Well for years it has been common knowledge that Al Gore is the "global warming energy independence guy". He has repeated that theme over and over and over, in fact repeating it for years. In a time with rising gas prices and fears about how to lower prices and finding a new form of energy, Al Gore could have the perfect message for 2008.

The message for 2008 should be national security , lower gas prices and energy independence. I think that is a winning combo. And Al Gore is the best guy to attach to that message. In fact I think we should start pushing that message now, and painting Republicans as "obstructionists" concerning cheaper energy prices and energy independence. Use the Bush big oil connections starting now to farm this out and repeate the mem. Start setting up now for 2006 elections with this message.

As gas prices rise, it *will* be the nubmer one issue (if it isnt already). We would have to be idiots to not frame this to our advantage immediately.

Just a thought.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

1. You nailed it.

The vast majority of people in this country don't care about illegal wars, looting of the treasury, massive deficits or writing discrimination into the Constitution.

They only care about things that affect their pocketbook right now. Anything that gets in the way of useless creature comforts will eventually lead to rioting in the streets. Sadly, nothing else will.

I'm reminded more and more of the movie Network and Howard Beale's speeches. That movie is very revealing of today's culture. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

[LostInAnomie]

4. That's what I told my girlfriend today.

The average voter couldn't even tell you their congressman's name, let alone half the stuff we are flabbergasted about here on DU. To them it is all about what immediately effects them. They are too oblivious and apathetic to care about anything more.

When the gas prices get high enough they will change how they vote.

I have also said that the point people will finally get tired of all the fundies is when they make a move for their porn. Up until them it is someone else's problem.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

11. Absolutely.

Screw with someone's entertainment and they'll suddenly become Malcolm X.

[Clark2008]

7. They'd care about illegal wars, looting the treasury and massive

deficits if there was a draft and bread lines.

[TomClash]

2. It's a pretty damn good thought nt

[elperromagico]

3. Americans typically vote their pocketbooks.

The pocketbook's connected to the gas tank.
The gas tank's connected to the oil supply.
The oil supply's connected to the Middle East.
And the Middle East is connected to the war on terror.

In the end, it all comes back to the pocketbook.

[BlueIris]

5. I raised this issue at a DFA meeting and was beaten down.

People kept saying, "gas isn't going to matter, that's not how people make their decisions, shut it, Kerry-lover." Well, you've got it damn right that consumers DO notice when they're getting raped at the gas pump. I've been wondering why gas prices had mysteriously PLUMMETED in my area recently--and now I know. It was that nasty low-forties rating he had all Spring.

[cleveramerican]

6. Two oil co execs in the white house?

Is this W's secret weapon? Did people vote for these guys because they secretly hoped that the oil co guys could keep prices down?
Boy, I hope not.

[election_2004]

8. Oh please, not another Ra-Ra-Gore thread!

The Democratic Party needs a standard-bearer to be the new face of the party who represents the FUTURE, not the past.

All of this Gore/Hillary/Kerry/Edwards cheerleading gets old after awhile, and is a real turnoff.

[bmbmd]

10. I don't know-

the past is looking pretty good right now. Gore is not a bad choice because he and Clinton had a sensible, working philosphy of government that enriched our lives and made the world a safer place.

[OneTwentyoNine]

9. Gas prices here are up 30 cents per gallon in about 2 weeks......

See what that does for his ratings.....