Oil Companies, Bush Blamed

[sabra]

Source: Hartford Courant

WASHINGTON -- A new Quinnipiac poll released today shows that most Americans blame oil companies for high gasoline prices -- but many also blame President Bush.

The survey of 1,711 people, conducted June 5 to 11, found that while 43 percent thought oil companies were largely responsible for the runup in prices, 20 percent thought Bush was the reason.

...

"American voters say rising gasoline prices are striking close to home, as most are cutting back on their driving and many are reducing other household expenses," said Maurice CArroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, in a statement.

"But rather than pointing the finger at oil-producing countries, especially favorite targets such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, two-thirds of Americans blame the oil companies and the president with roots in the oil business," he said.

Read more: http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/custom/hcu-qpoll-gasprices-0614,0,6971327.story

[Binka]

1. No Shit Sherlock

How fucking stupid do these ass-clowns think we are? Like duh as if we should be mad at Saudi Arabia? :wtf: I have just come back to the States after being abroad for five years and I am convinced that 99% of the media is comprised of insane reptilian aliens.

[unpossibles]

2. it's only fair since Bush blamed Clinton in the run up to Selection 2000 n/t

[sabra]

3. you mean when gas was under $2.00?

[unpossibles]

5. exactly.

they said high gas prices (HA!) were Clinton's fault, yet now say "it's not my fault!"

[tanyev]

10. George W. Bush on Energy & Oil

Bush said today that he would bring down gasoline prices by creating enough political good will with oil-producing nations that they would increase their supply of crude. “I would work with our friends in OPEC to convince them to open up the spigot, to increase the supply. Use the capital that my administration will earn, with the Kuwaitis or the Saudis, and convince them to open up the spigot.” Implicit in his comments was a criticism of the Clinton administration as failing to take advantage of the good will that the US built with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf war in 1991. Also implicit was that as the son of the president who built the coalition that drove the Iraqis out of Kuwait, Mr. Bush would be able to establish ties on a personal level that would persuade oil-producing nations that they owed the US something in return.

Source: Katherine Q. Seelye, NY Times Jun 28, 2000


Q: The Energy Secretary said he would not tap US strategic petroleum reserves in order to drive down prices saying those reserves are for emergencies. But given the shortages that exist, do you consider this an appropriate time to tap those reserves?

A: No, I don’t. I agree with the energy secretary that the strategic petroleum reserve is meant for a national wartime emergency. What I think the president ought to do is get on the phone with the OPEC cartel and say we expect you to open your spigots. One reason why the price is so high is because the price of crude oil has been driven up. OPEC has gotten its supply act together and it’s driving the price, like it did in the past. And the president must jawbone OPEC members to lower the price. And if in fact there is collusion amongst big oil, he ought to intercede there as well.

Source: GOP Debate in Manchester NH Jan 26, 2000

http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/More_George_W__Bush_Energy_+_Oil.htm

[Wise Doubter]

8. In 1999, gas was .99 cents

I remember distinctly

Check out the prices they are talking about in this article, dated 5/2000. THAT WAS ONLY 7 YEARS AGO !!

http://www.ocolly.com/issues/2000_Spring/000503/stories/gas.html :mad:

[Red Zelda]

4. Nationalize the oil companies

...make the oil profits pay for health care.

[Up2Late]

6. Oh, but the best part is the latest "Consumer Confidence" data Spin!!!

Most reports site "Strong Auto Sales" as a sign that "the American Consumer is still confident..." blah blah blah....

OR, MAYBE, Could it be that the main reason that Auto sales are "stronger than expected" is because most of those cars people are buying are Smaller, more fuel efficient models??? Or smaller, more fuel efficient Trucks, because even those who can afford a new car or truck are beginning to feel the high Gas prices?

I guess it would take actual reporters to ask those questions. :banghead: :grr:

Meanwhile, I'm dreaming of my July, August, and September Electric bills, those are really gonna hurt this year.

[DemoTex]

7. WTF did they expect, with two nefarious oilmen in the White House?

Really. WTF? The country's treasury is depleted: for oil. The country's reputation is squandered: for oil. The blood of the country's best young men and women seeps (nay, pours!) into the Iraqi sand: for oil.

[devilgrrl]

9. Hey most Americans! Oil Companies & Bush are the reasons we're in Iraq too.*

*but those here know that already!

[hippiechick]

11. Interchangeable terms: "Bush" and "Oil Company"

:spank: