Obama takes on Republican criticism of gas prices

Fall 2011 -

President Obama continued to fight back against Republican criticism of his energy policies and his role in controlling the rising gasoline prices on Saturday in his weekly radio and Internet address. He highlighted the efforts of his administration to develop alternative energy sources and increase fuel efficiency.

“I’m going to keep doing everything I can to help you save money on gas, both right now and in the future,” Obama said. “I hope politicians from both sides of the aisle join me.”

In his weekly address, which was taped at a Virginia jet engine plant, President Obama promised to “put aside the bumper-sticker slogans” and called for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, including the development of more fuel-efficient engines.

The President said that fuel efficiency is just one part of controlling gas prices.

“Because whether you’re paying for a plane ticket, or filling up your gas tank, technology that helps us get more miles to the gallon is one of the easiest ways to save money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Obama said.

Obama noted that the annual number of miles driven by Americans has stayed roughly the same, but the total amount of gas Americans use has been decreasing. “In other words,” he said, “we’re getting more bang for our buck.”

“This wasn’t easy,” he continued. “We had to bring together auto companies, and unions, and folks who normally don’t see eye to eye. But it was worth it because these cars aren’t some pie in the sky solution that’s years away.”

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple responded to Obama’s address by arguing that the president’s administration is “killing energy development,” specifically for not approving the Keystone oil pipeline.

Dalyrymple is not the only one dissatisfied with Obama’s handling of gasoline prices.

Republican candidate Mitt Romney has gone so far as to say that the President is simply deflecting responsibility when it comes to the rising prices.

“The president is looking around for someone to blame,” said Romney. “You know, it seems to be part of his nature. He’s out of ideas, he’s out of excuses, and in 2012 we’re going to get him out of office. That’s got to get done.”