Damn the Economists, Full Speed Ahead
Hillary Clinton's campaign was pressed Thursday about how Clinton can stand by the gas tax holiday that she and John McCain have proposed, despite a flood of criticism from economists and others -- and apparent conflicts with her long-term economic and environmental plans.
But campaign officials showed no signs of backing down. The reason? Voters like it. They really, really like it.
"Working people appreciate that Sen. Clinton understands the incredible economic strain they are facing, not just through high gas prices, but a number of things," is how Geoff Garin, her top strategist, put it in a conference call with reporters -- with a confidence that suggested he had polling data to back up his point. "People need relief now and you can't say that you have to wait for a couple of years, help is on the way. People are hurting now."
Garin also made clear that suggestions the plan -- estimated to save the average driver $70 -- wouldn't do much to balance checkbooks across America was just another misreading of the situation by elites -- candidates and reporters alike.
Most households have more than one car, he said, and "for people who rely on their trucks and cars [for work], it would save them even more."
"If you live in the center of the city, it may not seem like that big a deal," Garin said. "But if you live in places where you have to drive a lot...this means a lot."
Comments:
Posted 05/01/2008 04:32pm with
This is why educated people typically vote for Obama. If you really want to give people a break, why don’t you cut the diesel tax (24 cents/gallon)? Wouldn’t that drive down prices across the board due to the fact that trains and trucks have a hand in the transportation of almost all goods we buy? Although, I don’t think any tax cut on petroleum products is a good idea. Those taxes are what the states use to keep our roads and bridges safe. Also, what happens at the end of the cycle when demand is higher, supply is the same, and the tax is being reimposed. Any economist will tell you that the prices will skyrocket. Telling people what the want to hear may get you elected, but finding a realistic solution, however less politically favorable, would be the best way to go.
Posted 05/01/2008 05:48pm with
What guarantee is there that gas prices will actually go down as a result of suspension of the tax?
Posted 05/02/2008 12:43pm with
The gas tax rebate or holiday (or whatever you may want to call it) is nothing but political pandering at its WORST!