Here are some examples of Obama's "leadership."
“It would be nice if we could produce our way out of this problem, but it's just not possible. … [C]onsumers need to get serious about buying hybrid cars[.]” (2/28/06)
“[W]e should just replace the use of oil altogether as America's fuel of choice.” (5/11/06)
“[T]he Republican leadership in the Senate believes we can solve our energy problems by just drilling more. That's not only dishonest – it’s a disservice to our constituents …. [The Republicans’] bill continues to lull the American people into thinking that we can drill our way out of our energy problems. We can't[.]” (8/1/06)
“[M]oving away from an oil economy is a major challenge that will require a sustained national commitment.” (9/20/06)
“The hard truth is the only way to, over the long term, reduce gas prices is to reduce demand.” Later, to an audience member: “What kind of car do you drive? An Escalade!? This is what I’m talking about [as the problem] right here.” (3/22/08)
“We should also be investing in new technologies so we can replace the internal combustible engine, which has served us well, but it's time for us to move on, because we want to get rid of fossil fuels.” (4/1/08)
“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times…” (Agence France-Presse, 5/19/08)
“Long-term, though, the only way we're going to deal with these high gas prices is if we change how we consume oil.” Then, when asked if high gas prices could help America to transition to alternatives: “I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment.” (CNBC, 6/10/08)
“Believe me, if I thought there was any evidence at all that drilling could save people money … by this summer or this year or even the next few years, I would consider it. But it won’t.” (6/20/08)
“What I will not do, and this has always been my position, is to support a plan that suggests this drilling is the answer to our energy problems. … It won't drop prices in this administration or in the next administration or in the administration after that.” (CNN, 8/2/08)
“[T]hat’s part of the reason you never heard me say, ‘Drill, baby, drill’ – because we can’t drill our way out of the problem.” (5/27/10)
“[W]e can’t just drill our way out of the problem.” (5/6/11)
“Now, some politicians always see [high gas prices] as a political opportunity. … [T]hey’re already dusting off their three-point plans for $2 gas. I’ll save you the suspense: Step one is drill, step two is drill, and step three is keep drilling. … Well the American people aren’t stupid. … You know there are no quick fixes to this problem, and you know we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices.” (Tampa Bay Times, 2/23/12)
“Anyone who tells you we can drill our way out of this problem doesn't know what they're talking about, or isn't telling you the truth.” (Reuters, 3/1/12)
“[W]hy is it that every year we hear the same story about how we’re going to have $2 gas, or $1.50 gas, or whatever price they come up with, if we would just drill for more oil? That’s the solution that you always hear. Prices will immediately come down and all our problems will go away – like magic. … We can't simply drill our way out of the problem.” (3/22/12)
- See more at: President Obama, Democrats Proven Wrong on Gas Prices
