MSNBC reports that while at the California Republican Party Convention’s luncheon on Feb. 25, Newt Gingrich talked up his energy policy to a revved up crowd. Newt claimed that he would bring gas down to $2.50 a gallon. Newt was talking about his energy policy in response to President Barack Obama, since he gave a speech on Feb. 24, talking about how we need to find new sources of energy, and how gas price hiked excite the Republican Party. As a Republican voter, here is why this whole speech by Newt will backfire, and why it is absolutely insane.
Newt claiming that he can lower gas prices to $2.50 is just plain insane, because no president can really control the price of gas. The biggest factor in determining the price of gas is supply and demand, which is something no president can just control with the flick of a finger. The only way that Newt could possibly help lower gas prices is if he allowed drilling in areas which are not currently being drilled, but starting to drill in new locations is a hot issue with both Republicans and Democrats. I find this statement by Newt to be irresponsible, because this just shows Newt does not know how the system works, and you should never make a promise that you cannot keep.
Newt also said that if America wanted gas prices at $10 a gallon, Obama was our guy, which I tend to find a little dishonest. Gas prices are rising, but not all of it is the fault of Obama, although he has said repeatedly that energy prices will necessarily skyrocket. While I agree that some of the regulations Obama has put into place can help make gas prices increase, it is not all because of his policies that we are in this situation. There are many factors that determine gas prices, such as natural disasters, refineries being shut down overseas, high demand, and the oil companies. It seems that Newt does not understand that Obama is not completely responsible for the situation, and is trying to use the high gas prices as a way to stay relevant in the presidential race.
The biggest concern I have is that both the Republicans and Democrats will try to blame each other for the high gas prices, which is already occurring. While I agree that this is a huge issue facing America, it should not be the biggest issue when deciding on whom to vote for. Some people might vote for Newt just because he said this, and others might vote against him for the same reason. In order for gas prices to come down, both the Republicans and Democrats need to stand united, because drilling more, decreasing environmental restrictions, and depending less on overseas countries is the only way to combat the high prices. Newt pinning this all on Democrats and Obama is just silly, because it is the fault of both sides, and the fault of the overseas leaders.
Myself, Personal Opinion
Alex Moe, “Gingrich: I’m the $2.50 gas president — Obama is the $10 gas guy”, MSNBC