An advertisement linking Barak Obama to high gasoline prices is planned for national cable networks and is to play locally in 11 swing states, including three states particularly hurt by the economic turndown: Michigan, Ohio, and Pennysylvania. The 30-second ad is called "Pump." (NY Times, July 22, p. A14)
The script for the ad reads as follows: "Gas prices. $4, $5, no end in sight. Because some in Washington are still saying no to drilling in America. No to independence from foreign oil. Who can you thank for rising prices at the pump? (chant) Obama, Obama. One man knows we must now drill more in America and rescue our family budgets. Don't hope for more energy, vote for it. McCain." The visuals support the message that Obama has caused high gas prices.
In the first place, no one who has studied the issue believes that increasing domestic oil production will be all that helpful to the U.S. in gaining energy independence. In addition, both candidates have endorsed alternatives: wind and solar power, ethanol (Obama) and nuclear (McCain). Many economists agree that McCain's proposal for a temporary gasoline tax rebate would not give any substantial help. And the cost of oil has been rising for years, because of various economic conditions and political influences.
As the Times goes on to state, "'Pump' is misleading on nearly every substantive point." In other words, in plainer language, Senator John McCain, who must ultimately be considered responsible for this ad, is clearly and unequivocally lying to the American public.
Even in this age of falling expectations, when cynicism is rife, in regard to politicians, I am shocked. We should expect more from a Senator, a war hero, and a presumed candidate for the President of the United States. We should expect integrity, we should expect truth.
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