Gas? Expensive?

By: Peter Maer
Topics: Field Notes

(CBS)

Peter Maer is a White House correspondent for CBS News.

Comments by President Bush today raised questions about his level of awareness of what Americans are paying for gasoline and where prices could be headed. During a photo opportunity with his economic advisors, Mr. Bush mentioned gasoline costs as he made the case for permanent tax cuts.

He told reporters, "If you're worried about $3 gasoline and you think your taxes may be going up in two years, then the uncertain price of gasoline creates more uncertainty as you plan for your future."

It was unclear whether Mr. Bush was referring to concerns about current or future prices. Press Secretary Dana Perino insisted the president is "fully aware of $3 and up gas."

In many parts of the country, the price at the pump has been more than $3 a gallon for days. AAA and the Oil Price Information Service report nationwide gas prices average just over $3.15 a gallon.

Responding to this reporter's questions at a White House news conference today, Mr. Bush said he had not heard about analysts' predictions of the potential for $4-a-gallon gas later this spring when refiners re-formulate fuel blends for summer driving.

Spokeswoman Perino told CBS News, "Four-dollar gas is still a prediction by some people but not necessarily the forecast of his (the president's) advisors." She said, "As you know we've seen the prediction of $4 gas several years in a row and of course it's a concern, but the president is most concerned about the current price already being what he considers to be too high."

The energy experts and the Bush advisors were behind the curve, at least on high prices in one part of the country. CBS News affiliate KCBS in San Francisco reports regular is selling for $4.23 at a San Mateo, Calif., service station where premium goes for $4.43.

Peter Maer
Peter Maer is a CBS News White House Correspondent.
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by drballance February 29, 2008 11:23 PM EST: The fact W. hasn''t the foggiest idea about prices normal people pay should be no surprise to anyone.

He''s had a silver spoon up his arse from birth and since that is also where is brain resides it''s no wonder he''s clueless.

As long as the Saudis and the Carlyle Group exist W. has no worries.

Personally, I can''t wait for him to retire to Paraguay.; Reply to this comment


by ernieson February 29, 2008 7:55 PM EST: In the same display of ignorance, Bush also made a reference to families putting money (Food) on the table. What an embarrassment for the citizens of this nation to have a president like Bush!; Reply to this comment


by lmwilker February 29, 2008 6:19 PM EST: Never in my life, and I remember coming home from elementary school and watching the Watergate hearing on tv, have I ever witnessed such an appalling display of ignorance and hubris as that displayed by George W. Bush in this most recent press conference. Can we please impeach this dangerous freak before it gets any worse?; Reply to this comment


by philgtaylor February 29, 2008 6:16 AM EST: Fuel broke the equivalent of the $4 a gallon barrier ages ago in Europe and Australia. America has artificially low fuel prices. If it went up a couple of dollars then maybe people would start thinking before buying that Hummer.; Reply to this comment


by jesswonderin-2009 February 29, 2008 5:54 AM EST: Clueless as ever . . . a real "world leader" . . . doofus.; Reply to this comment


by fredp089-2009 February 29, 2008 12:24 AM EST: Mr. Bush has no clue what he is talking about! His tax cuts will amount to nothing considering most people today pay 1000.00 for a mortgage alone, what will $300 or $600 amount to? Those who get the most will no doubt trip to the island of Greece for a vacation and spend it over there. Hogwash, designed for the rich and powerful. I''ll be so glad when he''s outta here!!; Reply to this comment


by clarity55 February 29, 2008 12:06 AM EST: Great diversion from the fact that there is no real justification for the tax cuts to be made permanent.
Working people can hardly afford homes - but someone should be able to inherit 100 homes and pay no estate tax. Opportunities need to be opened for all.; Reply to this comment


by remco82 February 28, 2008 6:57 PM EST: It''s all done for him as he sits in the backseat of his limo. He has no clue about gas prices or anything else.; Reply to this comment