Former White House spokesman warns oil prices to go up after election

[Poiuyt]

A former White House spokesman warns that oil prices may be "jacked up" by the Saudis and U.S. oil company executives after the election, RAW STORY has learned.

In an op-ed published in Thursday's Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Democratic strategist Robert Weiner writes, "Enjoy the price of gasoline now, because when the Saudis lower production, we could go right back to the $3 nightmare of three months ago."

snip -

"Gas prices that have plummeted 80 cents in the past three months are helping the economy, but the cost could shoot right back up when the Saudis lower production after the election," the press release states.

Weiner and Bangs base their conclusion in part on comments that Washington Post investigative reporter Bob Woodward made on CBS's 60 Minutes two years ago, while promoting his book, Plan of Attack. They state in their op-ed, "Something Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward said two years ago while prices were going higher sends chills: 'They could go down very quickly. That's the Saudis' pledge.' According to Woodward, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, 'told President Bush that the Saudis would cut oil prices to ensure a strong economy for Election Day.'"

"This prediction has come to fruition," Weiner and Bangs conclude.

According to the strategists, U.S. oil company CEOs "possess the power to allow the price drops we've seen that may be timed for the election.

more-

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Former_White_House_spokesman_warns_oil_1102.html


I'm assuming that no one here is surprised by this.

[nini]

1. Now there's a BIG SURPRISE!

NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BushOut06]

2. Actually, I am surprised by this

Not that gas prices are going to be going up after the election. But that the WH would have the balls to come out and tell us! They must think that the American people are complete idiots not to put 2+2 together. Then again, they probably figure since Bush got "elected" twice, that many Americans really are that stupid.

As the Church Lady used to say, "How conveeeeeeenient!"

[Avalux]

3. Bandar Bush and Co. doing what they can for the GOP.

I thought the current drop in prices was in no way related to the election? In fact, I remember pundits saying the WH couldn't influence oil companies. :rofl:

[fasttense]

4. Instead of raising taxes

bush let the Saudis and OPEC raise the price of gas as high as they wanted. He didn't care if the middle class was going bankrupt over the price. Well, not until it got time for elections again and as the gas prices rose his disapproval rate rose among repukes.

So now we get a slight lowering of prices. Remember when gas prices were $1/gallon? You are never going to see those prices again. OPEC will turn off the gas spigots and ensure they get the most out of Americans for all that oil they have. It was the deal bush set up with his hand holding dictator friends the Saudis. Had enough yet?

[AndyA]

5. This should not be a surprise to anyone but the most addicted

Kool-Aid drinker.

I could have told you that gas prices are going to go up after the election. And then the oil company price gouging investigations can start when the Dems take over in January.

[MADem]

6. Of course, that JAWBONING to OPEN THE SPIGOTS only lasts so long!

And with the dollar tanking, they gotta do something to make up the diff!

[Double T]

7. Got to make up for all the lost revenue in the months leading up to the election.

The saudis and the u.s. oil companies have played the american people for fools and THEY are partially correct.

[WI_DEM]

8. hmm, just after the election? I wonder why?

[tblue]

9. This is ha-ha very funny, but it's scary to think 'What WOULDN'T they do to

hang on to power and enormous unimaginable wealth?' Pray for Charlie Rangel and the other Dems who would dare stand up to this price manipulation. Read this excerpt from the same op-ed:

Oil executives are full of fear over new leadership in a Congress that would investigate them.

They are particularly afraid of Rep. Charles Rangel chairing the Ways and Means Committee. Rangel could ask: Why do companies that generate record profits from U.S. consumers receive $7.2 billion in government subsidies? Why was U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, then Republican House leader, allowed to hold open a five-minute floor vote in the House for 48 minutes until some $2.6 billion in tax breaks for the major oil companies were approved by a two-vote margin? Just this week we learned of the administration's refusal to pursue hundreds of millions in fees for offshore drilling. Why?

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/290734_gasprices02.html

[acmavm]

10. This guy must think we didn't see this coming a couple of

months ago.

[liberal N proud]

11. You could have knocked me over with a feather on that announcement

NOT!
:banghead:

[TheCowsCameHome]

12. Aw, you must be kidding! That will never happen.

Before Nov. 8th.