Could the rising gas prices be a system to help improve Bush's ratings?

[LynneSin]

Here me out here!

Bush's ratings have been in the mid-30s for about 9 months now. What better way to improve his ratings than another spike in gas prices (which has no connections to a traumatic event like 9/11 or Katrina) and then Bush comes out today with his speach about his "4-Point Plan" to reduce energy costs and suddenly the gas prices drop about $1 or so.

I mean, he has the oil corporations on speed dial. I'm sure the oil corps had no problem raising the price of gas for some free extra profit and then returning them to normal after Bush makes his speech.

Then BOOM +10 to his approval rating

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. His numbers are unimportant as long as he isn't impeached.

But watch for the repub who comes up with the solution, or who * credits with a solution, in time for '08.

[rock]

2. Well, he has all sorts of opportunities to improve

his image. But, unfortunately, bush* is one of the most hapless presidents I've ever experienced. Generally, he can not learn anything nor change his behaviour patterns.

[yellerpup]

3. Crossed my mind, too. eom

[lala_rawraw]

4. I think it is more about silencing critics by controling the conversation

and concentrating everything around one topic, oil as opposed to the plethora of far more dangerous topics for them.

[yellowcanine]

5. No because he has nothing to blame it on. No Katrina this time.

Even if gas comes down a little - which it is almost bound to - the obvious question in everyone's mind is why Bush didn't take some steps sooner to hold down prices. He is always a day late and the Republicans are going to get punished for that this time even if gas prices moderate. Besides just in time for the fall elections people are going to see their heating costs spiking again and in many places electricity rates are shooting up by double digit percentages as well. The Bush/Chaney "energy plan" has been exposed as a windfall for big oil and Bush will not recover from this.

[Sinti]

6. It would be devilishly clever

The prices would have to go up a bit more before the oil corps would go for it, but if his spin masters could say he "jawboned" the price of gas down, well then, he'd be a hero again. The upside for the oil companies is, they'd still get the higher prices and higher profits, because after they raise them a bit more they wouldn't have to lower them to below 2.90 or so.