Why do I feel this drop in gas prices is a bait and switch...

[Xenotime]

There's something about it that just doesn't feel right. It seems too easy.

[LiberalEsto]

1. It's e-l-e-c-t-i-o-n season

Now do you see?

[seriousstan]

10. So why didn't this happen for the much more important '04 election?

They needed to pull out all the stops then but, by your assessment, didn't. Why?

[LiberalEsto]

14. Because this time they are desperate

and scared

[seriousstan]

19. They weren't scared in '04? Really? We had the largest registration

drive of all time, the polls were solidly in our favor, the debates made Bush look like he was swallowing his tongue and gas prices were THE HIGHEST THEY HAD EVER BEEN.
In the month's leading up to the election of '04 this board was crawling with posts about how the Saudis would lower prices to keep Bush in office and it didn't happen.

Desperate and scared is a weak excuse for an answer to my question.

[blm]

22. They did drop a little before the 04 election.

.

[roamer65]

2. Trust your feelings, Luke...

It's a "gift" from Big oil to the Rethuglicans.

[HereSince1628]

16. More like a gift from Big Oil to Retail

The third quarter wasn't exactly rosey for retailers as consumers we forced to put off purchases of other goods. The corporations have a huge stake in keeping the of the corporate, by the corporate, and for the corporate Republican control of Congress in place. They plan to make back dollars on the pennies they aren't stealing right now.

[Lindacooks]

And you'd be right.

It's just too much of a coincidence.

[AlCzervik]

3. because it is, trust your gut.

[ClassWarrior]

4. Hmmm... you don't think Bush/Cheney** is in bed with Big Oil, do you??

It's probably just a coincidence that the election is less than two months away, right?

B-)

NGU.

[lgn19087]

21. Crude oil prices are down

That's why oil prices are lower.

[bunny planet]

5. maybe because it is

come on, the price of gas comes down just before the all-important midterm election. Don't think its a coinki-dinky.

[Pirate Smile]

6. Because you have a brain so you are suspicious of Oil Companies and

Republican politicians.

I'm sure the Oil Co's are terrified of the Dems taking control.

[Pirate Smile]

7. Dupe - whoops

[Richard Steele]

8. Because it seems completely unconnected to any trend in the oil market?

Because the only PLAUSIBLE explanation is "election year"?

[melissinha]

9. Exxon is feeling the heat

I have been told that there profit margins have actually stayed constant until now, but that the profits they were making is a result of successfull investments. They are now reducing the profit margins.... temporarily, I'm sure.

[ariellyn]

11. Frog-in-pot syndrome

Last year, the highest prices for gas were the same as what some call "low" prices now. This year, the prices were so absurdly high, that last year's highs are a relief.

It's a bait and switch game alright--I think it's just a little different than the game you may be thinking about.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

12. BECAUSE IT IS!!!

Stock up on gas now. It will rise before Christmas....starting soon after November 7.

[SammyWinstonJack]

13. Because it is? No, make that because it is! nt

[warrens]

15. It's the end of driving season, and before heating season

The prices will go back up next month. If they don't, you're right, it's a conspiracy. But frankly, the oil companies may like Smirk n Snarl a lot, but those guys aren't going to be in office much longer. I doubt they would nuke their quarterly earnings just to help a lame duck.

[RB TexLa]

17. the oil market will rally

there was a bit of a rally yesterday. If not my royalty checks are going to take a hit.

[Double T]

18. 'cause it is!!!!

Wait till after the elections when Exxon Mobil has to make up for the revenue losses from the 'election friendly' gasoline price reductions.

[Historic NY]

20. They can't explain the price reduction.............

demand is stable.

[lgn19087]

25. Cost of business is down

Crude prices fell. That's why it's cheaper.

[Rosco T.]

23. Hello Captain Obvious....

EVERYONE I talk to says "they're screwing with it for the election.. How STUPID do they think we are?"

[xchrom]

24. they are doing their bit to help create a permanent republican majority.

[muesa]

26. Because you're a cynic like me

I am backing - the severence tax on California drilled oil to fund alternative, renewable, and green energy. And the oil industry is fighting us --- including .

So I am cynical.

And gasoline is a classical, textbook "cartel" characterized by "conscious parallelism of pricing action."

[wanpete]

27. ELECTION, SUV END OF YEAR STOCK, CHRISTMAS SHOPPING.

[Xenotime]

28. Ah....

Lower gas prices = people drive their SUVs more = more shopping during the "holiday" season

[deaniac21]

29. I read somewhere that the oil interests have created a pool of

money from their record profits which they are donating to Diebold and ESS.