How’s Obama doing? Just check the price of gas
Reader Armando Gutierrez asks why, with the economy doing so poorly for the average person, people are feeling better about the President?
Armando Gutierrez of El Mirage, Arizona, asks:
I read you articles faithfully or perhaps I should say I rarely ever miss reading your column… if the economy is doing so poorly for the average Mary or Joe, then why are the latest polls consistently showing that more and more people are feeling better about it? Are they actually experiencing some good or is it that they keep hearing how well it is going, so they just feel better about it based on the power of suggestion?
And, oh yes, I am from a border state and am well aware of how the Obama machine is working on its latest portrait. They are in the process of painting a picture of racism within Arizona’s state and local governments and in the House of Representatives in reaction to the worst gun-running scheme ever by the United States.
The latest polls do show some improvement in peoples’ perception of the economy, although it’s still strongly negative. But there’s no mystery there: it’s all about gasoline prices. It turns out that there’s a stunningly close relationship between short-term movements in Obama’s approval rating and changes in the price of gasoline. In fact, given the fall in gas prices to pre-Arab uprising levels, the surprising thing is how little of a boost Obama and his economic performance ratings have received.
As for the Fast and Furious gun-running scheme, there are some interesting allegations that the administration is using claims of racism to draw attention away from the Fast and Furious murders. You can see it for yourself at an interesting web site, DailyCaller.com. (The site is very anti-Obama but provides interesting analysis whatever your politics.)
- It’s surprising how little of a boost Bush has received: Paul Krugman at The New York Times
- “In fact, given the fall in gas prices back to pre-Katrina levels, the surprising thing is how little of a boost Bush and his economic performance ratings have received.” (Memeorandum thread)
- AZ sheriff: DOJ attack on Arpaio an attempt to distract from Fast and Furious: Matthew Boyle at The Daily Caller
- “The fact [that the Department of Justice] chose today to release their findings was only done to take the attention away from themselves,” Babeu said in a press release, according to Sonoran News. “Today marks the one year anniversary since the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.”
- Brian Terry: Semper Fidelis & Honor First at Committee on Oversight & Government Reform
- “The Brian A. Terry Memorial Act—HR 2668—will honor the service and sacrifice of fallen Border Patrol Agent Terry, who died protecting Americans and securing the border on December 15, 2010. Semper Fidelis & Honor First.” “Caught in the crosshairs, quite literally, was Terry, whose family has since had to endure the arrogance and insouciance of the Attorney General, who, while purporting to have apologized to Terry’s relatives, continues to stonewall Congress’ investigation into F&F.” (Hat tip to Tina Korbe at Hot Air)
- Justice Dept. silent as Holder charges critics with racism: Matthew Boyle at The Daily Caller
- “Attorney General Eric Holder accused his growing chorus of critics of racist motivations in a Sunday interview published in the New York Times. When reached by The Daily Caller Monday morning, the Department of Justice provided no evidence to support the attorney general’s claims.” (Memeorandum thread)
- Perjury at the DOJ: Christian Adams
- “…reveals a common dishonest theme in the New Black Panther dismissal and the Fast and Furious scandal—misleading Congress.” (Memeorandum thread)
Minnesota Representative: Stop White Hate: In the wake of anti-white violence by a Muslim shooter in Denver, Representative Ilhan Omar begins campaign to “stand together to stop white hate.” (read more…)