Cars.com Survey Shows Voters Don't Trust Either Candidate on Energy

It says something about the jaded view of the American electorate that the voting public doesn’t trust either candidate to handle the energy issue.

In an online survey of 1,052 individuals 18 years or older across demographic groups, a majority (50%) believed that neither John McCain nor Barack Obama could bring down gas prices as president. A majority (48%) also rejected the idea that either candidate had an edge when it comes to working effectively with automakers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The candidates will be paying attention to the results, however. Gas prices ranked as the second-highest concern (30%) right behind the economy at large (an overwhelming 58%).

The survey also demonstrates that voters have a savvy side and a side that wants to wallow in wishful thinking. Respondents are correct in their belief that a president's short-term actions do not have any effect on gas prices whatsoever. Whether the next occupant of the White House is John McCain, Barack Obama or a block of cement, gas prices will do what they do regardless.

Still, an alarming number of people (71%) responded that they would support increased oil drilling in the U.S. to lower gas prices. This demonstrates that a large number of Americans — Democrats and Republicans — remain under the erroneous assumption that increased domestic oil exploration has any correlation to the price at the pump.

There is no such thing as an American price of oil. There is a world price of oil, dictated by a formula no one on the planet fully understands, but rest assured that adding the last vestiges of America's piddling reserves will have little to no effect on it.

Yes, adding domestic production could decrease America's reliance on foreign oil, but not by much and not for 10-20 years. By that time, consumption will have increased far enough beyond the capacity of U.S. reserves to make any difference. Respondents correctly identified that the most important solutions to our energy future are reduced consumption (65% believe it is one of the keys to lowering the cost of gasoline) and investing in alternative sources of energy (66%).

Comments

[B]

How is 48% a majority?

[Dave T.]

because the other answers were less than 48%.

[ziggy]

The economy will dictate what automakers produce, not congress or the president.

Production of more domestic oil (off shore drilling, etc) will not make a significant impact in gas prices because the oil companies will have the cost of additional exploration, drilling and refining.

The biggest impact the pres or gov't can have is funding for alternative fuels.

[B]

That's a plurality.

[exxonmobil]

How about the candidate who can explain why our oil companies continue to reap record profits.

[ziggy]

They make record profits because they are a publicly traded company that sells a product that is in high demand. I'm not a big supporter of big oil but it's the way it is because we live in a capitalistic society. Besides - do you realize how many pension funds are wrapped up with oil company stock. Without the profits millions of americans will lose most of their life savings.

[Jaxon P]

I was all set on Obama until I read his energy plan. The fact that he includes no nuclear at all tells me he is not ready for prime time. Maybe when he gets a few more years experience he'll be better prepared. How I wish the candidates were Romney and Clinton. Regardless of their positions at least everyone could agree that both have track records of accomplishments. Unless something changes I'll either be sitting this one out or maybe I can bring myself to vote for McCain. The more I learn about him the less I dislike him.

[rightwingprof]

"Still, an alarming number of people (71%) responded that they would support increased oil drilling in the U.S. to lower gas prices."

There's nothing alarming about that. The only thing that's alarming is your own ignorance:

"This demonstrates that a large number of Americans — Democrats and Republicans — remain under the erroneous assumption that increased domestic oil exploration has any correlation to the price at the pump."

Sue the university that granted you a degree without teaching you the concepts of supply and demand.