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The Price of the Presidency: Will Four Dollars a Gallon Affect the Election?

© John Jefferson

Gasoline prices have consistently risen for the past six weeks in the New York City Metropolitan area and they are showing no signs of retreat. Oil is now priced at more than $41 a barrel for light sweet crude, the variety most used to create the mixture we call gasoline. While in California in 2001, I noticed gas was already $2 for the most inexpensive octane. Now it has hit $3.

John Kerry has promised that he will be the champion of energy efficient fuel and bring the US into the modern era of clearer fuels, moving away from gasoline and toward alternative energy sources such as soy, water, and sunlight. The problem with that is that the United States does not have sufficient infrastructure to deal with a rapid turnover from gasoline to soy diesel or solar energy. Consider what would happen if everyone who owned a car or light truck right now suddenly went out and bought a hybrid vehicle. First, one would realize that there is not enough supply to meet such a demand. Is that indicative of the heads of the manufacturers realizing that alternative energy is not realistic right now, today? Alternatively, is that simply indicative of a policy of not overstocking unpopular items?

Outrageous prices for gasoline affect the working families who now cannot afford to drive somewhere to vacation. If they pool their resources and travel via airplane, are they saving the environment? Does the jet fuel offset the car exhaust? What about the local economies of the vacation sites? Small hamlets up and down the Jersey Shore count upon tourists to survive, the same can be said for any small town near a major attraction. No town on this planet can afford to turn away tourists and those who want to spend their money. Gasoline prices on the rise will continue to force tourists to have to do that by themselves.

The price of a gallon of gasoline in November will have a great influence on the majority of voters who never make it to the polls. They may feel that the issue has now hit them in the pocketbook and they should make their voice and their vote count and elect whichever candidate promises to lower gas prices. John Kerry should hope that gas prices continue to rise. When gas hits four dollars a gallon, many voters may feel forced to put aside their cynicism of the political system and make their votes count this election season. President Bush should hope that prices hit the breaking point and then begin to recede. As things appear now, this November may be a repeat of the 2000 election. Both candidates need all the help they can get.

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