Gas Price Concerns Surge in Gallup Poll

A new Gallup poll says Americans believe rising gas prices are now the third most important issue in the country behind Iraq and immigration. 

Gas Prices Soar, American Voter Notices

That should be no surprise as motorists are already seeing $3 per gallon gas in many parts of the country. According to that Gallup poll, 79 percent of Americans believe recent price rises are unjustified and are tantamount to profiteering.

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President Bush's reaction politically was less than stellar.

"We're going to have a tough summer because people are beginning to drive now during tight supply," Bush said as he toured a California facility developing hydrogen-powered vehicles.

"The American people have got to understand what happens elsewhere in the world affects the price of gasoline you pay here."

While that's an accurate statement - it's politically disastrous.  What's next a Jimmy Carter malaise speech?

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Gallup editor Jeff Jones points out how bad this may be if the GOP and especially President Bush fail to lead and seize control of this issue.

Now, the looming threat of gas prices over $3 a gallon this summer could cause Bush's rating to sink even further. 

Bush's rating for handling energy policy, 29% approval in the April 7-9 Gallup Poll, is already lower than his overall approval rating. When Gallup has asked about Bush approval on handling gas prices in particular, he has scored in similar territory.

In the past, presidents have not fared well when gas prices were high.

In fact, some of the lowest presidential approval ratings Gallup has ever recorded were measured at times when the nation faced a gas crisis. High gas prices hit Americans in their pocketbooks, and the tendency has been to take out their frustrations on government leaders.

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No question this is accurate. 

Democrats are already on top of the issue blaming Republicans.  And as gas prices continue to rise, unless and until the president leads on this issue and demands that refineries are built and domestic drilling increases - this issue is a loser for the GOP.

--CK Rairden