Posted by Jed Lewison on Mon Aug 4, 2008 at 11:40 AM Pacific

Who's the real Dr. No?

John McCain and the GOP have been mercilessly mocking Barack Obama for his sensible suggestion that keeping tires properly inflated will help improve gas mileage (not to mention make driving safer).

The problem for McCain and the GOP is that Obama is absolutely right -- and, as the Obama campaign notes, they've made the same point as Obama in the past.

Clearly, they want to portray Obama as some sort of out-of-touch elitist. But given the facts of the situation -- including their own past rhetoric -- McCain and his allies are just proving that they will do and say anything to win this election, even if it means lying to the American public and telling them that tire pressure won't improve their gas mileage. There's no good idea they won't oppose if they sense a way to gain political advantage from saying no.

Here's a list of quotes (compiled by the Obama campaign) from McCain supporters and non-partisan organizations alike making it clear that properly inflated tires will help improve mileage:

SENATOR JOE LIEBERMAN, CHAIRMAN OF CITIZENS FOR MCCAIN:

“Nestled within the ‘Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act of 2005,’ which Lieberman introduced in the Senate, section 201 requires the creation of a ‘national tire fuel efficiency program for tires designed for the use on passenger cars and light trucks.’

“It doesn't stop there, either. Lieberman is on record going as far back as 2001 touting the significant role tire efficiency can play in any plan to reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil. In a 2001 press release arguing against exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Senator said: ‘Increasing the fuel efficiency of replacement tires for our cars to the same level as those sold on new automobiles will save drivers $90 in fuel costs over the lifetime of the tires and will save the U.S. more than 70 times the amount of oil we might find in the Refuge.’” [Huffington Post, 8/4/08]

GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST AND GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER:

“Both governors appealed to those with the real power to make change—average citizens—to drive slower, keep engines tuned and tires properly inflated, to buy hybrids and lower overall consumption. ‘We all do have the power. Let's not wait for government,’ Schwarzenegger concluded. ‘Energy prices are not going back to the good old days.’” [Los Angeles Times, 6/26/08]

REPUBLICAN REP. MIKE ROGERS (MI-08), WHO WILL HOST A MCCAIN CONFERENCE CALL LATER TODAY:

“You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 3%  Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.09/gallon.”  [Rep. Rogers Website, Accessed 8/4/08]

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S “ENERGY SAVERS” MANUAL:

Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to improve your gasoline mileage by around 3.3%. [DOE “Energy Savers” Manual, p.31]

NASCAR:

“With gas prices now hovering around $3, smart drivers care. Savvy consumers are seeking to increase fuel economy and the life of their tires by paying more attention to those rubber objects that are attached to their vehicle…With escalating fuel prices, the time is now for drivers to focus on simple things like proper tire pressure to maximize tire performance and increase fuel economy.” [NASCAR Release, 7/25/06]

THE AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE, TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR THE OIL INDUSTRY:

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tired can decrease fuel economy by up to 1 mile per gallon. [API  “Fuel-Saving Tips for Drivers,” 7/11/08]

REPUBLICAN REP. VERNON EHLERS (MI-03), RANKING MEMBER ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE, LETTER TO MEMBERS AND STAFF:

“With gas prices at an all time high, the simple step of keeping tires inflated will help ease pain at the pump, as well as reduce carbon emissions, a major threat to the environment. I encourage any Members and staff who park in the Rayburn Garage to take advantage of this opportunity to maximize their fuel dollars while helping the environment.” [Ehlers Letter, 7/28/08

REPUBLICAN REP. MICHAEL BURGESS (TX-26):

“Now, the one that everyone talks about and you hear it all the time and I will mention it again is tire pressure. Ensuring that tires are properly inflated can result in a 3 percent fuel economy benefit and equivalent gas savings of up to 12 cents a gallon. Properly inflated tires are safer and they last longer, so you will spend less money on your tires. So, in the long run, it is a real bargain.” [Press Release, Rep. Michael Burgess, 7/8/08]

Who's the real Dr. No?

John McCain and the GOP have been mercilessly mocking Barack Obama for his sensible suggestion that keeping tires properly inflated will help improve gas mileage (not to mention make driving safer).

The problem for McCain and the GOP is that Obama is absolutely right -- and, as the Obama campaign notes, they've made the same point as Obama in the past.

Clearly, they want to portray Obama as some sort of out-of-touch elitist. But given the facts of the situation -- including their own past rhetoric -- McCain and his allies are just proving that they will do and say anything to win this election, even if it means lying to the American public and telling them that tire pressure won't improve their gas mileage. There's no good idea they won't oppose if they sense a way to gain political advantage from saying no.

Here's a list of quotes (compiled by the Obama campaign) from McCain supporters and non-partisan organizations alike making it clear that properly inflated tires will help improve mileage:

The Jed Report Home Page

© Jed Lewison