Should price controls be imposed on gasoline?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Gas prices rose for the 22nd day in a row, inching ever closer to a national average of $4 a gallon.
According to triple AAA, the nationwide average is now $3.73 a gallon.
Gas prices are up 14% percent so far this year.
Gasoline is already topping $4 a gallon in several states including California, Alaska and Hawaii and there are reports of $5 gasoline on Long Island. Some suggest we could see gasoline top $6 a gallon.
Gas prices are mainly rising due to soaring oil prices. The market is reflecting fear that tensions with Iran will lead to a war and disrupt oil supplies.
Signs of an improving economy, growing worldwide demand and speculators have also driven oil prices higher.
We've been here before:
In the 1970s, the Nixon and Ford administrations imposed price controls on gasoline. They were reacting to rising gas prices caused by OPEC's cuts in production.
But what followed was long lines at gas stations and an artificial shortage of gasoline.
Experts say the most likely outcome of price controls is gas rationing, like what we saw almost 40 years ago.
People panicked to make sure they didn't wind up without gasoline and gas stations only stayed open a few hours a day to empty their tanks.
Since they couldn't raise prices, they would close shop after selling out.
And those who didn't want to wait in long lines bought gas on the black market at steep prices.
But as gasoline prices continue to climb and consumers feel a more intense pain at the pump, there could be pressure on the government to intervene once again.
Just today Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she is skeptical "about the reasons for the increase in gas prices." She says it deserves "careful attention" from Congress. Good luck with that.
Here’s my question to you: Should price controls be imposed on gasoline?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Can you hear the fat lady singing yet in the GOP race?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
With two more victories last night, Mitt Romney has recaptured the momentum that has been so elusive.
Headed into Super Tuesday next week, Romney should have the wind at his back, with his big win in Arizona and the more narrow victory in his home state of Michigan.
In addition, Romney has won four other primary contests: New Hampshire, Florida, Nevada and Maine. Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich have won five states combined. Ron Paul: Zero.
Romney is also back on top of the national polls, after briefly losing that spot to Santorum.
And perhaps Romney senses he may soon end this thing. He didn't mention Santorum at all in last night's speech, saving all his fire for President Obama and fixing the economy.
It's worth pointing out that Romney still has issues with the Republican base. Michigan exit polls showed that Santorum handily defeated Romney among voters who define themselves as "very conservative" and those who want a candidate with a strong moral character.
But even if many conservatives aren't crazy about Romney, it's becoming difficult to see a path to victory for any of his competitors.
Working in Romney's favor, he beat Santorum in Michigan among voters who care strongly about defeating the president and among those who say the economy is their top concern. He also won the Catholic vote, which is a strong rebuke of Santorum.
Meanwhile, the Republicans better get their business sorted out, and soon. CNBC reports that markets are already beginning to anticipate an Obama victory in November. Stocks are rising on growing expectations that the president will be re-elected.
Here’s my question to you: Can you hear the fat lady singing yet in the GOP race?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Should President Obama have apologized for the inadvertent burning of Qurans?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says President Obama's apology over the burning of Qurans in Afghanistan was "the right thing to do." But not everyone agrees.
The president has come under fire for apologizing to Afghan President Hamid Karzai for something Obama calls "inadvertent" and an "error."
The Qurans that were burned were among religious materials seized from an Afghan detainee facility.
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum says the president's apology "shows weakness." He says that the burning of Qurans was a mistake and that the president of the United States shouldn't apologize for something that was unintentional.
Mitt Romney says that for many people,Obama's apology "sticks in their throat," seeing as we've lost thousands of troops there.
And Newt Gingrich has compared Obama's apology to "surrender." Gingrich said Karzai is the one who should be apologizing for the deaths of U.S. troops.
At least four American troops have been killed in apparent revenge attacks in the past week. Dozens of Afghans have also been killed and hundreds more wounded.
The ongoing violence is why Clinton believes the president is right to try to calm the situation. She said "it is out of hand, and it needs to stop."
Clinton adds that the ongoing criticism of Obama is inflaming the situation in Afghanistan.
Here’s my question to you: Should President Obama have apologized for the inadvertent burning of Qurans?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Should Mitt Romney be allowed to go off teleprompter?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When Mitt Romney goes off teleprompter, he has a record of promptly stepping in it.
Take that botched campaign event in his home state of Michigan on Friday - the one where 1,200 people showed up in a football stadium that seats 65,000.
Romney told supporters he drives cars made in Michigan:
"I drive a Mustang and a Chevy pickup truck. Ann drives a couple of Cadillacs actually, and I used to have a Dodge truck, so I used to have all three covered."
Way to connect with blue-collar workers, Mitt. It's no wonder he's in a dead heat with Rick Santorum ahead of tomorrow's primary.
In that same speech, Romney made a repeated - and bizarre - comment about why he loves his home state, saying it feels good to be back in Michigan, "where the trees are the right height." Huh?
It appears that Romney has a serious problem when he goes off script: He sounds out of touch, elite or just plain strange. Examples abound.
He has said that he's "not concerned about the very poor," that there's a safety net in place for them.
Romney also said he likes "being able to fire people who provide services to me" in reference to choosing between different health insurance companies.
And he made the infamous $10,000 bet with former presidential candidate Rick Perry during an early debate. It's estimated that Romney is worth around $200 million.
In response to his latest gaffe about the cars, Romney says he can't be perfect. "I just am who I am," he said, adding that there's nothing wrong with being successful in America and that he wants to use his success to help the American people.
Here’s my question to you: Should Mitt Romney be allowed to go off teleprompter?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
What does it mean when one out of every four Americans has more credit card debt than emergency savings?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Americans are back to their old irresponsible ways when it comes to credit card spending.
A new survey shows that only 54% of Americans have more emergency savings than credit card debt.
Which means many of us are only one major unplanned expense away from financial catastrophe.
The BankRate.com poll also shows 25% of those surveyed have more credit card debt than emergency savings.
And 16% have neither credit card debt nor emergency savings.
Who's most likely to save? Households making $75,000 or more per year, college graduates and retirees.
And parents are most likely to have more credit card debt than emergency savings.
No surprise here - households making less than $30,000, those with a high school education or less and the unemployed are most likely to have neither debt nor savings.
The survey also shows consumers' overall financial situation is negative:
More people report a lower level of financial security and are less comfortable with their savings compared to one year ago.
Meanwhile, the New York Post reports that total consumer debt reached its highest point in a decade last month.
Experts say that after a few months of reducing credit card debt levels, Americans are back to relying on the plastic.
There's a concern that middle class Americans are taking on too much risk.
Running up credit card debt at a time of long-term unemployment, stagnant wages and increased household expenses could be toxic.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean when one out of every four Americans has more credit card debt than emergency savings?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Where is America headed if nearly half of us pay no federal income tax?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Republican Party resembles a circular firing squad.
Republicans may manage to lose an election they could win - against a weakened incumbent in a troubled economy - which is why many in the party are dissatisfied with the state of the GOP race for president and the remaining candidates.
There's Mitt Romney, who's been running for six years, has all the money in the world and still can't get the party to line up behind him. Newt Gingrich seems to have done himself in after a couple of spikes of momentum. Ron Paul has rabid supporters, just not enough of them to make a difference.
And of course, Rick Santorum, the current flavor of the month - who has a history of controversial comments, including about Satan, and lost his own U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania by double digits.
It's no wonder that some Republicans are still looking for a savior.
A new Quinnipiac poll shows that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is the top choice of Republicans if there winds up being a "brokered convention." Christie - who gets 32% support - is followed by former Govs. Sarah Palin and Jeb Bush at 20% and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels at 15%.
One of the reasons that a lot of people like Christie is because he's such a straight talker. Most recently, he told Warren Buffett to "just write a check and shut up." Gotta love it.
Christie is a Romney supporter who insists he's not interested in running himself. Too bad. You could put the Christie-Obama debates on pay-per-view and retire the national debt.
Other Republicans who might still jump into the race include Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Here’s my question to you: Where is America headed if nearly half of us pay no federal income tax?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Who can save the Republican Party from itself?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Republican Party resembles a circular firing squad.
They may manage to lose an election they could win - against a weakened incumbent in a troubled economy.
Which is why many Republicans are dissatisfied with the state of the GOP race for president and the remaining candidates.
There's Mitt Romney, who's been running for six years, has all the money in the world, and still can't get the party to line up behind him. Newt Gingrich seems to have done himself in after a couple spikes of momentum. Ron Paul has rabid supporters, just not enough of them to make a difference.
And of course, Rick Santorum, the current flavor of the month - who has a history of controversial comments, including about Satan, and lost his own U.S.Senate seat in Pennsylvania by double digits.
It's no wonder some Republicans are still looking for a savior.
A new Quinnipiac poll shows New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is the top choice of Republicans if there winds up being a "brokered convention." Christie - who gets 32% support - is followed by former Governors Sarah Palin and Jeb Bush at 20% and Indiana governor Mitch Daniels at 15%.
One of the reasons a lot of people like Christie is because he's such a straight talker. Most recently Christie told Warren Buffet to "just write a check and shut up." Gotta love it.
Christie is a Romney supporter who insists he's not interested in running himself. Too bad. You could put the Christie-Obama debates on Pay-Per-View and retire the national debt.
Other Republicans who might still jump into the race include Congressman Paul Ryan, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
Here’s my question to you: Who can save the Republican Party from itself?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Can President Obama win re-election if unemployment goes back up to nine percent?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Unemployment could be headed back up to 9% again - not what President Obama wants to hear as he faces re-election.
Gallup reports that the unemployment rate in mid-February stood at 9% - up from 8.3% in mid-January.
Gallup's monthly report serves as a preliminary estimate of what the U.S. government will report next week.
The report also found 10% of U.S. employees are working part-time, but want full-time work.
And they put underemployment at 19% - up significantly from just a month ago.
While the Obama administration was quick to trumpet a lower unemployment rate of 8.3% in January, others were already warning about a gloomy jobless picture.
The congressional budget office predicted last fall that unemployment would remain close to 9% until the end of 2012, and now they say unemployment will stay above 8% well into 2014.
Meanwhile there are other signs that the economy is not out of the woods by a long shot.
Gas prices are already at their highest levels ever for this time of year - and they're headed higher. In Florida, some drivers are already paying almost $6 a gallon.
Government job cuts could place a further damper on the economy with the government being the largest employer in the country.
Lastly, while manufacturing revs up and stocks rally, just remember this:
It only takes one shock to set the economy back. Last year we had lots - from the Arab spring revolutions to Japan's earthquake and Europe's debt crisis.
Can you say Iran?
Here’s my question to you: Can President Obama win re-election if unemployment goes back up to 9%?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Rick Santorum said Satan is attacking America. Is he right?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The moral of the story is: If you think you’ll ever run for president of the United States, watch your mouth.
President Obama should be sending Rick Santorum flowers.
The Republican presidential candidate is under fire for a 2008 speech in which he said Satan is attacking the great institutions of America.
Speaking to students at Ave Maria University in Florida, Santorum said that "Satan has set his sights on the United States of America."
He described a "spiritual war" and asked, "If you were Satan, who would you attack in this day and age?" He suggested it was natural for the "father of lies" to go after a good, decent, powerful and influential country.
Fast forward four years and instead of acknowledging that the dialogue might have been a bit extreme, Santorum is digging in his heels.
He's defending his comments, saying he's a person of faith who believes in good and evil.
Santorum insists he is going to stay on message and talk about the things Americans want to talk about, such as economic recovery. He says his views on Satan are "not relevant" to what's being discussed today. Some people might disagree.
And when you want to be president, it's all fair game.
Santorum is leading the Republican field in several national polls. He's virtually tied with Mitt Romney in Romney's home state of Michigan.
We'll see if at tonight's debate Santorum's thoughts on Satan come back to bite him.
Here’s my question to you: Rick Santorum said Satan is attacking America. Is he right?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
What would you suggest for President Obama's new campaign slogan?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's time for a change from Change We Can Believe In.
President Obama's re-election campaign is looking for a new slogan to replace his 2008 mantras of hope and change.
Reuters reports that some of the contenders include Winning the Future, Greater Together and We Don't Quit.
His campaign posters still say Obama 2012 but surrogates have been road-testing some of these other ideas.
The campaign probably won't roll out the official slogan until the president knows who his Republican challenger will be, and that might take a while.
But whatever slogan President Obama goes with, it needs to represent a new reality. That includes high unemployment, economic insecurity and the fact that Mr. Obama is no longer a Washington outsider.
Senior campaign strategist David Axelrod insists the 2012 election is also about hope and change - even though those words may not be in the slogan.
The branding of a presidential campaign is all about connecting with voters. President Obama hit the nail on the head last time around, but lightning doesn't always strike twice.
One of the best campaign slogans ever was Ronald Reagan's 1984 re-election slogan, Morning Again in America.
What is Mr. Obama up against? The Republicans' slogans are highlighting their belief that the U.S. is on the wrong track under President Obama.
Mitt Romney uses Believe in America, Newt Gingrich has Rebuilding the American Dream plastered on his bus, and Ron Paul says he will Restore America Now.
Here’s my question to you: What would you suggest for President Obama's new campaign slogan?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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