Kerry criticises Bush on oil
2004-09-30 09:32
Spring Green - Democratic Senator John Kerry said on Wednesday the $50 per barrel price of oil reflects a broken promise of President George W Bush that will hurt average Americans.
Bush said Iraqi oil "would pay for the war, but we know that those oil pipes are being blown up," Kerry said. "We know that $50 a barrel isn't as bad as it might get because analysts are now telling us that the price may go up to $60".
Crude oil surpassed $50 a barrel for the first time this week, and analysts said prices could keep rising because of an increase in global demand, tight supplies and threats to output in petroleum-producing nations such as Iraq and Nigeria.
Homeowners and energy-intensive industries could feel the sting from high oil prices worsen as seasonal demand picks up, and there is already evidence that supply disruptions caused by hurricane damage are making it more costly to drive.
"The people in Saudi Arabia and The Middle East who get the money aren't feeling the pain," Kerry said.
Average American will 'feel the pain'
"But the average American is going to feel the pain from the fact that President Bush has broken his promise, doesn't have an energy policy for this country and doesn't know how he's going to solve the problem of Iraq."
Also on Wednesday, Kerry's campaign released a TV ad on "energy independence" in which he says: "I want an America that relies on its own ingenuity and innovation, not the Saudi royal family."
Kerry was speaking to supporters in Madison, Wisconsin, just before boarding a flight to Florida, where the first presidential debate is scheduled for Thursday night.
Kerry said among the supporters he met at the airport were two US soldiers who fought in Iraq and were worried about the tough job of getting the troops out.
"They came here today to support me because they believe as do others who served our military that I can be a stronger commander in chief who solves the problems of Iraq and gets our troops home," Kerry said.
Upon his arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Kerry addressed a sweltering aeroplane hangar partially filled with shrieking supporters. "Tomorrow, we're going to get an opportunity to debate with the president about the direction of our country. I'm looking forward to that debate."
- AP