Marathon Pundit: From the SRCC: White House gas price goals?

Is expensive gasoline all part of President Obama's big plan? The Senate Republican Communications Center is wondering.

Gas Price Goals?
President Obama’s Energy Secretary Wants ‘To Figure Out How To Boost The Price Of Gasoline To The Levels In Europe’

‘The Main Problem With High Gasoline Prices Is Their Rapid Rise, Not Their Total’

“…Obama suggested that the main problem with high gasoline prices is their rapid rise, not their total of about $4 a gallon. ‘I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment,’ Obama said.” (“One Down, More To Go For Republicans Aiding McCain,” The Associated Press, 6/12/08)

· CNBC'S JOHN HARWOOD: “So could these high prices help us?” SEN.BARACK OBAMA (D-IL): “I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment.”(CNBC's “Special Report,” 6/10/08)

STEVEN CHU: “Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.” (“Times Tough For Energy Overhaul,” The Wall Street Journal, 12/12/08)

Current Price Of Gas ‘In Europe’
Italy: $9.00 Per Gallon
UK: $8.67 Per Gallon
Germany: $8.10 Per Gallon
France: $7.80 Per Gallon
(“Actual Prices Per One Liter Of Fuel,” Europe’s Energy Portal, Accessed 2/21/12)

Report: ‘Five Dollars A Gallon By Memorial Day’

ROBIN ROBERTS, ABC News: “So how high could prices go? ABC’s Cecilia Vega has more in Los Angeles, where five dollar a gallon gas already a reality there, Cecilia?” CECILIA VEGA, ABC News: “Yea, Robin, 5.09 for the premium, check this out, 4.93 for regular, and it could soon look this way all around the country… the average price of gas nationwide has never been higher for this time of year… and brace for it to only get worse. Some predictions show gas reaching five dollars a gallon by Memorial Day.” (ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” 2/21/12)