Obama thinking long-term on energy

KRISTIN HARTY

WAYNE, Pa. -- Barack Obama didn't offer any pat solutions for America's energy crisis while speaking to about 200 supporters outside Philadelphia on Saturday.

But the Democratic presidential candidate did criticize quick-fix strategies such as temporarily halting the federal gasoline tax -- a policy advocated by his Republican opponent, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Instead, Obama is vowing to spend $150 billion over the next 10 years to establish a "green energy sector" to develop solar, wind and biodiesel technologies. To combat rising gas prices, Obama said, Americans have to change how they use energy.

Obama's summation of the energy issue pleased Penny Parkin, 56, of Bucks County, Pa., who canvassed door-to-door for the U.S. senator from Illinois in the primaries.

She had never seen him in person and wasn't disappointed.

"He actually answers the questions in depth and with a lot of thoughtfulness," Parkin said. "I really respect that he wants to explain it to people so that we get it -- that this is why we're paying this much for gas, this is why we have to change our lifestyle. I don't believe that the general public really wants a quick, easy answer."

Held in a middle school auditorium, the town hall meeting was to rally supporters in preparation for a tough fall campaign in the Keystone State. An invitation-only event, it was cordial and relaxed, with Obama wearing an open collar and bantering freely with the audience.

He made no new proposals but emphasized earlier ones in light of rising gas prices, inflation and job losses -- including a $1,000 tax cut for most working families.

"Let me just take a survey," Obama teased, explaining why he plans to roll back Bush administration tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, saying the middle class and poor are the ones who need relief.

"How many people here make $2.8 million?" Obama asked. "Don't be shy."

One man raised his hand in jest.

"Brother right here?" Obama said as the audience laughed. "I want to talk to you. I need some campaign contributions."

Democrats have carried Pennsylvania in the last four presidential elections, although narrowly at times. Obama lost badly in the primary here to U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and he is struggling to attract the white working-class voters who heavily favored her.

Recent Pennsylvania polls show Obama is about 6 percentage points ahead of McCain, who campaigned last week in Philadelphia.

During brief prepared remarks, Obama focused on the struggling economy, saying the Bush administration "failed to keep the promise that if you work hard you can live your version of the American Dream."

He supports a Social Security tax on incomes above $250,000; a "windfall profits" tax on oil companies; a $4,000 annual college tuition credit for those who commit to national or community service programs; and an end to income taxes for elderly people making less than $50,000 a year.

Obama said he could pay for his programs by winding down the Iraq War and spending more on alternative energy programs that eventually will save money.

During the question and answer segment, he praised the Supreme Court's decision last week to allow detainees at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to challenge their imprisonment in federal courts. Enforcing habeas corpus rights is "the essence of who we are," he said.

McCain sharply criticized the court ruling, saying it would hamper the war on terrorism.

Obama said McCain would likely appoint Supreme Court nominees who would allow states to outlaw abortion. "You're just one justice away from that," he said, alluding to the court's narrow ideological divisions.

"Judge Stevens is, what, 85? Eighty-six? Eighty-seven?" Obama said of Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. "You know, he wants to retire sometime soon, I suspect."

"He can't afford it!" someone in the audience said.

"What's that?" Obama said, hand cupped around his ear.

"He can't afford it!" The audience laughed.

"Exactly," Obama joked. "He can't afford it."