I will be the first to admit that removing the federal gas tax for the summer, in economic terms, is a big waste of time. But that conclusion is based on a logical argument and logical arguments don’t make for wonderful election issues.

Both Senator Clinton & McCain support a federal suspension of the gas tax, the revenue of which mostly goes toward construction. Some states including my own are also considering removing the state taxes on gas for the summer. Here in NY the combination of both would equal a good chunk of savings. Nancy Pelosi has announced that the issue is dead on arrival in Congress.

Senator Obama has been attacking both of his rivals over the issue for the last few days saying they are “pandering” to the people and now news comes that he will release an ad on the subject.

My take? I think the only thing dumber than a gas tax suspension is opposing it. Here is why.

First and foremost, of course Clinton and McCain are “pandering”, that is what campaigning is. Do you think Senator Obama would have been bowling a few weeks ago if he wasn’t pandering to voters?

Second the fall election is going to be about taxes and War. Like it or not Senator Obama is going to find it hard to distance himself from the traditional vision of a spend-happy liberal who likes hiking taxes. Putting himself out to the public as someone who opposes a tax decrease, especially one that effects voters directly, won’t help. This isn’t the same as arguing against massive tax cuts for people who makes millions, it is about saving Americans a few dollars.

Yes the economists mock the estimated $30 savings over the summer from the suspension of the federal tax. What they miss is the fact that Americans are willing to do almost anything for a few extra bucks, especially when they are hurting. Have these economists never seen a reality TV show where contestants vie for prizes and walk away with nothing including the loss of their dignity? Have they never seen the way average Americans are willing to sell away their private data to win a gift card or an LCD TV?

Obama is also missing out on something else, the way this tax would effect small business owners, delivery workers and a host of others who rely on transportation for income. To these people the savings would equate to much more savings. Yes you can argue the oil companies would simply raise the prices, but lets face facts they are going to raise prices regardless. Action is always preferable to non-action when campaigning. Yes you can go to far but if people see a positive result, even for a temporary period, they are inclined to have a positive view of those who brought it to them.

In short all of us who aren’t in Washington are hurting, even if its just a little bit. Our 401k’s are sinking, our homes are devaluing, our local taxes are rising and we are looking at politicians who promise the moon but rarely deliver.

Elections are rarely about logic or reason but the human connection and the desire for goodness and progress in a system that hardly ever produces either.