Barack Obama taunted Republican presidential rival John McCain on Wednesday for first ridiculing him for advising voters to keep tires inflated and then later acknowledging that the practice saves gasoline.
“It will be interesting to watch this debate between John McCain and John McCain,” Obama said as he campaigned in Indiana with Sen. Evan Bayh, widely considered a top-tier candidate for his running mate.
Discussing the air-pressure issue during an appearance Tuesday night, McCain said he wasn’t opposed to Obama’s suggestion. “And could I mention that Sen. Obama a couple of days ago said that we ought to all inflate our tires, and I don’t disagree with that. The American Automobile Association strongly recommends it, but I also don’t think that that’s a way to become energy-independent.”
Obama had noted that keeping tires inflated and cars tuned was endorsed by NASCAR and AAA and should be part of any comprehensive plan to reduce reliance on imported oil.
In mocking Obama, McCain told a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D.: “My opponent doesn’t want to drill; he doesn’t want nuclear power; he wants you to inflate your tires.”
