Obama did say, when asked in 2008 if higher oil prices were good for the country, he answered: " I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment." So, yes, high gas prices are good for the country. What?!!
Not to mention that he admitted that under his cap and trade plan, energy prices would "necessarily skyrocket."
There is video of both of these quotes. If the Republicans take out some ads with these videos, it would be damaging, I think. The context of the second statement was specifically electricity rates, but I have to think if that were played over and over the month before the election, it would hurt him. They give the impression that he isn't concerned with high energy prices.
"Let them eat cake."