"President Barack Obama hit back on Thursday at election-year Republican criticism of his energy policies, offering a staunch defense of his attempts to wean Americans off foreign oil and saying there is no "silver bullet" for high gasoline prices."

"Obama sought to deflect growing Republican attacks over rising prices at the pump, blaming recent increases on a mix of factors beyond his control, including tensions with Iran, hot demand from China, India and other emerging economies, and Wall Street speculators taking advantage of the uncertainty.

U.S. gasoline prices have jumped nearly 9 cents in the past week to an average of $3.61 a gallon, and are expected to rise further toward the crucial $4 mark through the summer driving season and the approach of the November 6 election.

In a visit to the University of Miami less than nine months before the presidential election in which he will seek a second term, Obama offered a modest series of proposals aimed at diversifying fuel supplies and increasing energy efficiency."

Laura MacInnis reports for Reuters February 23, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Obama: Opponents Are 'Rooting for Bad News' on Gas Prices" (Washington Post)
[3]
"In a Nod to Gas Prices, Obama Talks About Energy" (New York Times) [4]

"Obama Derides Energy Critics in Miami Speech" (CNN) [5]

"Obama: Drilling Alone Is Not an Energy Plan" (AP)
[6]
"Obama Defends Energy Policy Against Gas Price Attacks" (ABC News) [7]

"Obama Proposes Tax Reform, Making Renewables Credits Permanent" (Renewable Energy World) [8]

"As Gas Prices Rise, Should Us Oil Industry Stop Exporting?" (Christian Science Monitor) [9]