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Obama Defends Energy Record At Prince George's Community College

LARGO, Md. (WJZ)—As gas prices continue to soar, President Barack Obama comes to Maryland to try to cap the political fallout. The president spoke out about his energy policies in Prince George's County on Thursday.

Mary Bubala has the story.

As President Obama told the Maryland crowd at Prince George's Community College that drilling is not the solution to driving down high gas prices, the price of gasoline crept up at a Baltimore gas station to just 5 cents off the $4 mark.

GOP candidates are blaming the president for the sharp rise in gas prices.

WJZ's Pumpwatch shows the national average for a gallon of regular is at $3.82. That's up a penny from Wednesday.

Obama says any politician who offers a quick solution to cheap gas isn't telling the truth.

"There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to high gas prices," President Obama said. "There is no silver bullet. Anyone who tells you differently isn't looking for a solution. They are trying to ride the wave of the political moment."

The president told the Maryland crowd that the United States is actually producing more oil than at any time in the past eight years. But that still isn't bringing down prices at the pump, so will President Obama pay come Election Day?

"Maybe he could be doing more," said Erin Lehner, of Baltimore.

"Since he is the president at this time I would imagine he has some kind of influence on what happens with the oil," said Jackie Jackson, of Baltimore.

"No way is it Obama's fault," said Adolf Scott, of Baltimore.

Scott says the price of gas will not influence his vote come November. But as he pumped gas, he watched the price closely.

"I can't afford to fill up," Scott said.

President Obama said his energy policy is focusing on new sources of clean energy and fuel efficiency in cars.

The highest gas prices were actually recorded before President Obama took office in July of 2008. At that time it was $ 4.11.

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