ABC Anchor: 'The Best News' - Gas Prices 'Might Drop Another 50 Cents...Just in Time for the Election'

Noel Sheppard
July 7th, 2012 11:23 AM
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If you were a television news anchor reporting on falling gas prices, why would you say "the best news" was that a gallon of gasoline "might drop another 50 cents by Halloween, just in time for the election?"

Believe it or not, ABC's Paula Faris, appearing on Monday's Good Morning America, actually said exactly that (video follows with transcript and commentary):

GRAPHICS: PRICE PLUNGE

AMY ROBACH (ABC NEWS): And millions of Americans are getting ready to hit the road for the July Fourth holiday. And whether just driving to a family barbecue or setting off on a summer road trip, we have some new information on just how much money you could be saving on gas. ABC's Paula Faris is here with some good news. Paula?

PAULA FARIS (ABC NEWS): This is great news. Good morning to you, Amy, and good morning to you, America. Okay, we're gonna take a look at the prices right now.

GRAPHICS: GOOD NEWS AT THE PUMP

GRAPHICS: HOW LONG WILL GAS PRICES GO?

FARIS: And look at those. The national average is $3.33 a gallon. So not quite as painful at the pump as to compared to just April. Remember, we titled it gas-mageddon and potential $5-a-gallon prices, a significant jump. And compared to last year, 22% cheaper, 22 cents cheaper rather.

GRAPHICS: NATIONAL GAS PRICES

FARIS: And if you wanna see how this impacts you, here's a national map. Red states, you're paying the most. Blue states, well, look, lucky for you, especially in states like Mississippi and South Carolina where you're paying less than $3 a gallon for gas. So enjoy it. And, of course, this is of utmost importance because it's a holiday week.

GRAPHICS: HOLIDAY DRIVER NUMBERS

GRAPHICS: 42.3 MILLION ON THE ROAD

FARIS: There's a lot of folks on the road. According to AAA, over 42 million folks are traveling right now, over 50% have already left.

GRAPHICS: 54% ALREADY LEFT

FARIS: And, Amy, the best news, it might drop another 50 cents by Halloween, just in time for the election.

ROBACH: All right. Paula Faris, thank you so much.

So, "the best news" is that gas prices might be down another 50 cents "just in time for the election."

As Big Journalism's Ron Futrell observed, "Why bring the election into this? I don't fill up my tank wondering what the price will be in the fall. I look at the price on the pump now."

And this woman anchors ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.

Makes you feel comfortable about the impartiality of her reporting, doesn't it?