Steven Chu. Remember him, the energy secretary, "the Nobel prize-winning" energy secretary who appeared before a congressional committee and said that he wasn't interested in gasoline prices coming down?

◼ Chu Retracts Desire for Higher Gas Prices - Rush

So in 2008, Chu said, "Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe." That's what he said in 2008. He was reminded of that comment today during his congressional testimony, and he backed away from it. "I no longer share that view," said Chu to Senator Mike Lee, Republican, Utah. Chu said, "When I became Secretary of Energy, I represented the United States government, and I think right now in this economic very slow return these prices with could very well affect the comeback of our economy." It sounds like he's not sure that gasoline prices might have a deleterious effect on the economy.

So Chu is now saying his previous statements are no longer operational. That's how the Democrats characterize their gaffes.