Isn't there something more than vaguely pathetic about the president trying to position himself as the champion of raising fuel efficiency standards?

I mean, it's bad enough to lose public support. But this amounts to betraying what has to be one of the guy's few core principles -- free rein for the oil companies.

Late Update: TPM Reader SC chimes in ...

I don't think the President's statement has anything to do with finding religion about fuel efficiency standards. Please note that he doesn't ask Congress to present legislation for him to sign, he is asking for the authority to set those standards himself. It is just one more effort on his part to consolidate any and all power within the presidency.