Obama gas? Detroit station swaps signs, lowers prices

When it comes to campaigning for the presidency, sometimes a T-shirt and a pin just don't cut it. Sometimes you need a really big sign and a price cut on gas.


Whether or not either method guarantees a win remains to be seen, but Detroit Sunoco station owner Samir Bazzi and son, Nick, are giving both a shot.

Bazzi replaced his Sunoco sign with an Obama campaign sign five days ago and lowered gas prices to $3.49 per gallon. "Everything's down," Bazzi said. "We're trying to support people."

Bazzi is also selling Obama hats and T-shirts.

The owner of the station for the past seven years, Sammi said he has been a Democrat since he came to America from Lebanon in 1986.


“I supported Bill Clinton when I started voting and now I support Barack Obama. He is a good man who supports the poor people and looks out for those who have lost their homes and businesses.”


Bazzi said he plans to continue keeping the price of gasoline below those of his competitors and said if Obama wins the election in November he will throw a big party at the station, offering free food and drinks to his customers.


“Obama is a good man in the greatest country on earth and we need someone like him to lead us.”


"This is an Obama neighborhood," Nick Bazzi said, adding that sales have increased since the signage switch.


Many patrons voiced support as they filled up on fuel.


"It looks nice--real nice," said Eric Joye, 36, of Detroit. "That's free advertising. It just shows who he supports."


"I think it's wonderful," said Alma Raymond, 54, of Detroit. "He's going to get a lot of business, just like Obama's going to get a lot of votes. [Obama] is going to be our next president."


Samir Bazzi echoed expectations of an Obama victory. "We support Obama they way he's going to support us," Bazzi said.


Phillip Young, 39, of Detroit called the gas station sign "unique."


"It did get my attention when it first went up. With about 40 days and counting, I think everybody should come out and vote. Eight years is a long time, and it's way past due."