DETROIT -- Despite criticism of rising gas prices, the owner of three metro Detroit gas stations named after president Barack Obama said he's standing behind his decision.
Sam Bazzi said he felt so much respect for Obama when he was elected that he changed the name of his stations to "Obama." Now, more than two years later, a decline in the economy and the president's sliding approval rates, Bazzi said he doesn't think the name on his business has any negative impact.
Bazzi said he keeps his gas prices a few cents below those of other major companies.
But what do his customers think about seeing the gas price tag rise next to the smiling face of Obama?
Customer Famous Ellis said he doesn't blame the president for the high gas prices.
"No, I can't do that," he said. "He's doing everything he can to help us out."
Fellow customer Monte Harris said there's other ways to combat rising gas prices than to just pass the blame.
"More than anything, we need to get those electric cars out here," he said. "With that, we don't need to worry about gas that much."
Bazzi said his Obama stations have garnered international attention. He said a French television crew was just visiting him last week.
Bazzi said even if Obama isn't reelected, he won't change the stations' names because the president has already brought him enough good will.