In the latest chapter of "Politicians must have something to say about everything," Hillary Clinton wants you to know that she doesn't like the fact that Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) traded down after after reporting $11 billion in quarterly earnings.

Senator Clinton -- whom I would vote for by the way -- said that "There is something seriously wrong with our economy when Exxon's record $11 billion in quarterly profits are seen as a disappointment by Wall Street."

Then, in a twist that reminded me of watching a poorly coordinated fellow slam an ice cream cone into his forehead, Clinton added that this was further proof that the gas tax should be suspended.

Has Senator Clinton seen the number of SUVs on the road? And has she noticed that 60% of people are obese? I promise you they didn't get that way by walking everywhere to save money on gas. Given the state of the federal budget -- and the increasing concern about the impact of fossil fuels on the environment -- we shouldn't be doing anything to encourage increased use of fuel.

A separate issue that may of interest to investors: some analysts have suggested that Exxon is actually understating its profits -- and boosting capital investments -- in an effort to appease politicians. If that's the case, the stock may be cheaper than it appears at first glance.