Actually, George W. Bush signed the tax credit into law, Obama just extended it. Here is a quote from Bush's 2006 State of the Union:
“Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology... We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen.”
Looking back I admit it is a little surprising to hear GWB say those words. Maybe he was feeling a little guilty for letting the allure of cheap oil influence his decision to go into Iraq. I don't know. Either way, the idea of electric cars reducing our oil imports from countries that don't like us is not an idea reserved for democrats.
As is well known, both Bushes were RINOs.
Actually, not being King of the US, I kinda like the idea of Tesla owners getting a tax credit. Tesla cars are neat. Tesla owners are, by definition, smart. And, the idea of the credit annoys the 'Rats and probably even some of the Tesla owners. But far better they should get the tax credit than struggling Pelosi voters who want to be an artist or a photographer without worrying about keeping their day job ... on our dime!
When it comes down to a vote, the credit should be eliminated — for Silicon Valley fat cats and Pelosi voters alike. If that's not politically possible, then it should be retained. Screw all this talk about reaching across the aisle!