>>http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h-wpxs1Re-8vx2Zk5xnYygW1W67w
>>
>>"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK," Obama said.
>
>Not that it matters much to me one way or the other, but I think I need a translation here. English is my first (read as only) language and I can't figure out how that statement above translates to "we should keep our t-stats at 72F".

It doesn't. I think there is a misunderstanding here. He was referring to the habit most Americans have of wasting energy by keeping thermostats at 72 degrees (too high in the winter and too low in the summer) year round. He was actually suggesting that in the summer it should be set higher and in the winter lower to save energy which makes his setting the thermostat at 80 even more hypocritical.

Hey, I like it comfortable too (I like it cooler all year round though) so I'll let that one slide... :o)