by Frank James
The Associated Press has moved its latest story on the personal side of the presidential candidates. This time it's the candidates' first cars and the cars they now drive, though some of them don't drive much if at all these days. (Rudy Giuliani says he "navigates.")
These candidates are real, old-fashioned Americans, that's for sure. There's not a foreign-made car on the list.
How is it that none of them ever owned a foreign-made car, especially one made in Japan? Wouldn't you think that at least one on the list would've owned a foreign-made car?
Maybe that can be used as a marker to tell if someone has presidential aspirations, never owning a foreign-made car.
Here's the AP story:
WASHINGTON (AP) — These days, luxury cars and SUVs carry presidential candidates in their nearly ceaseless travels. Not like the old days.
AP asked candidates to name their first cars. Here are their answers, and a look at some of their personal vehicles now:
DEMOCRATS:
New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: A 1963 Oldsmobile Cutlass with a battery she kept in her law-school dorm on cold nights so the car would start when she needed it. (Now: A Ford hybrid, and Secret Service vehicles as former first lady)
Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards: Plymouth Duster. (Now: Ford Escape hybrid, 2004 Chrysler Pacifica midsize SUV, 1994 GMC truck.)Illinois Sen. Barack Obama: Grandfather's Ford Granada was the first car he used extensively. (Now: Chrysler 300C, a full-size sport-luxury sedan.)
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: Secondhand Ford Mustang. (Now: Official state vehicles and "Jeep Wrangler, although my security doesn't like me to drive."
REPUBLICANS:
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: A used Dodge. (Now: "I don't drive, I navigate.")
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: Mercury Montego. (Now: 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and 1995 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck)
Arizona Sen. John McCain: 1958 Corvette. (Now: Cadillac CTS, a midsize luxury sedan)
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: A used 1963 Rambler Classic, which he got in 1965 when he went to college. (His father, then Michigan governor, had helped develop the Rambler as American Motors chief) (Now: 2005 Ford Mustang convertible and 1962 Rambler American.)
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson: Red pickup. Now: Unknown.
• 
• 
• 
Comments
I wouldn't be suprised to find out that the Republic Parties Prez candidates actually drive gas guzzling SUV's like thier biggest fan Little Johnny D does, afterall, stealing other peoples oil is one of the favorite Republic Party hobbies.
http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k88/Duke_S/?action=view¤t=Dick_Cheney_200.jpg
Posted by: John E | December 10, 2007 3:25 PM
A key portion of Ron Paul's platform is that if elected, he will ban the Federal Government from owning any motor vehicles. The founders did not specifically give the Government the right to purchase motor vehicles in th US Constitution, so he will return the government to the basis that the founders envisioned, all federal officials will ride horses.
Standing in front of a statue of George Washington mounted on a horse, Paul said "If horses were good enough for the founders, they're good enough for me." He then mounted up and took off for a campaign appearance in Iowa. He is expected to arrive in March.
Posted by: Amish for Paul | December 10, 2007 3:27 PM
I guess that's what stinks about running. You're stuck with lousy cars so you don't have someone crying that your not driving an "American car".
Even though some of those American cars are built in Mexico.
Posted by: RomanB | December 10, 2007 4:09 PM
My Dad owned a Rambler. It was a piece of crap. Now at least I know who was to blame.
Posted by: kb | December 10, 2007 5:31 PM
I've never owned anything but GM cars, starting with a 1965 Chevelle station wagon handed down from my mom.
When and where is my swearing-in ceremony?
Posted by: Dave | December 10, 2007 5:35 PM
Oh Deranged Johnnny E., I don't drive a gas-guzzling SUV. But at least I have a car. Being unemployed and unemployable such as yourself as well a chronic drunk who lives in mumsy and dadsy's basement, you don't have a car.
Anyway, I'd be willing to bet the Queen B and Ambulance Chaser bought their hybrids about a year or so ago -- just in time for the election.
Anyway, anyone here besides me frightened at the thought that the Queen B gets behind the wheel?
Posted by: John D | December 10, 2007 6:23 PM
Thanks JohnE for serving in Iraq sinc Feb.15,2007 so we can [steal] their crude oil for $86.63 a barrel.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | December 10, 2007 6:52 PM
"A key portion of Ron Paul's platform is that if elected, he will ban the Federal Government from owning any motor vehicles."
He should also ban the Federal Government from owning computers and cell phones. These items were not specifically mentioned in the US Constitution.
Posted by: Marko | December 10, 2007 10:37 PM
No John D you are the only man here who regularly shows disdain and hatred towards women. No one besides you thinks that Hillary is a bad driver just because she is a woman.
Posted by: john | December 11, 2007 10:46 AM
Johnny D:
Between Hillary and Laura, which one was driving when their boyfriend was killed in a car accident??
Seems driving with Laura may be scarier.
So you are willing to bet?
How much?
Posted by: BobinATL | December 11, 2007 12:07 PM
Bobin, I'll take I'll let Laura Bush drive me anyday over Hillary. Despite that unfortunate accident, I'm sure Laura is a better driver and I am definitely sure she is much better company too.
Posted by: John D | December 11, 2007 1:32 PM