Voter Political Blog

Not exactly how it sounds.  The secret service have nicknamed Obama’s new 100 foot long limo “The Beast”.

The 2009 limo having the presidential seal on the side states that this is not just a normal car. The Beast is equipped with such valuable assets that it provides the occupant with the highest level of security. The car is likely to include bullet proof glass, an armored body, sealed interior against any chemical reaction and separate oxygen supply, as said by the observers of the car. The Beast is equipped with the latest and up to date technology.

Cadillac is honoured to again provide a new Presidential Limousine,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “This is a great American tradition that we’re delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac’s dramatic design and technology.

The image of an American president greeting crowds from a Cadillac limousine dates to President Woodrow Wilson and the early days of the automobile, and continues into an historic new era. The latest Cadillac Presidential Limousine is a completely new design, succeeding the DTS Presidential Limousine that debuted in 2004. The new car incorporates many of the dramatic design and technology features of new and highly acclaimed Cadillac vehicles in a purpose-built format tailored to specific and exacting specifications befitting presidential transport.

Inside and out, the Cadillac Presidential Limousine includes many of the brand’s signature design elements. Assertive, modern and elegant, the front of the car includes the intricate, dual-textured grille made famous by Cadillac’s most popular current models, the CTS sport sedan and Escalade. Vertical design elements, such as the car’s front and rear lighting, mirror those used on production models.

For largely functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the car is slightly more upright than its predecessor. However, this new Cadillac Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion.

The side and rear profiles of the new Presidential Limousine are classic, elegant forms, evocative of Cadillac’s STS and DTS luxury sedans. Inside the cabin, the car includes the
finest examples of Cadillac’s recent renaissance in design, technology and craftsmanship.

The cabin blends modern design and technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the CTS sport sedan.

Naturally, many purpose-built aspects of the car are specially designed and prepared for presidential use. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features.

The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements. In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car’s functional capabilities are preserved and confidential.

An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the centre of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

Source for the fuzzy warm information (below the pic).

Some might say it’s about time (75% of the population), and some might be sad to see him go (around 25% of the population).  Either way, here’s his final “presentation” to the American people as Commander in Chief.

Part 1

Please  note: If the Video is “jumpy” or the audio fades in and out, press the Pause Button. What until the Red Bar moves to the far right and resume watching.

See the remaining Videos of his complete conference and the main points text excerpt…

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Some of the main points from the conference:

Bush “Mis-Underestimated” by Press

Bush stated that the press had often “Mis-Underestimated” him joking about the media’s obsession with ‘Bush-isms’.

He also stated he never spent much time worrying about the “loud voices” of critics and went on to say that President-elect Obama would also face “harsh” criticism as any president would.

Stimulus Plan & Bank Bailout

Bush said he supported the U.S treasury’s injection of billions of dollars into the economy to unfreeze the financial markets stating it was important to act to avert another Great Depression.

“Credit spreads are beginning to shrink, lending is just beginning to pick up,” he said.

America’s Moral Standing

Bush was questioned over Obama’s aim to improve America’s moral standing. He disagreed and stated that on the whole America had a good moral standing in most of the world.

“I strongly disagree with the assessment that our moral standing has been damaged,” Bush said. “It may be damaged amongst some of the elite, but people still understand America stands for freedom, that America as a country provides such great hope…”

“…You go to Africa. You ask Africans about American’s generosity and compassion. Go to India and ask about, you know, America’s - their view of America. Go to China and ask.”

“Mission Accomplished” Banner a Mistake

When asked about his biggest mistakes as president Bush discussed the “Mission Accomplished” banner that was placed on a U.S. aircraft carrier that the president landed on in 2003.

“Clearly, putting a “mission accomplished” on a (sic) aircraft carrier was a mistake. It sent the wrong message. We were trying to say something differently, but, nevertheless, it conveyed a different message. Obviously, some of my rhetoric has been a mistake,” answered Bush.

America’s Enemy

The topic of America’s enemy being out there and America’s fight for freedom was a theme regularly returned to as the president answered questions.

“It’s not a throwaway line, the stakes are high, there is an enemy that’s still out there. I’m telling you, there is an enemy that would like to attack America and Americans again. That’s the reality of the world,” he said.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

George Bush has admitted being “disappointed” by the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq during his final press conference as US President.

He said that “not finding weapons of mass destruction was a significant disappointment.”

Iraq Troop Surge

He pointed out that the troop “surge” in Iraq had been a success.

“I decided to do something about it, and to send 30,000 troops in as opposed to withdrawing.”

North Korea & Iran

When asked about threats to the U.S Bush warned that North Korea and Iran were both still “dangerous”.

“North Korea’s still a problem. There is a debate in the intel community about how big a problem they are.”

“One of my concerns is that there might be a - a highly enriched uranium program. And therefore it is really important that out of the six-party talks comes a - a strong verification regime…”

“…So they’re still dangerous and Iran is still dangerous.”

Wishes Obama the Best

“I genuinely mean what I say, I wish him all the very best,” President Bush said. “I consider myself fortunate to have a front row seat for what is going to be a historic moment for the country. President-elect Obama’s election speaks volumes about how far this country has come.”

Started in a Recession & Ended in a Recession

When questioned over his handling of the economy he said he started in a recession and ended in a recession.

“In terms of the economy - look, I inherited a recession, I’m ending on a recession. In the meantime, there were 52 months of uninterrupted job growth.”

Tax Cuts Policy

He further defended his 2001 and 2003 tax cuts as smart economic policy.

“And I defended tax cuts when I campaigned, I helped implement tax cuts when I was president, and I will defend them after my presidency as the right course of action.”

Contenders for the retiring Mel Martinez’s Senate Seat breathed a sigh of relief as former Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced that he would not be a 2010 Senate Candidate. Also breathing a sigh of relief are Florida Democrats who are undoubtedly planning a relatively easy pick up for their party in the next election cycle.

Although his brother made a mockery of the Republican Party in his second Presidential term, Jeb Bush is really a stand up Republican and a great servant for the people of Florida. I must admit that I’m disappointed that he won’t be running for office and I’m sure there is no shortage of Florida Republicans thinking the same thing.

In a message he sent to Facebook supporters, the Former Florida Governor said that he intended to stay as active as ever to support the principles he governed with and that he would help rebuild the Republican Party - which we all know is broken pretty severely.

This leaves one to wonder if Jeb’s people are booking airline tickets to Des Moines. You know, to look at the corn, drive around aimlessly, look at some more corn, maybe run for President. Obviously, Jeb is at an inherent disadvantage coming from the Bush family after his brother will leave office with under a 30% approval rating. That said, Jeb isn’t his brother and he may very well make an excellent Presidential candidate. I can think of a few better candidates personally, but aside from his name, Jeb is certainly acceptable and more than qualified.

I’ve had two friends who have worked in the White House tell me this exact thing, “Don’t throw out your Bush For President campaign signs.” Which means either Jeb is interested in a Presidential run, or that the signs are going to fetch a small fortune in 50 years on E-Bay. Judging by the context, I’m assessing Jeb is interested in the job.

But there is quite a bit of difference between “interest” and “campaign.” Unless Obama really screws up in his first term, I can’t imagine another Bush will be a viable candidate in 2012. And when I say screw up, I mean, “Opps, I didn’t mean to fire that nuke at Philadelphia.” Not only would that hurt Obama’s popularity, but with Pennsylvania missing one of it’s most liberal cities, Republicans would probably be able to win the state. That’s the kind of insane screw up I’m talking about.

Of course, Jeb could hire a boat load of image consultants, campaign as just “Jeb!” like he did for Governor, hope that the Republican field is incredibly weak, and maybe get lucky and have people vote on issues instead of name association.

Opinions by Kevin Tracy

Barack Obama’s Twitter account was hacked yesterday, which is very hard for me to believe. Not because I believe the internet is a safe, reliable place for social interaction that is free of malfunction, but Barack Obama on Twitter?

Twitter is a site whose purpose is to simply tell everyone “what you’re doing.”

I, myself, am addicted to my Twitter account, and constantly update my status with very important information such as: “My mom swears getting pooped on by birds is good luck. I think it’s just gross.” Or the very heady, “It’s 2am and I’m feeling bad for Britney Spears.” There aren’t many times I’ve read my list of friends’ Twitter updates and felt like a Ivy League scholar. (I’m not one.)

So what is someone like President Elect Barack Obama writing on his Twitter? I tried looking his at his account, but it’s been suspended since it was hacked. As a result, based on my personal experience with it, here’s my interpretation of what Barack Obama’s Twitter account may look like:

BarackObama: picked mah new headz of cia! holla! 42 minutes ago from web

BarackObama: just ate pint of ben and jerry’s while watching the hills. I feel gross! About 8 hours ago from twitterberry

BarackObama: brb, gg and fix economy. tax breaks! woot woot! about 18 hours ago from web

BarackObama: girlz first day of skool. hope they lurve it there! 1 day ago from web

BarackObama: LOL! u totes have to see this episode of facts of life! hilar! LOL! 1 day ago from twitterriffic

BarackObama: ew. richardson just withdrew! what up wth that? 2 days ago from web

BarackObama: sadz bout gaza. 9 days ago from web

Hopefully, he’ll get his Twitter account back up and running as soon as possible. And when he does, I’ll totes be reading his updates.

Humor provided by Joselyn Hughes