Do as I say, part 37B
posted at 3:40 pm on May 23, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Over at National Review’s Planet Gore blog, Henry Payne noticed a photo of Barack Obama and family exiting onto the tarmac at a Chicago airport on Tuesday from a rather large vehicle. Knowing Obama’s position on energy and CAFE standards, Henry researched the vehicle and discovered it to be … a dreaded SUV:
Good gravy! What is that behemoth from which SUV-slaying Barack “Speak Truth to Horsepower” Obama and his family are emerging on the Chicago airport tarmac Tuesday? It’s. . . it’s . . . a 13-mpg Chevy Suburban sport ute!
Do as I say, not as I do.
What exactly does Obama say that the nation must do in order to solve our energy crisis?
Set America on Path to Oil Independence
Obama’s plan will reduce oil consumption by at least 35 percent, or 10 million barrels per day, by 2030. This will more than offset the equivalent of the oil we would import from OPEC nations in 2030.
- Increase Fuel Economy Standards: Obama will double fuel economy standards within 18 years. His plan will provide retooling tax credits and loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers, so that they can build new fuel-efficient cars rather than overseas companies. Obama will also invest in advanced vehicle technology such as advanced lightweight materials and new engines.
As Henry notes, Obama peppers his speeches on energy with reminders that “every American has the responsibility” to force Detroit to produce more efficient, lightweight vehicles to reduce our use of oil. He claims that our national security and our planet depends on all of us doing our part. Apparently, his emphasis on every American takes a certain poetic license.
Now, I’m going to defend Obama here. He has certain requirements for security that necessitate larger vehicles. In this photo, he’s traveling with his family, and certainly the Secret Service wants them to be safe on their way to the airport. This car may not even be his.
However, everyone wants to travel safely and keep their children from getting injured in accidents. CAFE hikes reduce choices to the consumer for vehicles which will do that, and in fact creates more injuries and deaths on American roads. Obama’s own policies will force parents to select vehicles that reduce safety for passengers, instead of letting normal market forces determine consumer choice. And Obama could certainly insist on a vehicle that gets better than 13 MPG from the Secret Service, if that Chevy Suburban doesn’t belong to the Obamas.
If Obama wants every American to do their part for fuel efficiency, then he can start with himself.
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This is just another distraction.
Right_of_Attila on May 23, 2008 at 3:43 PM
I’m sure that he would opt for the up-armored Toyota Prius, if it were made by unionized American workers….
rw on May 23, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Clearly Barry and family were running away from the dreaded planet killer, the waveing indicating that they are safe and the danger averted. It took courage to brave that runway. It’s like Tuzla.
JiangxiDad on May 23, 2008 at 3:44 PM
The weekend starts now!
mymanpotsandpans on May 23, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Bambi and Faline make quite a pair.
Heck, Faline makes quite a pear all by herself.
misterpeasea on May 23, 2008 at 3:46 PM
They are so brave!
wise_man on May 23, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Leave Barry Hussein alone! WAAAAAAHHHH!
Travis Bickle on May 23, 2008 at 3:51 PM
I wonder if they eat whatever they want and set their AC to 72 degrees in that SUV? If they do, what would other countries say?
CP on May 23, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Obama will not rest until everyone in America is driving the ridiculous little clown car of their choice.
Rhinoboy on May 23, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Looks like Eeyore is more afraid of an iron than an SUV.
Try shopping for “wrinkle-free” next time, sweetie.
Bob Owens on May 23, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Pro Earth my foot. He wants to force Americans to comply with whatever the rest of the world wants and the liberal wackos. How about his daughters with Prada bags? Not too shabby?
jencab on May 23, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Barack is also carrying 5 people in the SUV at minimum so a per person mpg is better.
If I can afford to pay my gas bill, why should I have to drive a smaller car?
originalpechanga on May 23, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Supply And Demand. If Americans like the Obamas would stop buying/using them, then Detroit would stop making them
multiuseless on May 23, 2008 at 3:54 PM
You never criticize White SUVs, but along comes a Black SUV and you get all upset. Typical!
(/sarcasm)
Exurban Jon on May 23, 2008 at 3:54 PM
… and an SUV in every garage …
Kini on May 23, 2008 at 3:54 PM
You know, this obsession with my naked hypocrisy is just the kind of distraction that we don’t need.
— Barry Obama
spmat on May 23, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Go get your guns, get back to church and leave Barry alone.
AndrewsDad on May 23, 2008 at 3:55 PM
We all have to sacrifice to fight global warming. Even if that means sacrificing security.
blink on May 23, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Bob LOL er, are you a guy though? My mom would agree wholeheartedly with that comment. LOL
What on earth did/does he see in that awful woman?
funky chicken on May 23, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Yes, well John McCain’s wife’s corporate jet — his favorite mode of transport, I understand — doesn’t exactly run on beer.
BigD on May 23, 2008 at 3:56 PM
I in no way intended the phrase “go get your guns” to mean assasinate him…. that would be Hillary.
AndrewsDad on May 23, 2008 at 3:56 PM
heh
funky chicken on May 23, 2008 at 3:56 PM
Non-issue. It looks, if I had to guess, like a non-armored, non-descript Chevy Suburban, common transportation for government officials. It does have some rather nice run-flat tires on it, but is otherwise a very common vehicle for someone of his position. The big question is: Will he ban the government using those trucks (and their armored counterparts (which get something like 8.5 mpg)) if he assumes the Oval Office? Or will his and his buddies’ safety trump those little regulations about getting 35mpg?
We’re all equal…just some are telling you to be less equal.
Spc Steve on May 23, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Don’t forget this – Let’s eat less so that we can lead by example on climate change.
Do as I say, not as I do – preaching drinking water, while drinking wine:
…murmurings of the little harp-girl’s song in Heinrich Heine’s 1844 poem “A Winter’s Tale”
I know the candidates/actors, I know the tune
I know it line for line
In public, Priuses is all they preach;
While in secret they SUVs guzzle, the swine
Entelechy on May 23, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Can they not make a bomb-proof Prius?
CP on May 23, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Must be knock-offs from Marshalls. You know the Obamas are struggling to make ends meet. Well, that’s what Michelle says anyway. Surely she wouldn’t lie to us?
funky chicken on May 23, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Sure, Sir, while they are more equal than others. But the sheep are to blame. They are the ones who fall for it, and vote for them.
Entelechy on May 23, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Wasn’t he just telling us the other day that we shouldn’t drive SUVs (and have comfortable homes and eat as much as we want) because other countries might get their lil’ feelings hurt?
its vintage duh on May 23, 2008 at 3:59 PM
When he finds a way to run an SUV on arugula, I’ll start listening.
Nethicus on May 23, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Bah. What’s more important, the security of any one person, or the FUTURE OF THE ENTIRE EARTH!!!!!
misterpeasea on May 23, 2008 at 4:01 PM
This is a distraction from the important work of a Community Organizer™.
mred on May 23, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Are you serious? John McCain ain’t spewing hypocrisy out his piehole like Barry O is. Geez, that’s lame.
Andy in Agoura Hills on May 23, 2008 at 4:04 PM
this is racist!
Onager on May 23, 2008 at 4:04 PM
this is the first time in my adult life that i have been proud of my country
custer on May 23, 2008 at 4:05 PM
John isn’t telling us we can’t drive SUVs and keep our thermostat at 72.
amerpundit on May 23, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Wow. His older daughter has grown about a foot since the campaign started. Must be hard growing up on the campaign trail like that. They are a very attractive family (if you don’t listen to the parents talk).
As for the SUV — meh. I’m betting it’s not his. Someone provided it, and it would have been too much of a pain in the neck to refuse it and wait for something else to be brought over.
aero on May 23, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Check out the look on that guy’s face as he’s looking toward Michelle … then look at his hand. Wonder what was being said inside the Obamamobile. I’m just sayin’ …
Monkeybrains220 on May 23, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Then Mr. Hope and Change shouldn’t be telling me not to use my SUV.
amerpundit on May 23, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Oh, and Barry owns an SUV hybrid. He traded in his Chrysler 300 Hemi V8 for the SUV when his hypocrisy was exposed.
amerpundit on May 23, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Is he on his way to a commercial flight?
MayBee on May 23, 2008 at 4:10 PM
A black Suburban? In all likelihood, it’s a Secret Service vehicle. That seems to be their ride of choice.
flipflop on May 23, 2008 at 4:11 PM
At least he’s not carrying that book he was photographed with the other day. It was titled The Post-America World, or something like that.
I’m guessing for Barack, that world can’t come fast enough.
Nice summer reading for Mr. Patriotism.
AZCoyote on May 23, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Ever try to finish your waffle in a Prius? It ain’t easy, with the lack of elbow room and all.
Hollowpoint on May 23, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Actually, that would be Huckabee. Unfortunately.
Rhinoboy on May 23, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Oh, I agree completely — regardless of whether or not Obama owns the vehicle in the pic, he needs to leave it to Americans to decide what they want to drive. I just meant I’m not worked up about it as an example of hypocrisy.
It’s sad that a picture of a politician with a non-hybrid SUV is now considered such a sin, for either side.
aero on May 23, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Well I can tell you that I am pretty positive that Michelle is wearing Gucci mules… don’t ask me how I know.
upinak on May 23, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Who cares about his f–kin car! Its his house and the food he eats that really matters. Michelle looks like she could stand to back away from the table, she’s got hips as wide as a Mack truck (unless its a genetic thing). His house must have a carbon footprint about the size of Gore’s dump. Isn’t it about 10000 sq. feet? Do they really need that much house? I one room shack should be sufficient for the Messiah.
Andy in Agoura Hills on May 23, 2008 at 4:15 PM
How does Rev. Fred Sanford feel about this?
benrand on May 23, 2008 at 4:15 PM
These comments are upsetting the children…
Sergei on May 23, 2008 at 4:16 PM
SUVs are still legal?
p0s3r on May 23, 2008 at 4:18 PM
That would be a taxpayer-funded ride.
Please tell me that Andy in Agoura Hills is not back.
BigD on May 23, 2008 at 4:18 PM
I’m sure that the vehicle is the choice of the secret service. It’s your typical “black government SUV”.
DaveS on May 23, 2008 at 4:19 PM
“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 … and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK”
Maybe he didn’t eat as much as he wanted and set the thermostat on 80. 2 out of 3 wouldn’t be bad.
He can mail his carbon offset payments to Al Gore.
moxie_neanderthal on May 23, 2008 at 4:19 PM
The Chevy Suburbans are Secret Service vehicles.
SnarkVader on May 23, 2008 at 4:25 PM
I wonder what his excuse was for driving an under-performing Chrysler 300C V8 until the media got ahold of it.
amerpundit on May 23, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Looks like his youngest daughter in the front has the right idea. Thought bubble: “Mom… ixnay on the ineing-way!”
drunyan8315 on May 23, 2008 at 4:35 PM
I might be just a typical white person, but for the first time in my adult life, I have this silly notion that Obama may be the one who is actually divisive, but uses the race card to create a distraction from what he really believes. I’ll just shutup now and save the planet by turning off my computer, adjusting the thermostat and selling my suburban. After which, I’ll settle in my comfy chair, cling to my rifle and bible, and try not to become bitter!
evenkeel on May 23, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Obama will reach out hs arm, place his hand upon America and bring forth milk and honey.
I for one an tiring of the messianic manner in which everyone refers to “Obama.”
johnsteele on May 23, 2008 at 4:41 PM
I suppose we could all eat a little less to help cover the carbon offsets.
garry on May 23, 2008 at 4:43 PM
If they really wanted to go incognito, they’d drive an old Honda Civic or something.
PattyJ on May 23, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Michelle is a bit broad in the beam while the rest of her family is very slim and can’t afford to cut back on their food intake. But that’s no excuse! Therefore she needs to stop eating enough food to make up for the entire Obama family. This food trading is the kind of sacrifice Obamacolytes must make to save the planet from mankind (and win the approval of Europeans).
Buy Danish on May 23, 2008 at 4:48 PM
13 mpg is a stretch… I would say more like 17 to 20 mpg…
Kaptain Amerika on May 23, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Runs on waffles?
Or syrup?
profitsbeard on May 23, 2008 at 5:07 PM
There are many reasons why we should not elect Obama but riding from the airport in an SUV is not one of them. Why doesn’t everybody take a deep breath and “get a life”.
duff65 on May 23, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Back at ya!
Andy in Agoura Hills on May 23, 2008 at 5:23 PM
I find all of this talk of my “ride” to be…well..low class. My “ride” should not be brought into this debate.
/sarc
brtex on May 23, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Hey! The Secret Service put a GUN to his head and MADE HIM DO IT!
Acutally, he would have protested, but his mind is sooooo busy thinking of creative ways to
screwsave the country that he just didn’t notice what kind of car he was getting into.Just like he never paid attention to what Rev Wright was saying. Too many DISTRACTIONS!
GarandFan on May 23, 2008 at 5:55 PM
There might be snipers on that tarmac. Oops! Wrong candidate.
Kafir on May 23, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Typical hypocritical politician. As usual.
tx2654 on May 23, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Forgive me, but as a woman, I cannot help but comment on Michele’s attire. Good grief!
Glynn on May 23, 2008 at 6:52 PM
I think that the Obamas should have to squeeze into a Fiat 500. The children are still small enough to fit into the back seat.
chsw
chsw on May 23, 2008 at 7:09 PM
So do I!!! We don’t have royalty in America!
landlines on May 23, 2008 at 7:14 PM
I haven’t taken this guy seriously since he dangled his baby over that balcony. Lisa Marie looks good though.
2Tru2Tru on May 23, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Umm,I hope the Suburban has a nasty rat in it,
a chevy big-block 502,or its nastier big brother
the 572 c.i!
canopfor on May 23, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Oh, you guys thought Obama meant he should make sacrifices. No, no, he’s a Senator. It’s his job to decide what sacrifices we will make. Subject, of course, to approval from K Street.
snaggletoothie on May 23, 2008 at 10:21 PM
They are an extremely attractive family; those girls are adorable. And that is a Secret Service Suburban, most likely. It’s definitely a Suburban.
And I’m still doing everything I legally can to prevent him from becoming president.
juliesa on May 23, 2008 at 11:21 PM
He should use a VW bus as his limo.
xplodeit on May 23, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Exactly. As much as I want to figuratively/politically wring Obama’s neck, I don’t see him/family riding around in a Secret Service protected SUV as any sort of contradiction.
No one expects a current POTUS to fly Delta, why should we bitch when a possible one is driven around in a protected SUV?
Heck if the SS had their way, any “bus tour” would consist of their “principals” riding along side the bus in a M1A1.
Current/Possible Heads of State are allowed to bend the rules if the SS says it is necessary.
F15Mech on May 24, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Exactly. As much as I want to figuratively/politically wring Obama’s neck, I don’t see him/family riding around in a Secret Service protected SUV as any sort of contradiction.
No one expects a current POTUS to fly Delta, why should we complain when a possible one is driven around in a protected SUV?
Heck if the SS had their way, any “bus tour” would consist of their “principals” riding along side the bus in a M1A1.
Current/Possible Heads of State are allowed to bend the rules if the SS says it is necessary.
F15Mech on May 24, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Wow… what an ass of an article, first I’ll blunt him by quoting people who blunt him, then I’ll defend him by not defending him at all really, then I’ll blunt him my own personal way. First off, of course that car is with Secret Service, if you are granted a Secret Service detail you don’t get to drive your own damn car.
Secondly, did it ever cross anybody’s mind that he is driving in an armored SUV. Which by default probably guzzles more gas then your average big rig. What would you prefer Ed? That he ride around in an armored Hybrid Civic? Not even a a regular Civic would be able to pull itself with occupants and armor.
PresidenToor on May 24, 2008 at 12:22 AM
I read in my local paper that Ted Kennedy was picked up at the hospital, also in a Suburban. Mary Jo wouldve survived in that floating carbon spewer.
malkinmania on May 24, 2008 at 1:53 AM
What do you mean?! A Prius is a bomb!
OldEnglish on May 24, 2008 at 4:43 AM
I can live with it if it has one of these in it…
csdeven on May 24, 2008 at 6:46 AM
Careful. He may not want you to. That’s a problem called hypocrisy.
JiangxiDad on May 24, 2008 at 7:46 AM
bona fides. identity. the end of his-bi racial existence. acceptance. direction. the power behind-the-throne.
JiangxiDad on May 24, 2008 at 7:49 AM
well, I saw that she does have a nice pair of legs..
So I’m guessing BHO thought, “here is a woman who thinks like I do but hasn’t given up personal hygiene like so many of the others of the same mindset.”
DaveC on May 24, 2008 at 8:42 AM
I have four kids (third pregnancy turned out to be twins, wasn’t a “choice”) and the only thing I can safely get my family in is a minivan or SUV. No set of three SmartCars for me (unless my oldest daughter can suddenly drive her sister).
This environmental FUD is all based on feelings, not facts. Its all social engineering to reshape the country much like political correctness. No one wants to be a ‘racist” and no one wants to “destroy the environment” so the people in charge get to reshape you to fit their personal view of how things should be.
The Maxine Waters slip reveals the Congress’ goal: Force change by destroying the petroleum industry and ramming environmental protection crap down our throats while they drive Escalades and fly to Monaco on private jets.
Neo on May 24, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Yes it has crossed our minds, and indeed Ed Morrissey spoke to this in his comments.
We aren’t the ones scolding SUV drivers or babbling self-righteously about keeping thermostats set at 72 degrees, or saying that we have to watch what we eat, not because we are overweight, but because what we eat leaves less for someone else (according to the faulty Marxist economics that Barry embraces).
Moreover (as Ed also discussed) Congress’ CAFE standards force the production of lighter vehicles in which thousands of people die or are critically injured every year – injuries which would not have occurred in heavier vehicles which provide more protection to riders.
Obama and his family need to be safe…and so do we.
I get the distinct impression that most of these envirowacko fascists are not even married, never mind caretakers of
large familiesselfish polluters.Buy Danish on May 24, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Yes,
‘Specially, with Hillary as opposition.
hint – hint
franksalterego on May 24, 2008 at 10:27 AM
You said it Ed. I once had a discussion with a libtard about her SUV. She talked about how she cared about the environment but she “needed” her SUV because she was a single mom and had to transport her kids and their equipment to sports practice and wanted them to be safe, etc. I guess she didn’t realize those are the same reasons everyone “needs” an SUV. Another glittering jewel of colossal hypocrisy.
bigbeas on May 24, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I don’t know what being a single mom has to do with one’s car choices, but I’m then again I’m not a lib.
I know people who have been lectured by complete strangers because they drive an SUV. Of course, If we were all like the Hollywood elites we’d have a garage full of cars – including one for the nanny and kids, and a Mini Cooper or itty bitty Prius to tool around town in when we don’t have the kids, dogs, and sports equipment in tow.
Buy Danish on May 24, 2008 at 11:12 AM
This is what Obama said today about his vehicle use:
Whatever that means. Is he proposing an additional tax stimulus there (as opposed to a gas tax holiday?)
MayBee on May 25, 2008 at 1:20 PM
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