Does President Obama Need A New Car? (Updated)

US President Obama’s second inauguration is fast approaching and as is customary with every inauguration, a new Presidential car will debut on inauguration day. The car referred to as Cadillac One. Like Air Force One and Marine One, the car is a Presidential symbol and is a source of national pride to the American people. Many people the world over also take pride and interest in the car both for its looks and its technological safety and protection features. The current version, the version that has no model name but is nicknamed the Beast and even the one before it, are often viewed as the pinnacle of automotive safety and as the last word in automotive protection. The question now is: does the US president need a new car?

I ask this question whilst considering the financial troubles of the US. A problem they’ve been grappling with before President Obama took office. So I ask again, does President Obama need a new car?

Some would argue that the car is four years old and as such should be replaced. I would like to point out to proponents of this view that the current version has not racked up too many miles seeing as there are at least two of it. How do I know this? An officially sanctioned documentary showed that three other identical copies of Marine One are also in the air when the President is using his. For security reasons, the four choppers then engage in a ‘’dance of deception’’ as they call it. The same documentary also shows that there are the President’s airplane, Air Force One, has an identical twin. From this, it is not a far stretch to imagine that there are multiple copies of Cadillac One. After all, President Obama sometimes uses the Cadillac DTS limo that belonged to his predecessor, G.W. Bush. Bear in mind that this is the official car of the US Vice President and I do not imagine that President Obama would be snatching a car from under Joe Bidden. Coupled with the fact that good old GW still uses his for official appearances. 

And I am inclined to believe the current car is still fit for purpose because President Obama still uses the previous Cadillac One; a car that is now eight years old. And it would not be used if it wasn’t deemed safe enough. And as said earlier, it is the official car of the Vice President, a person no less important than the President. And as I understand it, these limos are seldom used on weekends.

I have searched the web and haven’t found evidence of a new car in waiting. But I could be wrong. A new Cadillac One could still make its appearance on January 21. However, I would like to repeat President Obama’s words in the wake of the 2008 recession. 

‘’People all over the country are tightening their belts. They are making tough decisions. I think the federal government should do the same….’’

While I will no doubt be thrilled to see a new design for Cadillac One, I also know it is completely unnecessary and is just an exercise in showmanship. I would be happier if it doesn’t. But seeing the number of inaugural balls and dinners that have been lined up, that is probably wishful thinking. That being said, All hail! Cadillac One.

Update
The inauguration was yesterday and the Beast was used for the parade. I guess it is safe to assume that there is no new car. While I do not know the reason(s) behind the administration's decision to continue with the 'old' cars, I think it is very commendable nonetheless. 

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