Tales from the Trail

There is no contest. President Barack Obama got a bigger limousine than former President George W. Bush. It even comes with a nickname that growls, “The Beast.”

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Thursday got a close look at the brand new Cadillac limo which first rolled out on the road on inauguration day to carry its special protected cargo — Obama and his wife — down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Parked in the Secret Service garage in front of Bush’s limo, which had been brand new for the former president’s inauguration in 2001, the new monster car clearly overpowered the older model.

But just about everything about it including weight and capabilities — like if it could fly, or swim, or turn into a tree for camouflage — were  hush hush. No comment either on whether there was a bar in the back compartment.

“Oh my gosh!” Napolitano exclaimed upon seeing the limo.

Asked if she wanted to drive it, the former Arizona governor replied: “You know, I haven’t driven for almost seven years.”

Bush’s limo appeared quite delicate next to the mean-looking Obama-mobile which had a scary front grill that looked like a plate of steel fangs and huge tires that could frighten potholes.

And forget about a spare tire, the trunk looks like it could fit another car in it if the limo gets a flat.

A second monster limo is in production and will be added to the presidential fleet when it’s ready. Guess it will be called “The Beast II”

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Photo credit: Reuters/Pool (presidential limousine carrying Obama on inauguration day)