Presidential hopefuls and first cars

[Andy]

This study is rather interesting even though it is completely meaningless.

The current field of presidential candidates use luxury cars and SUVs to carry them on
their endless travels from airports to appearances and back to airports.

Now, thanks to an Associated Press study, we know their first cars. I’m sure we all
waited breathlessly for the results of their survey.

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Then: 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). The inset photo
shows Hillary in her dorm room at college. The battery for her 1963 Cutlass must be
under the bed.

Arizona Sen. John McCain: Then: 1958 Corvette. (Now: Cadillac CTS, a midsize luxury
sedan)

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards: Then: Plymouth Duster. (Now: Ford Escape
hybrid, 2004 Chrysler Pacifica midsize SUV, 1994 GMC truck.)

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani Then: a used Dodge. (Now: "I don't drive, I
navigate.")

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: Then: 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.)

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama: Then: grandfather's Ford Granada was the first car he used
extensively. (Now: Chrysler 300C, a full-size sport-luxury sedan.)

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: Then: Mercury Montego. (Now: 2007 Chevrolet
Tahoe and 1995 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck)

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: Then: secondhand Ford Mustang. (Now: Official state
vehicles and "Jeep Wrangler, although my security doesn't like me to drive.")

Hillary Rodham Clinton:
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.