Yes We Can…Buy Cadillacs

Barack Obama is copying Governor Deval Patrick in more ways than “yes we can”… he’s ordered a new souped up Cadillac for the new Presidential Limo…paid for by the taxpayers.

President-elect Obama has stressed the need for energy independence – but he’ll be chauffeured around in a gas-guzzling Cadillac SUV limo that could pose a symbolism problem similar to the car controversy that dogged his friend and ally, Gov. Deval Patrick.

Obama’s presidential ride, dubbed “Cadillac One,” will reportedly be a mammoth, custom-made Cadillac limo built like a GMC truck that sits on 19 -inch wheels. The vehicle will also have 5-inch-thick bulletproof windows, cell phone-jamming gear and blast-proof armor.

Presidents have been riding in Cadillacs – and some in Lincolns – for decades, going all the way back to Woodrow Wilson in the early part of the 20th century. But Obama’s vehicle will reportedly be a much beefier version than President Bush’s Cadillac DeVille stretch.

Several political and automotive blogs have pointed out the vehicle’s fuel inefficiency, including U.S. News and World Report, which called it “the most monstrous Presidential limousine yet.”

“Fuel-efficiency clearly isn’t on the mind of its designers,” the publication wrote on its “Rankings and Reviews” Web site.

But Boston College political science professor Kay Schlozman said security concerns are likely behind the vehicle’s design.

“I don’t know if the president can get away with driving a hybrid vehicle like a Prius,” Schlozman said.

Have new drapes for the White House been ordered yet?

Aaron Margolis is a life long resident of the Bay State, and works at an architectural firm north of Boston. Aaron has a Master of Architecture Degree from Boston Architectural College and is currently in the process of becoming of a Registered Architect.