More about Obama's "new ride"

I wish he would take this instead of the train!

A new 'Beast' – the nickname for the presidential limo -- will make its debut in the inaugural parade. Agence France-Presse reports that President-elect Obama's new ride, which GM has delivered to the Secret Service, is 'a hulking, snazzed-up upgrade from previous presidential limousines, and will give him a better view of his inaugural parade than his predecessor. Photos of the unfinished Cadillac leaked on the Internet showed a hefty customized behemoth, reportedly tough enough to withstand a rocket-propelled grenade .... Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell ... told AFP ... 'It's a fresh, more modern, more expressive, a little bit more vibrant if you will, but it still is faithful to that tradition of presidential vehicles ... it's long and it's black.'

'The interior will include some of the plush detailing offered to regular Cadillac customers and the body has been built to be more 'upright' and provide better visibility, Caldwell said. ... The vehicle is thought to have bullet-proof glass, a heavily armored body, run-flat tires and a completely sealed interior to protect against a chemical attack. ... Outgoing President George W. Bush's limousine [introduced at the '05 parade] will continue to be put to use either as a spare in the presidential fleet, for other people requiring protection or for training purposes.'

Source: Mike Allen's Politico Playbook Daily Update