Obama: Government to buy 17,600 cars they don’t need to boost economy

By Doug Powers  •  April 10, 2009 01:52 PM

Rest easy, America — your troubles are being addressed aggressively. The president is going to boost the economy by using our money to buy thousands of cars for government employees. Whew!:

President Barack Obama said the U.S. government will buy 17,600 new, fuel-efficient vehicles from ailing American automakers by June 1.

Obama made the announcement Thursday in a statement issued by the White House, saying the General Services Administration will spend $285 million of Recovery Act Funds to purchase the vehicles for the government fleet.

And here’s the kicker:

The decision was made to buy the vehicles on the short timetable to help give a boost to the economy, as well as demonstrating the Obama administration’s support of the U.S. auto industry.

That’s government-speak for “we don’t need them.”

Wheeee!

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Comments


  1. #1
    On April 10th, 2009 at 1:58 pm, malkin_fan said:

    Every acorn member gets one for free.

  2. #2
    On April 10th, 2009 at 1:59 pm, karenhasfreedom said:

    This reminds me of the recession in the 70′s when the state of Michigan was broke then. They decided to buy a bunch of cars for the state police to help the MICHIGAN economy. When it was all said and done, they ended up buying the models that were made in a plant in Wisconsin, intead. The government is still run by idiots.

  3. #3
    On April 10th, 2009 at 1:59 pm, JustAThought said:

    Here’s a tip for Obama and his democrat cronies: “We don’t need YOU!”

  4. #4
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:10 pm, single stack said:

    Just when I thought the Obamunists couldn’t be any more stoopid…

  5. #5
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:11 pm, ajmontana said:

    I think Odopey should give one to me for being such a loyal subject…. oh wait, I’m not….
    Neeeeeeeeeeeevermind.

  6. #6
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:12 pm, ACHefty said:

    Disaster waiting for a place to happen. Remember all the lousy Chrysler K cars that the government bought as part of the 1979 bailout?

  7. #7
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:12 pm, tre said:

    Hey Obama,

    Would you please buy a black Corvette convertible with a red leather interior and 6 speed manual transmission?
    Let me know when it gets in. Then I’ll tell you where to deliver it.

  8. #8
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:13 pm, ajmontana said:

    That’s a great photoshop, I bet he has a little steering wheel like that on his desk in the Oval Office with the squeeky lil horn on it. :shock:

  9. #9
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:14 pm, rightisright said:

    The government is still run by idiots.

    no truer words were ever said.

  10. #10
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:15 pm, ajmontana said:

    “K” cars… lmao man AC your talking pure crap there. yikes.

  11. #11
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:16 pm, drfredc said:

    Hmm… Don’t government purchases of this sort have to go through an open bid process? This seems a lot like Haliburton getting contracts without bids — the PRESSSSident, DOhBamster, and Dems screamed about that under Bush, but it’s OK to give away taxpayer money to favored Big 3 auto constiuents?

    It could be just me, but it seems like the other automakers making quality, long lasting autos with lots of US autoworkers ought to have a chance to bid on selling cars to the government.

  12. #12
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:17 pm, thelcabroadside said:

    Obama unveils the new GM/White House Lawn Sale:

    http://thelcabroadside.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/obamagmfullsizelarge.jpg

  13. #13
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:19 pm, gridlock said:

    I am looking out the window at a GSA Fleet Management Center. The parking field is packed with 1 to 2 year-old cars that have been turned in early be various US Government agencies that have been aggressively cutting their fleets for the past six months.

    I was talking to the GSA manager, and he said that everybody knows that the operating budget cuts are coming, and programs are cutting expenses so they can maintain salaries.

    So, given that the lots are already jammed with turn-ins, who is supposed to take all these new cars?

  14. #14
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:20 pm, LibTired said:

    I wonder if these cars will be equipped with the new GM “Obameter” dashboard.

  15. #15
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:22 pm, npphotog said:

    Let’s start buying houses too and include a car in the garage. The American dream is for everyone, especially the underachievers!!!

  16. #16
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:33 pm, Surveyor said:

    Charlie Rangel should have to turn in the Cadillac and get a Chevrolet Aveo, 4-door. MSRP: $12,600 – $16,100. 34 MPG highway & 27 city.

    Hell has yet to freeze over though, so I won’t be holding my breath.

  17. #17
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:34 pm, behiker said:

    Are they going to have those green tree air fresheners hanging from the rear view mirror and spinner hubs?

  18. #18
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:36 pm, iamsaved said:

    Will these be “no-bid” government contracts like the Dems were squealing about concerning Haliburton during the early days of the Iraq war? Or will they ask for bids from a number of sources and take the best deal for the taxpayer?

    Surely they will follow the rules :(

  19. #19
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:37 pm, RabbidSquirrel said:

    So who’s paying the Insurance, fuel and maintenance on these? I guess they can start charging by the mile on these vehicles.

    A chicken in every pot, a car in every garage

  20. #20
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:38 pm, iamsaved said:

    drfredc – didn’t see your comment before I hit submit.

  21. #21
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:40 pm, RabbidSquirrel said:

    So, given that the lots are already jammed with turn-ins, who is supposed to take all these new cars?

    Well, if we’re about to have 12 million new citizens, I guess each one of them can get a government car with their proof of amnesty.

  22. #22
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:42 pm, southsideironworks said:

    I figured this was coming. Chrysler repaid government loans back in the 80′s with those terrible K cars.

  23. #23
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:43 pm, mkarnes2007 said:

    Those extra cars will probably make very nice decorative planters :D

  24. #24
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:51 pm, 24Klady said:

    Doesn’t GSA sell off (or at least, offer to sell) their turned in vehicles to employees first? Years ago I seem to remember some GSA employees buying them for spouses/kids/relatives?

    We’re living on an alternate universe and I want to go home folks…

  25. #25
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:51 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    The Soap’s welcome Doug Powers to MM blog. How is your troll hammer? Do you get to ban as part of your guest blogging? We all have some suggestions. ;) Keep the great threads coming.

    If the auto unions voted for bHo, they are getting what they deserve.

  26. #26
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:52 pm, Flyoverman said:

    You will soon see them parked out in front of all of those neverused FEMA trailers.

  27. #27
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:54 pm, groundhunter said:

    Chicken…pot
    Car…garage

    I want mine.

  28. #28
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:55 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:42 pm, southsideironworks said:

    I figured this was coming. Chrysler repaid government loans back in the 80’s with those terrible K cars.

    Southside, I do have to give credit where due, however.

    I was once literally trapped in a motel in Wisconsin during a blizzrd. It was -26F outside and tow trucks would not even start. It was as bad as you can get. After sitting out all night I watched a fellow come out of the motel, get in his K car and it started, which was the only car I saw started unassisted that day.

    I never forgot that. I was IMPRESSED.

  29. #29
    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:59 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    That would be 17,600 cars for 17,600 employees they do not need either. Their hardest days are Monday and Thursdays when they change cars. They had Teflon applied to the seats so those 17,600 employees butts do not stick.

    So who’s paying the Insurance, fuel and maintenance on these?

    That would be you RabbidSquirrel.

    We are looking at a 35′ fifth wheel so we could upgrade to a F 250 diesel 4X4 if BroBama is in a giving mood. BroBama or RabbidSquirrel-I am open. ;)

  30. #30
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:03 pm, torabora said:

    duh1 is gonna not only honor the warranty, but he will personally do the work.

    lucky us

  31. #31
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:09 pm, ajmontana said:

    Flyover #26, I was thinking the same thing. Who gets them is going to be a gigantic clusterfudge.

  32. #32
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:18 pm, jsr said:

    In the interest of stimulating the construction industry, Dear Leader should immediately start construction of the re-education camps instead of waiting until 2011. Also the purchase of chains now would be good for the manufacturing sector.

  33. #33
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:19 pm, bansharia said:

    lets put GPS on them and create a website to track location/activity.

  34. #34
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:28 pm, DagneyT said:

    The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different outcome.

    Jimmah Cahteh is getting his 2nd term after all.

  35. #35
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:29 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:09 pm, ajmontana said:

    Flyover #26, I was thinking the same thing. Who gets them is going to be a gigantic clusterfudge.

    Given this bunch, they will be doled out to the ACORN Census takers. :(

  36. #36
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:37 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    In a year or so look for some good deals in the DRMO sales.

  37. #37
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:39 pm, Ron said:

    Let’s see what models get picked…GM, Ford, Chrysler…or Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai…

  38. #38
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:42 pm, letget said:

    O/T,
    A Happy Good Friday to all here.
    L

  39. #39
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:48 pm, bjc said:

    *Keep up the great work Doug, and please say hello to Austin. :)
    *And so the Clown Cluster continues in the P-BO administration; Will they get discount gas while we pay the coming $4 a pop again?
    *It bears repeating; They have elected a Carter with a tan when we desperately needed a Churchill with a plan(Romney)
    *On to the Tea Parties!

  40. #40
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:49 pm, WarTip said:

    All of those paid government “volunteers” are going to need a way to get around to all of their different community activist organizations and activities don’t you know?

  41. #41
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:49 pm, DagneyT said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:22 pm, npphotog said:

    Let’s start buying houses too and include a car in the garage. The American dream is for everyone, especially the underachievers!!!

    We already did that, don’t you remember?

  42. #42
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:52 pm, Send_Me said:

    So what about all of the Americans building Toyotas, BMWs, and Hondas, who make better products, and… wait for it… are actually making profits without the government’s help? Why not reward their success with government contracts? This is like rewarding the last place team with first dibs during the draft.

  43. #43
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:55 pm, rightwingrocker said:

    So they take money from Americans to buy cars that they don’t really need …

    Yep. Makes sense to me …

    ‘Tards.

    RWR
    http://www.rightwingrocker.com

  44. #44
    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:01 pm, southsideironworks said:

    Flyoverman Said:

    I watched a fellow come out of the motel, get in his K car and it started, which was the only car I saw started unassisted that day.

    My aunt had one for 15 years. Chrysler never learned however, and here we are yet again. I never had a problem with a GM car engine or transmission, however, the overall quality has been spotty at best, horrible at worst.

  45. #45
    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:03 pm, MrScribbler said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:52 pm, Send_Me said:

    This anti-Detroit meme is getting tiring.

    Toyota is not making profits at the moment, is in fact looking to the Japanese government for large cash infusions. Honda and BMW sales are tanking, too, and you can expect them to look for government money as well.

    That their cars are “better” than Ford or GM vehicles in comparable price classes is a matter of personal opinion only. In fact, Jaguar sits at the top of the most recent JD Power quality surveys. Jaguar belonged to Ford until last year, and is now owned by the maker of the Tata Nano.

  46. #46
    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:07 pm, Flyoverman said:

    southsideironworks,

    Having owned GM and also a Chrysler minivan, I agree wholeheartedly.

  47. #47
    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:18 pm, Savage24 said:

    Who is he going to buy them from China?

  48. #48
    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:21 pm, Bicyea said:

    I see a bunch of happy ACORN workers. But only if he also gives them a gas card!

  49. #49
    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:49 pm, orlandocajun said:

    I hope that our grandkids get a chance to drive the new cars. They’ll be buying them.

  50. #50
    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:50 pm, HomeoftheBrave said:

    Your. Tax Dollars. At. Work. We’re being “patriotic”.

  51. #51
    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:01 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    It’s been years since Detroit has built that many cars with no AC or radio. You can have any color you want, as long as it’s GSA blue.

  52. #52
    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:02 pm, Romeo13 said:

    Um, how does Barry do this?

    The money was there to buy toxic assets in the Mortgage industry…

    How does he change that to buying cars?

    Isn’t that somthing that CONGRESS would have to get involved in?

  53. #53
    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:02 pm, Romeo13 said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:01 pm, Dexter Alarius said:
    It’s been years since Detroit has built that many cars with no AC or radio. You can have any color you want, as long as it’s GSA blue.

    I don’t know… GSA blue may be too DARK for those folks out in California….

  54. #54
    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:14 pm, torabora said:

    #28 The lead car in Fargo was a tan Cutlass Sierra…seemed to do pretty good in that Scandi snow/ice!

  55. #55
    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:31 pm, hawkeye54 said:

    TEH ONE is buying them for his fervant supporters in the UAW – not just for government employees.

    Every acorn member gets one for free.

    More likey it’ll cost them a generous contribution to TEH ONEs perpetual campaign fund for a CHANCE to win one!

    Just when I thought the Obamunists couldn’t be any more stoopid…

    Hey, it’s only been a hundred days. they’ve barely scratched the surface of stupidity. In the words of someone, “You ain’t seen nuthin yet!”

  56. #56
    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:31 pm, hawkeye54 said:

    TEH ONE is buying them for his fervant supporters in the UAW – not just for government employees.

    Every acorn member gets one for free.

    More likey it’ll cost them a generous contribution to TEH ONEs perpetual campaign fund for a CHANCE to win one!

    Just when I thought the Obamunists couldn’t be any more stoopid…

    Hey, it’s only been a hundred days. they’ve barely scratched the surface of stupidity. In the words of someone, “You ain’t seen nuthin yet!”

  57. #57
    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:58 pm, publiuswarmac9999 said:

    Is this another freebie for the folks? If so, I want mine. I was planning to go to Washington for a lube and oil, but I don’t need it if I can just get a new car. By the way, I want a Taurus Crossover, preferably silver, with all of the bells and whistles.

  58. #58
    On April 10th, 2009 at 6:05 pm, Cal City Conservative said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:02 pm, Romeo13 said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 5:01 pm, Dexter Alarius said:
    It’s been years since Detroit has built that many cars with no AC or radio. You can have any color you want, as long as it’s GSA blue.

    I don’t know… GSA blue may be too DARK for those folks out in California….

    Rest assured that GSA blue isn’t the only color the government gets anymore.

    Where I work as a contractor ALL of the vehicles we have that are GSA are white.This is in So Cal FWIW.

    They are also a FAR cry from the cars or trucks that were used in the 80′s and 90′s. About the only gripe I really have is that none have power mirrors or windows and only 2 have cruise. Not having power mirrors really reminds you how nice a feature it is, especially when you have a large vehicle to reach across to set them.

    I am happy to think that brobama will have us using Segways in the near future though, so no worries about the above. Sarcasm on big time.

  59. #59
    On April 10th, 2009 at 6:11 pm, Romeo13 said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 6:05 pm, Cal City Conservative said:

    Wow… didn’t think I needed a /SARK tag for somthing that obvious…

    but then… sounds like yer a Government employee?

  60. #60
    On April 10th, 2009 at 6:15 pm, tpitman said:

    Send Senator Kennedy one to replace an Oldsmobile he lost awhile back in an “accident”. I understand it suffered a lot of water damage.

  61. #61
    On April 10th, 2009 at 6:23 pm, BOB said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 4:03 pm, MrScribbler said:
    On April 10th, 2009 at 3:52 pm, Send_Me said:
    This anti-Detroit meme is getting tiring.

    Toyota is not making profits at the moment, is in fact looking to the Japanese government for large cash infusions. Honda and BMW sales are tanking, too, and you can expect them to look for government money as well.

    That their cars are “better” than Ford or GM vehicles in comparable price classes is a matter of personal opinion only. In fact, Jaguar sits at the top of the most recent JD Power quality surveys. Jaguar belonged to Ford until last year, and is now owned by the maker of the Tata Nano.

    Also, the Jag was tied for first place with a GM car, Buick.

    Nothing wrong with the quality of most GM or Ford cars……..I’m still a little unsure about Chrysler though.

  62. #62
    On April 10th, 2009 at 6:44 pm, DesertLover said:

    Problem is that the new ownership at Obama Motors is telling them they have to produce small alternative fuel, hybrid, and “green” cars …

    but …

    their profitable models are SUVs and Trucks … which they are not supposed to make any more …

    in other words …

    typical liberal socialist stupidity brought on by this latest spate of governmental interference in the free market and free enterprise …

  63. #63
    On April 10th, 2009 at 7:02 pm, BOB said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 6:44 pm, DesertLover said:
    Problem is that the new ownership at Obama Motors is telling them they have to produce small alternative fuel, hybrid, and “green” cars …

    but …

    their profitable models are SUVs and Trucks … which they are not supposed to make any more …

    in other words …

    typical liberal socialist stupidity brought on by this latest spate of governmental interference in the free market and free enterprise …

    I have a feeling they will soon adjust the demand for trucks and SUVs by getting the price of gasoline back up to $4 plus/gal.

  64. #64
    On April 10th, 2009 at 7:06 pm, Big Hammer and Anvil said:

    Why is obama sounding more and more like a used car salesman every day (no offense to car salemen)?

    Wait, the joke is on us.

  65. #65
    On April 10th, 2009 at 7:08 pm, Big Hammer and Anvil said:

    How long did he hold out for Rich Corinthian Leather?

  66. #66
    On April 10th, 2009 at 7:52 pm, right_on said:

    Buying cars we don’t need is just a small part of the problem. Who do you suppose is going to get the NO BID contracts to deliver and service these vehicles? Surely you don’t think they be transported for free? Look for Democrat politicians (or their families) from the Chicago area first, then Detroit. Anyone want to bet that there’ll be a screw up somewhere along the line, and the cars won’t be any of the new fuel efficient models from GM?

    Remember the Democrat Hypocritic Oath; “I shall endeavor to spend the People’s money as I see fit, and in doing so, enrich as many of my fellow Democrats as possible, when administering any spending policy. So help me Gaia!”

  67. #67
    On April 10th, 2009 at 9:27 pm, Jimmie said:

    Hay, no worries they can just throw them away….its not like its their money….so like who cares

  68. #68
    On April 10th, 2009 at 10:16 pm, Jamson64 said:

    Make it a million cars

  69. #69
    On April 10th, 2009 at 10:57 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    Is it 2012 yet?

  70. #70
    On April 11th, 2009 at 2:16 am, WarTip said:

    On April 10th, 2009 at 2:16 pm, drfredc said: Hmm… Don’t government purchases of this sort have to go through an open bid process? This seems a lot like Haliburton getting contracts without bids — the PRESSSSident, DOhBamster, and Dems screamed about that under Bush, but it’s OK to give away taxpayer money to favored Big 3 auto constiuents?

    While I may be missing something, I do not personally recall Bush bypassing the bid process. All of the Halliburton contracts in Iraq were bid according to the rule of law. However, Clinton did actually bypass the bidding process and award certain contracts to Halliburton.

    Again, I may be wrong but is this maybe what you were referring to?

  71. #71
    On April 11th, 2009 at 3:16 am, graysonret said:

    When inflation soars into the double digits, and we have food/unemployment lines again, will the country wake up to the fact that we have been shafted by power-hungry idiots in D.C.? I wonder. As long as the MSM keeps fawning over him, it will continue. I’m waiting for the day when the liberals in the press get “instructions” from the government on what they can report and not report. Cheer their own censorship? Probably. As far as these cars, Obama is a child with a credit card in his pocket. Spend it until it’s maxed out. The cars will be parked and left to rust…maybe out west in the airplane graveyards. The U.S. government isn’t buying them, we are.

  72. #72
    On April 11th, 2009 at 3:30 am, RetFireman said:

    What do you mean they bought 17,600 cars they don’t need? OF COURSE they need them.

    They are going to be the cars that they give away to all those people who have been going on the television, claiming that Obama is going to be giving them a car. It will come with its own special gas card as well, so that they won’t have to ever worry about the price of gas.

    And all those repos of houses? Well, those cars all need garages to go in, and the same people who have been asking Obama for a car have also been saying that they never need worry about paying their mortgage every again, as Obama is going to be giving them homes as well.

    Geez Michelle, haven’t you been paying any attention?

  73. #73
    On April 11th, 2009 at 9:39 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    RetFireman

    OF COURSE they need them.

    They are going to be the cars that they give away to all those people who have been going on the television, claiming that Obama is going to be giving them a car.

    Well then, OK.

  74. #74
    On April 12th, 2009 at 11:23 am, Truesoldier said:

    Perhaps we should all go to the DOJ fraud, waste and abuse website and file a complain.

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