Obama: Do as I say, not as I do

Barack Obama was in Detroit earlier this week, and he suggested that the Big Three automakers manufacture more hybrid cars.

Of course, the best way to convince Detroit to produce more hybrids is for people like Obama to buy them.

Do you think the Obamas own a hybrid? From Mark Phelan's Detroit Free Press column:

So his choice to drive a V8 Hemi-powered Chrysler 300C emits a whiff of hypocrisy along with its exhaust fumes. Obama's choice proves once again that fuel economy is seldom the No. 1 factor when Americans buy cars. The 340-horsepower 300C has plenty of room for the lanky senator, his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters. It gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway, good for a big sedan, but far short of hybrids and compact cars.

His campaign Thursday said it leases a flex-fuel vehicle, and Obama, whose family has just one car, "believes we need to work together to achieve energy independence."

So although owning a hybrid is politically correct for presidential aspirants -- many report that they do -- this week reminds Detroit that campaigning still is sometimes about doing what I say, not what I do.

The Obamas are quite wealthy, they can easily their 300c and buy a hyrbrid car.

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