When President Harry Truman left office he drove himself and Bess back to his home in Independence, MO. No security officers accompanied him. That would’ve been January, 1953. My mother often drove us past Harry’s home.
Serious about crackers
Posts: 9727 | Location: San Diego | Registered: July 26, 2014
What about when Nixon made a gift of a Lincoln to Brezhnev at Camp David back when? Brezhnev sat behind the wheel and Nixon was in the passenger seat. Brezhnev took off, just the two of them, for a 1/2 hour test drive just blasting down the roads around there. The secret service just about shit their collective britches.
One of the most famous car stories of the Brezhnev era concerned a trip he made to Camp David in the mountains of western Maryland where he met with President Richard Nixon. This less than dynamic duo could have rightly been called partners in political crime. On this occasion, Nixon played to Brezhnev’s love of cars in an incident that almost led to dire consequences for both men. Much to his joy the usually stolid Soviet leader was presented with the keys to a brand new 1973 Lincoln Continental. Little did Nixon know that this gift would lead to a ride risking both their lives. As soon as Brezhnev took possession of the keys, he was raring to take the Lincoln for a drive. Lead foot Leonid got in and invited Nixon to join him. Despite the reservations of a Secret Service agent who grew alarmed when he realized what was about to happen, Nixon took the front passenger seat.
The two most powerful men in the world at that time then started down one of the narrow, curvy roads around the perimeter of Camp David. Brezhnev was not familiar with the route. He was used to driving however he liked. In no time at all, he sped the car up to 50 miles per hour then started down a hill that led into a dangerous curve. Brezhnev was throwing caution to the wind. Nixon must have wondered if they were on a collision course with fate or a tree. The Soviet leader was out for an adrenaline rush in a dream car, while the American president sat beside him terrified. Brezhnev was in control of the car, Nixon was just along for the ride. The situation might best be described as too fast for conditions and Nixon knew it. As they sped into the curve Nixon told Brezhnev to “slow down, slow down.” Abruptly the Soviet leader hit the brakes, the tires squalled, but the car safely made the turn. A relieved Nixon complimented Brezhnev on his driving skills, proof that a little lie can help when it comes to diplomacy.link
Posts: 7506 | Location: Dallas | Registered: August 04, 2011
I watched Biden on Jay Leno's garage driving his 67 Vette (not lost in an almost kitchen fire). It looked to be on a cushy gov't property or Andrews AFB.
I believe Biden got the Vette from his parents for a wedding or graduation gift. You know, regular ol' middle class gift from your parents.
P229
Posts: 3985 | Location: Sacramento, CA | Registered: November 21, 2008
Originally posted by Russ59: I watched Biden on Jay Leno's garage driving his 67 Vette (not lost in an almost kitchen fire). It looked to be on a cushy gov't property or Andrews AFB.
That was at the USSS training facility in Beltsville, MD.
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Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. Jack Kerouac
The question is what does "not allowed to drive" actually mean? There is unlikely to be any law or regulation against it. Perhaps the USSS requests it and could even make their continued protection contingent on following their rules, but I don't buy the "not ALLOWED to drive" claims.
Posts: 5272 | Location: Iowa | Registered: February 24, 2011
Originally posted by DaBigBR: The question is what does "not allowed to drive" actually mean? There is unlikely to be any law or regulation against it. Perhaps the USSS requests it and could even make their continued protection contingent on following their rules, but I don't buy the "not ALLOWED to drive" claims.
When you take any job there are some requirements. By accepting the job as president you accept that you will have people around you wherever you go. I'm also betting there are some activities they would really not want you to do. Wingsuit jumping comes to mind. Cave diving is something else. Maybe you accept that someone will drive you whenever you're on public roads because they have the training and skill.
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Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. Jack Kerouac
Not sure, but I think the Secret Service wouldn't let Trump carry his pistol, despite having a permit.
-------------------------- Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. -- H L Mencken
I always prefer reality when I can figure out what it is. -- JALLEN 10/18/18
Posts: 9464 | Location: Illinois farm country | Registered: November 15, 2008
