UAW blasts McCain for buying foreign cars

DETROIT, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The president of the United Auto Workers hammered U.S. Republican presidential nominee John McCain over his claims he only buys American cars.

The Detroit News reported Monday that UAW President Ron Gettelfinger accused McCain of being disingenuous after Newsweek magazine reported that the McCains own at least three foreign-made vehicles.

Gettelfinger said the Newsweek report contradicts McCain's claim that he has proudly bought American-made cars all his life.

Newsweek said McCain and his wife, Cindy McCain, own at least 13 vehicles, including a Lexus -- which is Cindy McCain's personal car -- as well as a Volkswagen convertible and a Honda sedan. Democrat Barack Obama and wife, Michelle, own one vehicle: a Ford Escape hybrid.

"'Buy American' can't just be a slogan John McCain rolls out when he's in Michigan," Gettelfinger said Sunday.

However, he added, Americans are free to buy whatever they choose.

McCain spokeswoman Sarah Lenti said the GOP nominee is a "proud Cadillac owner and all this is a blatant attempt to distract voters."

She said the McCain campaign is doing well among union workers.