Politics drives candidate’s chauffeur

Moses Ross thrilled to be behind the wheel for Clinton entourage

By steve law

The Portland Tribune, Apr 11, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

©2008 BARBARA KINNEY

After squiring around part of Hillary Clinton’s entourage during her recent visit to Oregon, Moses Ross had his picture taken with the presidential candidate.

Ordinarily, Moses Ross’ day job is orchestrating thousands of campaign “robo calls,” recorded phone messages designed to make politicians sound good – or bad.

Ross played a new campaign role the last two weeks: volunteer chauffeur for Bill and Hillary Clinton’s swings through Portland, Hillsboro and Eugene.

Ross, a pledged Hillary Clinton delegate from Portland’s Capitol Hill area, begged for the chance to drive for Bill Clinton’s entourage. After a rigorous security screening by the Secret Service, Ross plunked down $50 of his own money to lease a 2008 Buick LaSalle. “It had to be American-made,” said Ross, who owns a Kia Optima.

When Hillary Clinton followed her husband to town last weekend for a two-day visit, the campaign outfitted him with a Dodge Grand Caravan.

The two Clintons always drove with Secret Service agents in an SUV rigged with dark, bulletproof windows. Ross followed behind with campaign aides, including Hillary Clinton’s Oregon campaign director, policy advisers and campaign photographer.

Ross picked up Clinton aides from Portland International Airport and drove them to and from the Benson Hotel, where they spent the night. He coached them on how to pronounce Oregon and Willamette, and briefed them on key terms such as “Rip City.”

Ross gave a lot of thought about something weighty to say when he finally met Bill Clinton. But when the chance arose after Clinton’s speech at Oregon Health & Science University, Ross was tongue-tied. “I said nothing at all,” he said.

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