Wow such a diverse array of answers and I agree with every one of them. Richard was perceptive to pick up on muscle cars at the git-go. But on the quesion of why do politicians throw it around so much, I agree with Neil D: It is a meaningless shorthand that politicians use (to stir emotion or jingoism without saying anything, and offending no one.)

If Mom, muscle cars, and apple pie means anything, I think it implies a love for place, detached from the trappings of "sophistication."