In just a few hours, our next President will board a train in Philadelphia, taking a special and important journey to DC.The tracks will lead him to Delaware where he will pick up Joe Biden, a veteran train rider. I had a chance to meet Biden on a train ride from New York to DC a year ago.
There is already increased security visible along the route. Signs hang from some overpasses and the Amtrak staff are all deeply proud of their role.
He will be stopping along the route and taking a longer swing to allow more citizens in PA, DE and MD to wave at and see the train along the route.
Seeing America out the window (and from the back of his observation car) gives a clearer view of our country. The tracks show us the backyards of our cities and rural areas. We see a less polished and less prosperous view of the landscape. This is critical as he heads to take over the reins of the country -- the pain points are felt deeply in houses that line these tracks.
The spirit on our Amtrak is also upbeat. Celebs aboard include Angela Basset and others. Obama pins are everywhere and advice flows from keeping warm, to good parties to fixing the economy. I'd love to hear the parallel conversations on Obama Train Number 1.
