Like Lincoln, Obama Will Ride the Rails To D.C

[DeepModem Mom]

WP: Like Lincoln, Obama Will Ride the Rails To D.C
By Nikita Stewart and Michael E. Ruane
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, December 16, 2008; B01

Barack Obama has evoked Abraham Lincoln ever since launching his campaign at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Now he plans to arrive in Washington the same way that Lincoln did in 1861, with a train trip that will include stops, speeches and crowds along the way.

On Jan. 17, Obama and his family will start the day with an appearance in Philadelphia, where they will board a chartered Amtrak train. The train will stop in Wilmington, Del., where the Obamas will be joined by Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Then comes a stop in Baltimore before the group's arrival that evening in Washington.

"He's replicating the last leg of Lincoln's inaugural journey to Washington," said historian Harold Holzer, author of "Lincoln President Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860-1861." "This guy's reverence for Lincoln has no bounds."

Lincoln had left his home in Springfield on Feb. 11, 1861, for a 12-day journey east to Washington, during which he made 101 speeches. Philadelphia and Baltimore were his last stops before the nation's capital....

***

The last leg of Lincoln's trip began in Philadelphia. He was greeted with a fireworks display and spoke outside Independence Hall....He was also photographed there -- the first-ever photograph of a president-elect, Holzer said. From Philadelphia, Lincoln's journey took him to Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania state capital, back to Philadelphia, then on to Baltimore and Washington. Holzer noted that in Lincoln's day railroad travel was state of the art....

Yale historian David Blight, who suggested last month that Obama retrace Lincoln's inaugural train trip, said: "I think it's a great idea. . . . I'm amazed they're going to do it." He noted that American history is filled with images of whistle-stop presidential candidates speaking from the back of train cars....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/15/AR2008121502937_pf.html

[CTyankee]

1. The Obama team's ability to do just the right thing is incredible.

Whistlestop trips by leaders are part of the American tradition and calls out the better parts of our political nature as a people. This idea reaches out to people instead of pushing them away. The people get to see their new President along the train route. He becomes more meaningful to those along the way. The symbolism is perfect.

These guys don't miss a beat...

[monmouth]

2. You're right. I remember the night of the election win, I couldn't believe

how flawless all aspects went. My fav pics during the 30s and 40s are of those whistlestop trips. So Americana. Barack is a "First" is so many things, and the stop in Wilmington will be awesome. I'm wondering how this will be covered on TV. I don't care what time it comes on, I cannot miss one aspect of it. I want to watch minute by minute....LOL.

[CTyankee]

4. I love getting all involved with this stuff . It takes my mind off of some

real worries. My economic situation and my husband's heart condition. Obama's ascendancy is one of the only really bright spots in an otherwise bleak time...

[acmavm]

3. This guy and his team are the best political team in history.

[kwassa]

5. I think Lincoln would have taken a plane, if he could have.

[Myrina]

6. ... is he purposely trying to scare the bejeezus out of us all ?

QUIT ALREADY with the parallels to Lincoln, Mr. President-Elect!

I'll be a nervous wreck for the next 8 years!! :scared: :tinfoilhat:

[boomerbust]

7. Yes

Obama has a few silly little Rebels to deal with also.

[mascarax]

8. Wow. Very cool.

And picking up the Bidens on the way too! Nice touch.