Seldom has there been an election where I have been equally unexcited about both choices. I’m really looking for something about either candidate which I could say is worth supporting.
How do you think either candidate feels about Amtrak?..about expanded commuter rail? about a High Speeed Intra City Passenger Rail network?..or about government assisted infastructure improvements for the freight roads?
Curious.
I believe that Obama has already cited China as being a leader in the development of public infrastructure, while criticizing the U.S. for failing to keep up with them. If some of the stuff you want could be gotten by public funding, I don’t think there is any question about who’s the guy. For that matter, I don’t think there is any question about who to vote for if you want to be more like China.
I don’t know what Obama has said about this issue, but McCain has long been on record as being against subsidies for Amtrak.
Well, Sen. Biden is definately pro-Amtrak and passenger rail, having “walked-the-talk” for over thirty years as a daily NEC commuter between Washington D.C. and Delaware. I see that he even stopped by the Wilmington station to give his farewells to the Amtrak employees there, as he was destined by plane for Denver.
Sen. Obama is somewhat of an unknown regarding rail, but I read a report that he enjoyed his whistle-stop tour on AMTK’s Harrisburg line. He was quoted saying “toot, toot” or something along those lines.
On the other hand, McCain is well quoted on his disdain for Amtrak. I’m not sure that carries over to freight rail, as UP is a major GOP donor and supporter (like all large corporations), and for obvious reasons. I think privately funded and operated passenger operations would be OK with him, but we have to realize that he’s a retired Navy aviator, so he is naturally inclined to be pro-air transportation.
Gov. Palin is a rather unknown in this area. Her hometown in Alaska has the ARR running though, but I think it’s immaterial as IMO Sen. Biden as VP will have much more influence with executive policy than Gov. Palin will in a McCain administration.
Either way, I think Amtrak will survive considering the Dems have solid control of Congress. One outcome will likely require veto overrides, though.
Here is a link to the column by William Vantuono in the latest edition of Railway Age magazine. He comments on the candidate’s apparant positions on both rail passenger and freight issues. Note that he doesn’t really take sides.
http://www.railwayage.com/A/xfromtheeditor.html
McCain has been very critical of Amtrak and especially the Amtrak Long Distance trains as a big waste of government money. Obama has indicated support for a strong passenger rail system and high speed passenger rail. Needless to say, the Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden, would not like to lose his ride between DC and Wilmington.
Here is Obama’s postion paper on transportation. http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/FactSheetTransportation.pdf
I did not see anything comparable on McCain’s website directly addressing rail transportation, however, I do not mean to imply that he is not addressing transportation issues. Here is John McCain’s “Issues” page. http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/
I am putting this information up knowing that this thread could degenerate into political bickering. I hope that forum members will use this information as a start for getting to an informed position on the issues. I am sure there is much more to be found written on these issues.
Let me add this. I believe that both candidates are informed, intellegent men. Even if you don’t agree with their positions, they both deserve respect for there efforts to address the big economic problems we face today.
…I put forth my thoughts from comments heard in the past and do not intend for it to be political.
As several posters above mentioned…Sen. McCain is as far against Amtrak as one in responsible position can be. From what I’ve heard him say in the past, he would do everything in his power to get rid of it…absolutely would not request any money for it’s operation.
Have not heard Obama do any comment on intentions for Amtrak.
Sorry, fellas. This thread’s just too political right off the bat…
Tom