Obama Inauguration: President-Elect Will Arrive In Washington By Train

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama will kick off his inaugural celebration on Jan. 17 _ the weekend before his swearing in as the country's 44th president _ by traveling on a train to the nation's capital.

Obama is retracing the journey of his political idol, Abraham Lincoln, who also rode to his swearing-in on a train from Philadelphia, making stops along the way.

Obama and his family will start their daylong journey with an event in Philadelphia before boarding the train and picking up Vice President-elect Joe Biden and his family in Wilmington, Del. The president-elect and his group then will make a stop in Baltimore before making their way to Washington.

Obama will take office Jan. 20.

"We hope to include as many Americans as possible who wish to participate, but can't be in Washington," Emmett Beliveau, the executive director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said in a statement. "These events will allow us to do that while honoring the rich history and tradition of previous inaugural journeys."

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon said Monday that Obama would give a speech there, and officials expect up to 150,000 people to attend. No location has been selected, but options include M&T Bank Stadium, home to the Baltimore Ravens.

A triumphant address before a massive crowd would offer an extreme contrast to Lincoln's experiences in Baltimore in February 1861, when he was smuggled under cover of darkness from one train station to another to avoid a feared assassination attempt. At the time, the maneuver was denounced in newspaper accounts as cowardly, said Courtney B. Wilson, executive director of the B&O Railroad Museum.

To some extent, Lincoln's caution was validated two months later, when Union troops traveling between the two stations clashed with Confederate sympathizers in the "Baltimore Riots," which became known as the first bloodshed of the Civil War.

Obama aides said Philadelphia and Baltimore were chosen because of the roles they played at pivotal moments in U.S. history and because they fit in with the inauguration's theme, "Renewing America's Promise."

The committee has said the theme was chosen to underscore Obama's "commitment to restoring opportunity and possibility for all and re-establishing America's standing as a beacon of hope around the world."

Comments

[tangenjill]

And who is protecting the railway b/w Philly and DC from this point forward? Someone had better be alert!

[joycehelene]

I like the idea of arriving in Washington by train, great idea., so symbolic. Is he also taking the train from Chicago to Philadelphia? What a grand entrance the new administration will make!! I do hope the Bushes return Air Force One in time for Obama's first oversea trip or are they planing to keep it in Texas to get around as it is a very large state.

[Kache]

The pervious Texas President also left in disgrace, retired to the banks of his beloved Perdenales River, grew a pony-tail, contemplated the war he should have avoided and couldn't win, and died a lonely man 4 years later. Perhaps the good Lord will be so kind to this one. But I doubt it.

[mcantwell]

Here's a video montage of a previous Obama Train ride during his campaign. The Obama Peace Train.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n16T35yx3nY

[ijramirez]

I am very concerned about this announcement. How will the safety of President-elect Obama and VP elect Biden be guaranteed. We all know all the nut-jobs and enemies of democracy are waiting for any opportunity to attempt something bad. I don't think that it's a good idea to do such a thing.

[rejoiceinit]

I think Obama may use this as a platform to talk about his plans and the need for hi-speed rail.

[wanttruth]

Awesome. I hope many voters get to see him.

[harriettubman]

What a wonderful idea. Didn't another president do that too? There weren't too many cars back either so people were able to line the tracks waiting for the train.

[edwarvir]

I think that is a thoughtful and neat idea.

[Kiabell04]

Oh crap, man I so wish I was on the upper east coast, instead of down here in good ol' boy Georgia. I'd love to see the president-elect and his family! That is really cool of him to make several stops along the way so the supporters can see him, whom otherwise wouldn't be able to in D.C.

[HWNA]

Load up the car and take a trip; I'm driving to D.C. from Oklahoma (or flying, depending on the weather).

[Invox]

Man, will the day ever get here? I feel like we're living "The Longest Yard". Can't wait until we can get this weight off our shoulders!

[Phoebe917]

yipeee!!!!!! i live in baltimore! i think i just had an org*sm !!! lol

[Middleclassvotingbloc]

Wow!!! What a great idea, to include as many Americans along the way. It is so great to have a real President for the people and of the people. I wish the media would enjoy this great American Story like the most of us, instead of trying to find a wrench, any kind of wrench, to throw at it. We need some good news for a change.

[HappyIdiot2008]

I agree. There are those who are acting like they are still in high school and gossip about anybody and everybody just to make themselves feel better. I guess some people won't grow up.

[rlkinny]

What a great idea! It will be a great build up to the inauguration day.

[Sundialsvc4]

I take Amtrak quite regularly and would encourage that this system should be expanded throughout the nation. Nothing beats sitting down at a table and eating a meal on china while this magnificent nation rolls by where you can actually see it. Then you go to sleep and rest until morning. Sure beats the heck out of being tossed across the nation in a metal tube.

[hotstuff]

Nice touch, but scary considering the Two shoes was throwen at Bush before any one moved their back side to protect the President!

[EvasDaddy]

Don't be too worried, hotstuff. The secret service seems to recognize relative danger. Don't forget that incident a few weeks ago when an errant driver started to pass Obama's motorcade, and instantly found himself cut off by a black SUV, with a bunch of cocked firearms aimed directly at him.

Something tells me that Obama's security is going to be A number one top notch.

[berryessence]

i think the SS is getting tired of Bush?

have you seen the SS protecting Obama?

THERE IS NO COMPARISON

[Marie62866]

My foundest memories as a child was riding the train with my entire family from Orange California to Youngstown Ohio to visit my grandparents!