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It is fairly safe to say that the campaign train is now extinct. The major party candidates clearly have found that buses provide far greater flexibility and especially since this current campaign involves nine diverse states.
The Obama campaign made use of trains during 2008 and of course "came to town" aboard an Amtrak train handled by P-42 #44 (44th president) and #120 (January 20).
The campaign train was once extinct before, namely during 1956, but for the 1960 campaigns both candidates recognised the capacity a train had to "pull the folk down to the depot".
So, baring some last minute strategy change by either major Presidential candidate, it is "rest in peace" for the campaign train.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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Maybe if a vehicle manufacturer grafted the rear platform of a Pullman observation onto the back of a bus . . .
Ira Slotkin Member # 81
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Attribute it to global warming, Or social media that's transforming campaign stops to iPhone apps, Therefore GBN blows taps.
Methinks that once before "extinct" was used but then restored hijinx from trains with candidates (from same) were waving as they played the game.
Through Keokuk and Portland, too, from back Platforms they did issue But now instead choose to eschew The train, the campaign by choo choo.
Please excuse my stretch for rhymes the muse does not support (at times) topics that are political, she can be stubborn as well as lyrical.
Perhaps t'was candidates loco motive That led to now a candle (votive) being lit for what's now sentimental But once upon was quintissential.
Yet platfrom cars with pipes and ponies Funded by PACs and other cronies Mayhap will criss cross heartland tracks I, for one, would have them back.
Pulled by a Big Boy: 4-8-8-4 Whistle and steam and thunderous roar Bringing to rural and urban locations The importance of voting across our nation.
Ira
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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Bravo!!!
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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Double bravo!! (Especially for rhyming "extinct" and "hijinx." Ogden Nash would be proud.)
notelvis Member # 3071
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I'm simply impressed that someone managed to use Keokuk in prose!
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