I hope Biden changes his mind about traveling by train to DC

[Bradshaw3]

We're all aware of his affinity for train travel and it is a great symbolic event - in any other time. I did a search and it appears that the trip that was planned before the Capitol insurrection and the FBI warning about threats is still on:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/12/joe-biden-inauguration-what-we-know-january-20/6629794002/

Going by train is unlike any other mode of transportation he could take. Trains can't veer off the tracks or stop quickly and back up. Some of the terrorists are adept at building bombs. A bomb or bombs could be planted or buried beforehand at multiple locations and detonated by remote control. They don't have to be right there. It is a 100 mile trip. There is no way they can check out the entire areas of 100 miles of track. Anyone who thinks it's not a big deal and LE will take care of it, hasn't been paying attention.

[SheltieLover]

1. Me too!!!

[still_one]

2. I suspect he will follow whatever the security recommends

[Bradshaw3]

4. I hope they advise him to find another way to DC

[Phoenix61]

3. It would be good to let this ride out in the

public and keep the real plan on a need to know basis.

[Pachamama]

5. Don't worry - he gets Marine One Helicopter soon

[Bradshaw3]

6. That would be AFTER the train trip

[Pachamama]

9. I predict the train trip isn't happening

[Bradshaw3]

10. Hope you are right

I just hand't seen it talked about since the announcement of this plan.

[Pachamama]

40. I am right

[Bradshaw3]

41. And I was right to question the wisdom of it

Glad they decided not to do it.

[Pachamama]

42. Yes you were

I am the daughter of an intelligence and anti-terrorism expert. Growing up and discussing with him many of the topics related to terrorism and security events over the decades, I am very aware and conscious of security risks and there was no question in my mind that they would be canceling it.

[Bradshaw3]

44. Thanks, I hoped and figured they would

But was surprised that no one was discussing it. Some of the 'oh it's no big deal' responses were expected but had me shaking my head. I'm just glad they are taking all the precautions they are now.

[Pachamama]

46. I predict he will helicopter in

I also wouldn't be surprised if at last minute he is sworn in either inside the Capitol or not in the Capitol and instead in another historically relevant location that suddenly at last minute with the streaming online inaugural is announced.

Magat's and Q-Nuts and Militias will be very disappointed and surprised if they show up where they think they can disrupt - only to be facing the mighty force of our military and also be fooled.

And if there are moles or traitors in Congress or military that try to reveal - they will be caught.

[dutch777]

7. Dumb idea for all the reasons you state plus they shouldn't be saying anything about...

...any of his travel arrangements or precise details of his schedule...same for Kamala and now I suppose Nancy. Maybe put Mitch's details out there, Jim Jordan, Ted Cruz, Hawley, Brooks...that would be okay.

[Bradshaw3]

8. I agree

And I don't understand the attitude of 'don't worry it'll be ok' after what has happened.

[dutch777]

27. I think Biden and others don't want to look like things are not "normal"

And to some degree I don't want to see an over response or military in the streets either as that is exactly what we didn't want Trump to do. I think one can be prudent and calm about things but be quiet and prepared for anything. I think having a "normal" presence of police properly equipped this time in public view and if things get gnarly, there are quick reaction teams ready in buildings and garages very close to where they need to be with overwhelming force and well armed. I think running scared, hiding and putting the army in the streets hands the bad guys a victory. I wish I understood why we underact and then overact to this degree, just prepare for the worst and be quiet about it. If any of these threats of armed action from bad actors comes about, and I think it will but to a very limited degree by only the total whackadoodles, I really want to see them surrounded and brought to their knees rights then and there. Not the post on line, get a beer and burger and go get on a plane and go home and find them later. I think now that there is clear preparation and they realize they could end up in jail without their organic food diet and their cellphones, most of them will go back to sulking in mom's basement. Not that that isn't a long term issue too but at least it allows us time to get things up and going with sanity at the helm.

[soothsayer]

11. I think it'll be fine

[Bradshaw3]

15. Same reaction people had on here befoe Jan. 6

[soothsayer]

23. Well I was one. And that would have been fine with adequate security

I trust Inauguration Day will have that.

Plus I imagine the arrests and firings are dampening enthusiasm for many of the participants, and it’s slightly harder (maybe) for them to coordinate. That leaves the hardcore, who of course are the worst of the lot, so it’s still worrisome. But not as much, for me anyway.

[Bradshaw3]

28. But there wasn't adequate security

And this thread isn't about protecting DC, which they are worried about:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/12/politics/congress-briefing-us-capitol-threats/index.html

It's about protecting 100 miles of train tracks on a mode of transportation that doesn't allow for escape. If you can't understand the difference I see why you're not worried.

[BannonsLiver]

12. I'm sure he will consult with the secret service.

[Turin_C3PO]

13. I agree

but I think ultimately it’s up to Biden and if he wants to take the risk then I’ll accept it. But I’ll be nervous the whole time he’s on the train.

[Crunchy Frog]

14. FUCK IT! JUST FUCK IT!

WTF are people thinking? The secret service should categorically forbid it. This is endangering their lives too.

[Deuxcents]

16. Don't be telegraphing plans for anyone

It’s too bad our big celebration cannot happen and the big deal of the inauguration has to be in secret. Another tradition stomped on by this maniac.

[cwydro]

37. I hadn't heard that the inauguration will be "in secret."

Can you provide a link to that information?

[brooklynite]

17. I'm sure the Secret Service has considered this issues and is acting accordingly.

[Bradshaw3]

21. It's still on

No one who has added these "it's nothing to worry about" reactions has posted any answers as to how a government that is worried about protecting a centralized area like the Capitol can protect 100 miles of track. Sorry if I'm not reassured that the SS or other agencies are on top of things.

[soothsayer]

25. They COULD have protected the capitol just fine

They didn’t, but they could have.

I’m believing they will protect things on Inauguration Day.

[Bradshaw3]

30. Well if yo believe it then there is nothing to worry about

[soothsayer]

34. Ha. I'm sending my wishful thinking, but I think they shot their wad at the Capitol

If they’d waited, who knows.

NOW there will be adequate security. Forewarned is forearmed.

Certainly there was funny business interfering with the Capitol, but it won’t be allowed to happen again.

99% sure.

[brooklynite]

29. In the 1970s, Nixon travelled by train to Florida...

In addition to inspections and guarding the ROW, they sent a train AHEAD of and BEHIND Nixon's. They know what they're doing.

[Bradshaw3]

32. Not even remotely close to the same situation

I bet you had the same reaction before Jan. 6.

[Wicked Blue]

18. K&R

Train tracks, bridges, tunnels are extremely vulnerable.

[Dem4Life1102]

19. No way. That is letting the terrorists win.

[Chainfire]

20. I do not expect Biden to run an hide.

He should do what he thinks is best after listening to his security team. I will support his decision.

The purpose of terrorism is to terrorize, we can't hand the bastards psychological victories and expect them to stop.

This is not yet the beginning of Biden's hard road. I hope he is up to it. It may be the most difficult presidency in our history, but certainly since Lincoln.

[Bradshaw3]

22. I don't want him to run and hide either

But as Gen. McCaffrey said, there are times to make smart decisions. There are other times and other ways to show strength. This isn't one.

[FSogol]

24. Security 101: Announce one itinerary and method of travel, change at last minute.

Last edited Tue Jan 12, 2021, 04:05 PM - Edit history (1)

Don't worry, Biden is surrounded by good people.

[soothsayer]

26. This.

[Bradshaw3]

31. That's fine if it's not by train

[cwydro]

38. Maybe you should get in touch with the Biden team.

You seem to have a lot of good info that I’m sure they really, really need.

[lindysalsagal]

33. Secret Service can't secure a train. Puts the whole train at risk.

I hope he arrives silently under cover of darkness. I'd like to see the inauguration happen below ground in the sit room. Honestly.

Put all of the gop no reps out on the steps, and see what happens.

[soothsayer]

35. I'd be totally happy if he did it in his basement

But I respect his decision to proceed with normalcy (and caution. He’s not stupid).

[Buckeye_Democrat]

36. Me too!

My oldest brother's gang of young friends even managed to derail a train!

They didn't think that would happen, though, and thankfully nobody was hurt.

My brother was out of town with our parents at the time, but was told about it as his friends directed him to see it. Heavy equipment was already there to help put the train back on the tracks.

Then a group of investigators appeared from around the train as the conductor with them yelled, "That's them! Those are the damn kids who did it!"

The kids were surprised and frozen, and then the conductor pointed his finger in my brother's face and exclaimed, "And I KNOW he was there!" (Lol, he was the ONLY kid who wasn't there when it happened.)

They weren't even detained! They were asked for their names and addresses, and the first kid gave the information for some innocent neighborhood kid that he didn't like. Then everyone else did the same.

That was around 1960 or so.

[dalton99a]

39. Kick

[wishstar]

43. He has cancelled train trip in ali news reports I have seen earlier today Jan 14th

[Bradshaw3]

45. Yes that was announced yesterday n/t

[Akacia]

47. I am so tired of all this!

It pisses me off no end that I felt so much relief after Biden won, until the biggest loser started with his BS about the election being stolen and my peace of mind was once again taken away. Can`t this nightmare end already? I hate that Trump and his minions are raining on Bidens parade.

[Bradshaw3]

49. Me too

Dump's final ripoff. Biden deserves everything every other President got, although I'm sure he is more concerned with fixing the country. Hopefully he can take the train when he wins re-election.

[Livbaker]

48. I feel sad that Biden

can't have the true Inauguration experience he earned.

[Bradshaw3]

50. I do too

And he definitely earned it. But the important thing is our country is back in capable hands.