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Kerry Campaign Train In Lawrence KS. Who Goofed?

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 12, 2004 2:24 PM
It's funny that dharmon brings up Gengis (or Ghengis) Khan amid the topic of Kerry. A couple months ago, I was driving home while listening to a certain moderate-conservative talk show (and of course the RR scanner was also on) and darn near laughed myself off the road. He played sound bites of how Kerry pronounces certain words, and intercut them with some similarly-Shakespearian highbrow sound bites from some other celebrity. One of Kerry's quirks was that he pronounced Ghengis as "JIN-jes" instead of the more common "GENG-gus." Maybe Kerry actually had it right, but it sure sounded weird. Anyway, it all sounded too much like John Lithgow with his elitist English/New England accent in that movie about bad guys chasing Sly Stallone through the snowy mountains for caseloads of money.
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 12, 2004 9:47 AM
If one is to believe NPR (and I do, even if they are, um, slightly liberal) the story is that Kerry was giving Kansas a pass. The reason is because Kansas is considered solidly Republican, and right now the campaigns are concentrating on winning the so called "swing states."

When the Kerry campaign found out that they had missed a crowd of college students in Lawrence, they sent John Edwards back to talk to them.

Transporting candidates for public office makes for great TV and a fouled up transit system. Given the numerous articles in TRAINS about AMTRAK on time performance and equipment shortages, I wonder how much the Kerry campaign train has thrown off the AMTRAK schedule. I can also imagine the joy and excitment a dispatcher in Fort Worth has when his major Transcon line gets blocked by an "extra" passenger train.

I have no opinion one way or the other on the candidates. But to be non partisan, I have also been stuck on a runway for two hours at Sky Harbor International Airport waiting for Dan Quayle to land. In the summer. In Phoenix, Arizona. Druther ride the train.

Oh, I forgot. The trains don't stop in Phoenix anymore! Thanks, John McCain!

Erik
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Posted by dehusman on Thursday, August 12, 2004 9:09 AM
By the way, the train was on the BNSF, not the UP.

Dave H.

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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, August 12, 2004 6:21 AM
I think we have some of the best comedians in the entire world right here on the forum!

I don't need to watch tv - just read the forum daily. If laughing helps the heart, then mine is very sound!

Mookie

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Posted by garr on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 9:51 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by rf16a

On the other hand, I might give my opinion before I vote to not give my opinion. Or not. Or vote for it now, against it later and say I did not. Or vise versa. Or something. Or not.






rf16a,

In 2000, did you vote in Florida?

Jay
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Posted by rf16a on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 8:32 PM
I visit trains.com to read about trains, real and model, to try to a certain extent to escape the day to day trials and tribulations of life, politics sometimes being one of those daily trials. I suspect most members and readers of this site feel the same.
I would hate to "cross the line" and get political.
So, despite being highly tempted to do so, I will not offer my opinion on the candidates for president.
I will not give my opinion of President George W. Bush[:)][tup][:)][:)][:)].
I will not give my opinion of John Kerry[:(!][tdn].
I'll just keep things railroad related.
On the other hand, I might give my opinion before I vote to not give my opinion. Or not. Or vote for it now, against it later and say I did not. Or vise versa. Or something. Or not.



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Posted by vsmith on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 3:25 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod

Mookie: Where do I sign up to get some of that discomfort?

dharmon, it's interesting that you type 'becasue', 'cuz (hard to misspell THAT) most of the people I see getting it wrong type 'becuase'. One fine Southern girl from Louisiana actually thought it was supposed to be spelled that way... nobody had ever corrected her. (My own sister spelled minutes as 'minuites' for quite some time; perhaps an argument about mandatory foreign-language study for high schoolers?)

I'm cursed by being a comma cop. Can't help it... I see misspellings, and they gall at me. I've tried and tried to overcome this, but it doesn't 'take'.

To REALLY get to me, though, use those damn chat-room abbreviations: u for 'you', for example. Fills me with the same rage as when somebody sings 'perilis' in our National Anthem... my fine old fifth-grade teacher Beulah Pennell taught me to be indignant and speak up whenever I heard that. She also taught me to spell out 'United States' instead of using US. Would that there were more of her in schools today... ;-}


well try not to piz u off then & chek r speling, cuz we no how much it bugz u

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Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 2:25 PM
Mookie: Where do I sign up to get some of that discomfort?

dharmon, it's interesting that you type 'becasue', 'cuz (hard to misspell THAT) most of the people I see getting it wrong type 'becuase'. One fine Southern girl from Louisiana actually thought it was supposed to be spelled that way... nobody had ever corrected her. (My own sister spelled minutes as 'minuites' for quite some time; perhaps an argument about mandatory foreign-language study for high schoolers?)

I'm cursed by being a comma cop. Can't help it... I see misspellings, and they gall at me. I've tried and tried to overcome this, but it doesn't 'take'.

To REALLY get to me, though, use those damn chat-room abbreviations: u for 'you', for example. Fills me with the same rage as when somebody sings 'perilis' in our National Anthem... my fine old fifth-grade teacher Beulah Pennell taught me to be indignant and speak up whenever I heard that. She also taught me to spell out 'United States' instead of using US. Would that there were more of her in schools today... ;-}
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Posted by dharmon on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 12:37 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod

Note to self, with eyes directed toward heaven...

Why is it that people who can't spell are so often cat haters? ;-}

(Apologies to dharmon in advance if he spelled 'conservative' and 'Genghis' differently as a parody of conservative tendencies...)


I am allergic to cats. My Achilles' Heel so to speak. We aren't compatible. Hate is a very strong word. I dislike them because they cause me physical discomfort and seemed compelled to seek me out wherever I am to do so. They must be a good judge of character.

As far as my spelling. I am usually fairly meticulous about my spelling, but a I am admittedly a poor editor and a self taught typist, so I frequently make spelling mistakes. In fact, if you read enough of my posts you will find that the word I misspell most is becasue, because of the manner in which I type.

As for my politics, many of the folks can tell you that the statement was a joke. I am generally a moderate, a strong supporter of the constitution, a free market economy fan, a strong supporter of shut the hell up and take responsibility for your own actions, mistakes are correctable and forgivable and a hard liner regarding real threats to our security. However, given my current profession, I am not allowed nor so inclined to discuss my preferences or feelings regarding the current elected or appointed government officials publically.

I'm more interested in the consist of the train , than which joker is onboard. [:D]
I know a cat that would like to cause you some discomfort!

Mook!




I'll see your cat and raise it a .450 Marlin [}:)][;)][xx(]
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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 12:28 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod

Note to self, with eyes directed toward heaven...

Why is it that people who can't spell are so often cat haters? ;-}

(Apologies to dharmon in advance if he spelled 'conservative' and 'Genghis' differently as a parody of conservative tendencies...)


I am allergic to cats. My Achilles' Heel so to speak. We aren't compatible. Hate is a very strong word. I dislike them because they cause me physical discomfort and seemed compelled to seek me out wherever I am to do so. They must be a good judge of character.

As far as my spelling. I am usually fairly meticulous about my spelling, but a I am admittedly a poor editor and a self taught typist, so I frequently make spelling mistakes. In fact, if you read enough of my posts you will find that the word I misspell most is becasue, because of the manner in which I type.

As for my politics, many of the folks can tell you that the statement was a joke. I am generally a moderate, a strong supporter of the constitution, a free market economy fan, a strong supporter of shut the hell up and take responsibility for your own actions, mistakes are correctable and forgivable and a hard liner regarding real threats to our security. However, given my current profession, I am not allowed nor so inclined to discuss my preferences or feelings regarding the current elected or appointed government officials publically.

I'm more interested in the consist of the train , than which joker is onboard. [:D]
I know a cat that would like to cause you some discomfort!

Mook!

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Posted by dharmon on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 12:14 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod

Note to self, with eyes directed toward heaven...

Why is it that people who can't spell are so often cat haters? ;-}

(Apologies to dharmon in advance if he spelled 'conservative' and 'Genghis' differently as a parody of conservative tendencies...)


I am allergic to cats. My Achilles' Heel so to speak. We aren't compatible. Hate is a very strong word. I dislike them because they cause me physical discomfort and seemed compelled to seek me out wherever I am to do so. They must be a good judge of character.

As far as my spelling. I am usually fairly meticulous about my spelling, but a I am admittedly a poor editor and a self taught typist, so I frequently make spelling mistakes. In fact, if you read enough of my posts you will find that the word I misspell most is becasue, because of the manner in which I type.

As for my politics, many of the folks can tell you that the statement was a joke. I am generally a moderate, a strong supporter of the constitution, a free market economy fan, a strong supporter of shut the hell up and take responsibility for your own actions, mistakes are correctable and forgivable and a hard liner regarding real threats to our security. However, given my current profession, I am not allowed nor so inclined to discuss my preferences or feelings regarding the current elected or appointed government officials publically.

I'm more interested in the consist of the train , than which joker is onboard. [:D]
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Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 11:57 AM
Note to self, with eyes directed toward heaven...

Why is it that people who can't spell are so often cat haters? ;-}

(Apologies to dharmon in advance if he spelled 'conservative' and 'Genghis' differently as a parody of conservative tendencies...)
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Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 11:54 AM
Of course it's all politics 24/7 -- that's what makes it so amusing. I start to get involved more, though, when one side starts the hypocrisy. That side has almost always been the Democrats, at least since the 'silver spoon in his mouth' speech by Ann Richards (after which the press promptly accused the Republicans of promulgating negative spin).

I won't go so far as to start with "CFR team A and CFR team B" but most of the action so far appears to be 'anti-Bush' rather than 'pro-Kerry', and I've seen some disquieting things coming up very, very early regarding both Kerry and Edwards (not the crap the Republicans predictably started to spew, either; wish I could convince them not to be so nitwitted but doubt I'll see it in my lifetime...)

Oh yes: I like cats. Pity we can't elect THEM; if nothing else we could EXPECT them to 'cat around' and modify their reproductive apparatus accordingly...

Biased? ME???? ;-}
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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 11:37 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by joeyalone

So many republicans on this forum, sad. Muddy's right, it would be nice if we could keep our political opinions aside -first, because it's not important, and second - because it reminds me of the unfortunate fact that so many in the railroad world tend to right-wingers. And right wingers tend to be self-involved, greedy, stingy, unsympathetic, and governed by fear and stubbornness. And that's sad, because I'd like to think of railroad folk as a bit wiser than that.
I am confused - you say it would be nice if we could keep our political opinions aside - then you go on a bash Republicans and right-wingers. You probably have an intense dislike for cats, too. Hmm?

Democat Mookie


Me too...cause I'm a consevative far to the right of that liberal pinko Gengis Khan and I dislike cats............[;)]
Hiss....no double hiss!

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Posted by vsmith on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 10:41 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod

I can't let this go without comment.

vsmith alleges that "Kerry's campaign train made an unscheduled stop for a small group of supporters in New Mexico who simply held up a sign that said "Please Stop and Listen, Give us 4 minutes and we'll give you 4 years." Awww... aside from the smarmy sound of the thing, I've got a real clear idea how the logistics of such a stop would work. Kerry sees the sign... how fast is the train moving? He tells his boys 'stop the train'... by the time it gets stopped, it's *where* on the main line? And then backs up all the way to where the people are?

This sounds like a prefab campaign moment, and too much use of it smacks of propaganda. But...

This from the same trip, by the same guy, who blows off 150+ (their number) of people in a major academic town? Supposedly because 'the train was late'?

I remember Presidential-candidate Carter stopping to talk to me in Trenton Station about Amtrak. His train (Metroliner equipment IIRC) was late... and it got later. But he was interested, and didn't give excuses. THAT is a better example of how it should be done...


This was during a very slow roll thru a town on the railline, so stopping the train for a few minutes wouldnt have been too hard, I suspect the reality for the unscheduled stop in New Mexico was that they wanted to try and make up for the Lawrence Kansas stop PR screw up. John Edwards took a bus trip back to Lawrence to try and make up for the brush off there...Oh Boy the logistics of a tour like this must be HELL!

Oh and BTW its ALL propaganda! Both sides 24/7, you should know that by now...[;)]

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Posted by dharmon on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 10:40 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by joeyalone

So many republicans on this forum, sad. Muddy's right, it would be nice if we could keep our political opinions aside -first, because it's not important, and second - because it reminds me of the unfortunate fact that so many in the railroad world tend to right-wingers. And right wingers tend to be self-involved, greedy, stingy, unsympathetic, and governed by fear and stubbornness. And that's sad, because I'd like to think of railroad folk as a bit wiser than that.
I am confused - you say it would be nice if we could keep our political opinions aside - then you go on a bash Republicans and right-wingers. You probably have an intense dislike for cats, too. Hmm?

Democat Mookie


Me too...cause I'm a consevative far to the right of that liberal pinko Gengis Khan and I dislike cats............[;)]
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Posted by dehusman on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 10:28 AM
These trains don't operate in a vaccuum. Wanna bet some of those people at that little town had cell phones? They call the local party, who calls the national who calls the people on the train and an unscheduled stop is created.

Dave H.

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Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 8:32 AM
I can't let this go without comment.

vsmith alleges that "Kerry's campaign train made an unscheduled stop for a small group of supporters in New Mexico who simply held up a sign that said "Please Stop and Listen, Give us 4 minutes and we'll give you 4 years." Awww... aside from the smarmy sound of the thing, I've got a real clear idea how the logistics of such a stop would work. Kerry sees the sign... how fast is the train moving? He tells his boys 'stop the train'... by the time it gets stopped, it's *where* on the main line? And then backs up all the way to where the people are?

This sounds like a prefab campaign moment, and too much use of it smacks of propaganda. But...

This from the same trip, by the same guy, who blows off 150+ (their number) of people in a major academic town? Supposedly because 'the train was late'?

I remember Presidential-candidate Carter stopping to talk to me in Trenton Station about Amtrak. His train (Metroliner equipment IIRC) was late... and it got later. But he was interested, and didn't give excuses. THAT is a better example of how it should be done...
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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 6:39 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by joeyalone

So many republicans on this forum, sad. Muddy's right, it would be nice if we could keep our political opinions aside -first, because it's not important, and second - because it reminds me of the unfortunate fact that so many in the railroad world tend to right-wingers. And right wingers tend to be self-involved, greedy, stingy, unsympathetic, and governed by fear and stubbornness. And that's sad, because I'd like to think of railroad folk as a bit wiser than that.
I am confused - you say it would be nice if we could keep our political opinions aside - then you go on a bash Republicans and right-wingers. You probably have an intense dislike for cats, too. Hmm?

Democat Mookie

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 9:13 PM
So many republicans on this forum, sad. Muddy's right, it would be nice if we could keep our political opinions aside -first, because it's not important, and second - because it reminds me of the unfortunate fact that so many in the railroad world tend to right-wingers. And right wingers tend to be self-involved, greedy, stingy, unsympathetic, and governed by fear and stubbornness. And that's sad, because I'd like to think of railroad folk as a bit wiser than that.
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Posted by dehusman on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 6:06 PM
The schedule for these trains is worked out months in advance for these trains. They are not spur of the moment. Lots of times a community hears a or there is a stop in their community and there isn't.
If a stop is run, it is on the direction of the campaign staff, based on what their downline committments are. A railroad doesn't just arbitrarily cancel the stops and an engineer or conductor just doesn't forget to stop.
If Kerry was running 4 hours late he might have canceled several stops to try and get back on schedule.
Why ask railfans? Ask the Kerry campaign.

Dave H.

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Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 4:08 PM
Yeah, a big blue Genesis triple header with what looks like a rather motley assortment of older streamline cars and newer Amfleet cars. Theres even a dome car!

I disagree with those who say the "advertising" on the loco looks bad, come on guys that could have been a garish color mash of badly overdone patriotic laden images, instead its far more tastefully done, just simple letters. I'm sure more that a few people that that slogan was the name of the railroad...LOL...[:o)]

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Posted by dharmon on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 4:02 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

3 Genesis, I posted a link for photos on the "despite politcial affiliation this is still cool" topic. Some amfleets and some Rail Cruise America private cars. The lead unit was all covered up in a Kerry Edwards decal and looked worse than before. The rear car was built in 1914 if I'm correct. It was a heavyweight observation car.

Zach Pumphery (R)-MO


Thanks Zach,

I only saw the pic with the observaton car, not the rest of the train. Maybe I was doing it wrong.


Zach, I was looking at the wrong post in that thread. Now I found what you're talking about. - Dan
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Posted by espeefoamer on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 3:53 PM
Before this goes any furthur, go back and read my original question. That's all I needed to know.
Ride Amtrak. Cats Rule, Dogs Drool.
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Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 3:43 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

3 Genesis, I posted a link for photos on the "despite politcial affiliation this is still cool" topic. Some amfleets and some Rail Cruise America private cars. The lead unit was all covered up in a Kerry Edwards decal and looked worse than before. The rear car was built in 1914 if I'm correct. It was a heavyweight observation car.

Zach Pumphery (R)-MO


Zach, just playing a little hardball with ya.[;)][8D]

I remember hearing on the news that this was the same private observation car used by Harry Truman. In the days before Air Force 1, the Prez would travel by private rail car hooked up to the back of a regular scheduled train. Imagine trying that today with Amtrack!

"Oh, were sorry Mr President, but this train doesnt stop anywhere outside of Houston, You'll have to catch an Amtrack Bus to the Ranch..., and we'd be on time but UP has 3 frieghts on a siding ahead of us, and a derailed train behind us, so we'll be a few hours late...Enjoy the trip!"[:0][:D][8D][:p]

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Posted by dharmon on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 2:57 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

3 Genesis, I posted a link for photos on the "despite politcial affiliation this is still cool" topic. Some amfleets and some Rail Cruise America private cars. The lead unit was all covered up in a Kerry Edwards decal and looked worse than before. The rear car was built in 1914 if I'm correct. It was a heavyweight observation car.

Zach Pumphery (R)-MO


Thanks Zach,

I only saw the pic with the observaton car, not the rest of the train. Maybe I was doing it wrong.
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Posted by UPTRAIN on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 2:41 PM
3 Genesis, I posted a link for photos on the "despite politcial affiliation this is still cool" topic. Some amfleets and some Rail Cruise America private cars. The lead unit was all covered up in a Kerry Edwards decal and looked worse than before. The rear car was built in 1914 if I'm correct. It was a heavyweight observation car.

Zach Pumphery (R)-MO

Pump

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Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 2:33 PM
Dan,

Actually niether am I... you dont want to see what I'd write if I was...[:O]

I'm just heating up the needle if Mr Uptrain wants to keep on bashing Kerry instead of Kerry's train...[(-D]

I thought this was supposed to be about who screwed up the scheduled stop and did it have anything to do with UP's overall screwed up condition. [|(]

LOL, I'm just having some sport....[}:)]

I'm really quite an Angel [angel]

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Posted by dharmon on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 2:25 PM
Maybe they'll swing by Britt, Iowa on the way and pick up a few riders on their way to the hi-tech hobo convention......hehehe ......they can show them the manifesto...hehehe.........[;)][:D]



........by the way, I'm not making a political statement...........

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