"As part of the most open and accessible Inauguration in history, we hope to include as many Americans as possible who wish to participate, but can't be in Washington,..."

Oh, okay. So let's see. That would be people who are in cities closest to Washington D.C., and have mass transporation access to the Nation's capital that can have them there in less than an hour or so?

Well, why not Detroit, Cleveland, and Pittsburg if you want to "include as many Americans as possible?" "Open and accessible" my fat Aunt Harriet. Sticking up a transition website where people can submit questions and then vote on which is more important to be answered is hardly earth-shattering democratic shit.

Let's just see your ass govern and then we'll tell you what you are all about.

The Bush administration denied Obama's request to occupy Blair House early so his girls could start their new school on time. The WH response, from a Laura Bush spokesperson, was, quote "Blair House is traditionally available to the incoming President 5 days before inauguration. End of story." But in fact, both the Clintons and the Regans were in there in during December and January of their respective incoming terms. Blair House is a 19 bedroom, 4-attached townhouse facility across from the WH, with multiple meeting rooms. Google it. And the Obamas were told there was no space for them to set their children up for school. Republican outgoing receptions were booked and could not be moved. This from He who gave us "No Child Left Behind". How tasteless and bitter to the end is this Administration.

Better for all that the Obamas and Bidens arrive on their "Love Train". I'll be there to greet it.

This is one of those sounds great but wait things. I don't think it is a good idea for the president elect and the vice president to be traveling together. This is a bad idea and is a standard thing you don't do. Corparate heads don't all travel on the same plane, the presisent and vice never travel together,,,ect. I'm shocked at the security lapse on this one.

This is a to good to be true for any threat that may be out there. Sound just wounderful, but stupidest thing they could do.

This is hokey. It's not the campaign anymore. Even mere mortals, to say nothing of mere presidents, do NOT travel from Chicago to DC by train anymore. I like my presidents (and my president-elects) to travel by the fastest and safest means possible, which generally means a jet plane. Let's get rid of the kitch and move on to the important stuff of governing. We can all watch the festivities on TV, where we'll have better views.

Obama is historically minded. He is certainly aware of the parallels, and is almost certainly making this train trip as an homage. And I must say its quite appropriate: has any president since Lincoln come to his innauguration with a bigger burden laying before him? FDR, maybe. So, he is certainly in esteemed company.

As for how he will return to Illinois in (hopefully) eight years, while I do have some dark fears, I honestly expect that the better angels of our nature will win out.

Another President from Illinois traveled by train to Washington in 1861...incognito because of serious assassination threats. He was ridiculed for doing so, and even was the butt of made-up-stories that had him disguised as a woman,which would have been difficult what with his height and beard (Today's made-up stories have to do with non-existent deals with a semi-psychotic Illinois governor.)

I fervently hope that Mr. Obama does not travel the return journey by train as Lincoln did. Although I don't doubt that there are not a few who would like to see that, or even try to bring it about.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if both the public and private sectors got SERIOUS about resurrecting train travel as a practical and ecological alternative to cars and planes?

And if you're traveling with kids, and can afford a "private" room, it's absolutely the best way in the world. You can feed, change, entertain, control your offspring without disturbing everybody else in the car! And they will be mesmerized by the passing scenery and make quick friends with every other kid! (I speak from experience.)

All Aboard Amtrak!

How a real unifier operates. GWB please take note how Mr. Obama spends his "political capital"

President-Elect Barack Obama has chosen to ride horseback to his presidential inauguration. His decision honors the rich history and tradition of previous inaugural journeys, such as those of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/politics/obama-riding-horse-to-inauguration/

AMTRAK rules.

It's nice that they're going by train.