HIDDEN ISSUES: IMPROVED RAIL SERVICE

We have argued that the Obama campaign lacks specific proposals that ordinary voters can identify with. One example would be improved rail service, which - among its many advantages - would cheer a lot of people in the red states. The latest figures from Amtrak give an idea of the potential:

29 million passengers last year up 11% over the previous year and the sixth year of ridership growth.

The Hiawatha Service between Chicago and Milwaukee up 26%

The Keystone Service, between New York City, Philadelphia and Harrisburg up 20% to 1.2 million.

The Downeaster, between Portland, Maine, and Boston, up 31%

Washington-Boston route up 9%

Texas Eagle between Chicago and San Antonio up 15%

The Empire Builder, between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, up 10%