Object

Stranded Metroliner

Amtrak Metroliner train sits frozen outside Philadelphia, its tracks iced over from the storm, blocking delivery of the presidential ceremonial Bible to the inauguration. Charlie relays the news to Bartlet in the limousine, sparking a wry quip from the President about George Washington's borrowed Bible. Staff scramble for a replacement as the delay exposes cracks in inauguration logistics amid banter with Abbey.

2 appearances

Purpose

Transport the ceremonial Bible and passengers from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

Significance

Blocks the Bible's arrival and punctures ceremonial pomp, forcing Charlie's quick improvisation from the House Library while humanizing Bartlet through frustration and historical wit.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E15 · Inauguration Part II: Over There

Too Cold for a Parade / The Missing Bible

The Metroliner is the proximate cause of the missing ceremonial Bible: frozen tracks have stranded the train outside Philadelphia, preventing the Bible's delivery and producing the cascade of logistical failures explained by Charlie.

Before: En route to Washington carrying the ceremonial Bible and handlers, scheduled to arrive in time for the inauguration.

After: Stuck on frozen tracks outside Philadelphia and unable to deliver the Bible.

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S4E15 · Inauguration Part II: Over There

Missing Bible, Quick Fix

The Metroliner is the transport that failed to deliver the ceremonial Bible; its frozen tracks in Philadelphia create the logistical chain-reaction — missed rooms, unused tickets, stranded property — that generates the scene's crisis.

Before: Departed New York with the ceremonial Bible aboard, scheduled to arrive in Washington.

After: Stuck outside Philadelphia on frozen tracks and unable to deliver its cargo, still immobilized as described in the scene.

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