I've had a number of discussions with liberals who believe that "trains are good", not entirely sure why they do but somehow they feel that there is a vast number of people who want to take a three hour train trip between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

I've pointed out that you can currently take a 1 hour plane trip between LA and San Francisco that, if you book in advance is cheaper than the projected fare. It will also allow the business traveler to go to SF, have a meeting and come home in one day -- not so much for 6 hours of round trip train travel. A two day trip requires hotel etc -- so much for the economics.