Mad Men Make Online Pitch for High Speed Rail

Two lead actors from the hit television show Mad Men throw their support behind high-speed rail in a humorous new online video posted today on Funnyordie.com.

The actors and U.S. PIRG, the national federation of state PIRGs, of which Maryland PIRG is a member, developed the video in conjunction with the popular online video site as a way to reach new audiences and build excitement for high-speed rail projects around the country.

“I am delighted to have worked with PIRG on this project to raise awareness about high-speed rail,” said Vincent Kartheiser, who plays Pete Campbell on the hit show.  “Despite all of the actions I take to reduce my carbon footprint, I am a terrible polluter because I fly so many miles.  High-speed rail is more efficient, convenient, and environmentally responsible than flying or driving.”

The video is set in the offices of a fictitious 60’s-era advertising agency, as the two make their best pitch for high-speed rail.

As “Harry” tells “Pete” in the video, “America always makes the right investments. Trains are the most efficient, most economical, best investment.”

“But, honestly, I think you can relax on this whole thing.  I read that in 40 years, gas is going to be almost a dollar a gallon,” he adds.

The video comes at a time when high-speed rail debate is heating up throughout the country and in Congress.  President Obama recently pledged more than $50 billion in federal funding over the next six years and announced a goal in his State of the Union to connect 80 percent of the country with high-speed rail in the next 25 years. House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica (R-FL) has been a supporter of high-speed rail, while his governor in Florida and the Governors of Ohio and Wisconsin have rejected billions in federal funds for projects in their states.

“It’s a simple pitch – high-speed rail saves oil and gives people a more efficient alternative to the hassles of flying and driving,” said Maryland PIRG State Director, Johanna Neumann.  “Even 40 years ago it would have been a no-brainer.”

Click here to watch Mad Fast Trains.

Vincent Kartheiser is available for comment from 10 am to 1 pm EST on March 9th and from 12 pm to 3pm EST on March 10th.  To reach him, contact Marshall Wright at (323-632-2003).