Sounds like CEO Anderson, doesn't like to answer hard questions, he doesn't have a prepared answer for.
I don't envy his position and would not want his job. He runs a quasi-Government Agency, controlled and governed by a Cabinet level department, and almost totally dependent on annual Congressional appropriations. Most of his workforce no longer has any connection with the railroad industry, and thinks and operates as a government agency. There are entirely too many "Consultants" retained by Amtrak, In some cases performing work that used to be performed by Amtrak employees. That's why so many poor decisions are made.
Almost all of Amtrak's fleet of passenger equipment is over age and obsolete. This includes high volume corridor service equipment, and Long Distance trains. The organization lacks the resources to maintain it's existing equipment, on a regular basis, Is unwilling or unable to raise capital, and is constrained by various political and social agendas, that are not present in the Airline Industry Something has got to give.
The Northeast Corridor, in reality extends from Maine to Roanoke and Norfolk Virginia, and West to Harrisburg PA, and Niagara Falls, NY. Not exactly limited to between NY and DC, although that's where the greatest ridership is.
Some long haul should still fit in the equation, as long as sufficient passenger volume remains. However, capital spending for equipment should go to routes most likely to sustain growth.
Keep in mind, that I have not availed my self of Amtrak service, since I retired from Amtrak in 2008, although, I theoretically can travel for free or reduced cost [That in itself a convoluted formula], Simply stated, they don't go anywhere near where I want to go, without my going way out of my way to get there. It's much easier and more direct to drive.
One other thing to keep in mind, was that Amtrak Brought in David Gunn to replace George Warrington. Gunn had a reputation for being an expert problem solver in the Passenger Rail Sector. He was gone within two years, after he was allegedly caught with his hand in the till. He did manage to kill off the Mail and Express business and for a short time brought the property to a state of good repair. he also forced the issue with the Acela program, but in general, as soon as he left, it was back to business as usual. Chances are, that Mr. Anderson, will find out that he cannot implement all of his changes, as Congressional intervention rewrites his agenda, and revert to the status quo..