Are formed due to condensation nucleii being emitted/ejected into the atmosphere from the exhaust of jet aircraft where the relative humidity of the atmosphere is supportive of such "localized cloud" formation. They dissipate in a known spread pattern and at varying rates, and do not hold tight/close for extended periods of time due to the Jet Stream and wingtip vortices causing "mixing" of air behind an aircraft. In that civilian air liners travel at a known miles per minute, a contrail that long would have been there for an extended period of time. The rate of creation vs the rate of dispersal suggest that it might NOT be an airliner.
Looks to me like the rate of formation and level of exhaust from a particular stage of a rocket propelled (not jet propelled). The good news is, if it IS a show of force by President OBama, it would be a friendly launch and for the advantage of the US and its allies including Continental Defence (NORAD).
2 cents.