Bushes welcome Obama to the White House

By KEN HERMAN
Cox News Service

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

WASHINGTON — The face-to-face part of the transfer of power began Monday as President Bush and President-elect Obama met privately in the Oval Office for just over an hour.

The session was part of an afternoon in which the current and future residents of the White House, who hold sharply differing views, got together to talk transition. While Bush and Obama met in the Oval Office, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama toured the residential area, including rooms used as kids' bedrooms in previous administrations.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said Bush told her the meeting was "good, constructive, relaxed and friendly." She said domestic and international issues were discussed, but declined to offer specifics.

Before the meeting, Perino said, "I'm sure that this won't be the only time that they speak."

It was an historic day that stood in contrast to the first time Bush and Obama met in the White House in a moment recounted in Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope." That meeting was in January 2005, a day before then-Sen.-elect Obama took the oath of office.

"You've got a bright future. ././. Very bright," Bush told Obama that day, according to the book. "But I've been in this town a while and, let me tell you, it can be tough."

"When you get a lot of attention like you've been getting, people start gunnin' for ya. And it won't necessarily just be coming from my side, you understand. From yours, too. Everybody'll be waiting for you to slip. Know what I mean? So watch yourself."

Monday's events began – 11 minutes ahead of schedule – with the Bushes greeting the Obamas at the South Portico. Obama patted Bush twice on back with his left hand as they walked into the building.

Hundreds of people gathered by the gate on the White House north side as Obama's motorcade pulled in on the south side. Included in the crowd were protesters calling for Bush's impeachment.

Inside the building, the head count in the press room was up appreciably for the historic day.

"They weren't kidding when they said it was a zoo," Perino said as she took the podium for her daily briefing.

Upon arrival, the Obamas were escorted to Diplomatic Reception Room, where the incoming residents met with Stephen Rochon, director of the executive residence and the chief usher.

From there, Bush and Obama headed through the Rose Garden to the Oval Office, where Bush opened the door and placed his right hand on Obama's back as they entered.

"They had a broad discussion about the importance of working together throughout the transition of government in light of the nation's many critical economic and security challenges," said Stephanie Cutter, a spokeswoman for the Obama-Biden transition team. She said Obama thanked Bush "for his commitment to a smooth transition, and for his and first lady Laura Bush's gracious hospitality in welcoming the Obama's to the White House."

Sally McDonough, Laura Bush's spokeswoman, said the first lady and Michele Obama met on the second floor of the residence and toured the second and third floors.

"They talked about family life, particularly about their children," McDonough said the hour-long meeting.

Cutter said Mrs. Bush noted that Jenna and Barbara Bush were similar in age to Malia and Sasha Obama when they visited their grandfather, President George H. W. Bush, during his presidency.

Earlier Monday, Mrs. Obama – looking for a school for her two daughters – visited Georgetown Day School in Washington. Later in the afternoon, she toured Sidwell Friends School, which Chelsea Clinton attended when her parents were in the White House, the Associated Press reported.

After the Oval Office session, Bush took Obama to the White House living quarters, according to Perino.

The meeting came after a long campaign in which Obama often criticized Bush and claimed that GOP challenger John McCain would offer more of the same. Perino said Bush would ignore those comments and "do what he thinks is right for the country."

"I think it's probably something that's hard for all of us to understand. But President Bush has been involved in politics since the mid-'60s, when he watched his father run for Congress and then their whole political life has been about a rough-and-tumble campaign," Perino said.