A first trip to Oval Office
By Joseph Williams, Globe Staff
WASHINGTON -- President-elect Barack Obama took another significant step toward assuming power today when President Bush greeted him at the White House, then gave Obama an extended, private briefing on the myriad of challenges awaiting him when he takes office in January.
The highly-anticipated, symbolic meeting -- Obama's first visit to the Oval Office -- came as Bush's public approval sunk to a record low, and as Obama benefits from a hopeful public that believes he can put a troubled nation back on track .
Neither Obama nor Bush made any public statements as they took the traditional stroll past the columns on the White House portico, pausing to pose for news photographers before going into the president's office for an hour. As they talked, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama toured the White House living quarters and discussed the role of the first lady.
The visit -- the earliest in recent presidential history -- was not as tense or awkward as prior meetings between sitting presidents and their successors, or as might be expected after Obama won a landslide victory by tying Republican challenger John McCain to an unpopular president and his policies.
Obama, who carefully avoided personally attacking Bush, has emphasized that Bush is still in charge until the inauguration on Jan. 20, while Bush has been very gracious, acknowledging Obama's historic win and ordering his staff to help the new president make a seamless transition.
Nevertheless, Obama has urged Congress and the president to approve a second economic stimulus package to help the staggering economy, and aides have said he is weighing whether to use his executive authority on his first day in office to change some of Bush's policies, including closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center and overturning limits on stem cell research.
Though the Obamas' visit to the White House largely took place behind closed doors, for many it was a sneak preview of history: the nation's first black commander in chief, surrounded by the trappings of the presidency and entering the seat of national power, a building constructed in part by slaves.
On a sunny, brisk afternoon, dozens of journalists from across the country and around the world crowded the White House grounds, while hundreds of people pressed against iron gates, straining for a glimpse of Obama's motorcade, which now that he is president-elect includes a full police motorcycle escort, several Secret Service vans, and an ambulance. Crowds cheered as the motorcade arrived.
"I flew in from Dallas last night, just for this," said Karen Collins, 42, an accounting firm employee who stood a few feet from the White House driveway, waiting to take a snapshot with her cellphone camera. "When I got here, I could feel the love."
Shortly before 2 p.m. on the South Portico of the White House, Obama and Bush exchanged smiles and a handshake while their wives greeted each other warmly. As the cameras clicked and whirred and the two couples entered the Diplomatic Reception Room, Obama put his hand on Bush's back.
About 3:45 p.m., Bush escorted Obama to his limousine; Michelle Obama left before her husband to attend meetings in Washington and visit her second private school of the day, and flew back to Chicago separately.
Afterwards, Obama's office issued a statement that said the meeting was "productive and friendly." "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," spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said.
She said that Laura Bush and Michelle Obama toured the first family's private residence and "discussed raising daughters in the White House, as 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."
White House press secretary Dana Perino said that the president described his get-together with Obama as "constructive, relaxed and friendly" and said they covered problems at home and abroad, and that Bush personally pledged a smooth transition. Bush gave Obama a sneak peek at White House highlights, such as the Lincoln Bedroom and the president's office in the residence, after their hour-plus in the Oval Office, she said.
The president and president-elect talked about the automotive industry, the mortgage meltdown, and the prospect of a second economic stimulus package, according to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity so they could speak candidly about a private conversation, the Associated Press reported.
Comment
Permalink
EmailThis blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
About Political Intelligence
News from the Washington Bureau
Senators voice optimism on public option
Health overhaul narrowly advances
Latinos, blacks take harder hit amid recession
Some lawmakers push back Catholic church on health care bill
Support wanes for curbs on credit-card interest rates
Obama domestic agenda largely a one-party effort
Beirut attack victims’ families face new hurdle
Powerful health care groups offer optimism on overhaul
FHA runs low on cash, fueling bailout concerns
Afghanistan wary of US plan to send more advisers
- Home
- |
- Today's Globe
- |
- News
- |
- Business
- |
- Sports
- |
- Lifestyle
- |
- A&E
- |
- Things to Do
- |
- Travel
- |
- Cars
- |
- Jobs
- |
- Homes
- |
- Local Search
Civility in politics. Amazing! We should all take note.
I think it's interesting that Obama's primary message throughout his campaign was "hope", and that seems to be exactly what fills everyone's hearts and minds at the moment.
Except for occasional carping, whining, and gnashing of teeth from the losing side, the nation looks forward to the possibility of its global resurrection.
I, for one, am prepared to do whatever it takes, naysayers be damned.
Tradition is part of the glue that holds our great nation together. The rest of the world looked on in wonder as Senator Obama became President-Elect Obama and both sides of the political spectrum reached out to work together for the good of the country.
it has been renegade since the day he got secret service protection...reported by lynn sweet back in the spring. helooooo
Why does the Secret Service even use a codename if they're going to let the media tell everybody what it means?
The choice of the codename 'Renegade' is interesting in two ways:
1. The Old West flavor of the word is similar to another word 'Maverick' associated with John McCain.
2. The meaning of renegade indicates a traitor or someone who goes back on his word. Is this an inside joke for the Secret Service, whose agents may not believe Obama's message of change or his campaign promises?
Interesting, huh?
Bushie is trying to get his approval rating up before he exits the door of the White House.
One way to do this is by inviting Obama as soon as possible for a chat. He has to get a piece of that sweet positive limelight.
The Secret Service is apolitical. It is an insult to their professionalism to suggest that they had political reasons for their choice of a name for Obama (or any other president, for that matter).
"While Obama ran against Bush's record, he never played to the personal loathing that animates many on the left"
You're kidding, right?
Enough of the revisionist history and the attempt to lower expectations for Obama. Also, enough of the empty rhetoric about "bipartisanship" and "reaching across the aisle". His political appointments prove he has no intention of living up to these words.
I believe it was President Reagan who said: "You can't argue with success". That fact still remains. It is what it is. Lets march on to a better America with our new chosen leader. God knows we needed one.
Did they take down the "Colored" bathroom signs yet.....
Fear, hatred and division. It's all Republicans have. They certainly don't have policies or an ideology that's worth anything.
01/20/09. The End of an Error!
"Except for occasional carping, whining, and gnashing of teeth from the losing side"
"naysayers be damned"
"The Old West flavor"
"indicates a traitor or someone who goes back on his word..joke for the Secret Service, whose agents may not believe Obama's message of change or his campaign promises?"
"Bushie is trying to get his approval rating up"
"Did they take down the "Colored" bathroom signs yet"
The only thing worse than a sore loser is a bitter winner...It would be nice if those that claim to be so devoted to the President-elect could follow his lead of dignity, respect and class. Sadly, many on the left lead lifestyles of nastiness and negativity. Life must truely suck for you.
For those who are curious, the other candidates' secret service codenames were:
Celtic and Capri - Joe and Jill Biden
Phoenix and Parasoli - John and Cindy McCain
Denali and Driller - Sarah and Todd Palin
All appropriate and just a tiny bit tongue-in-cheek.
I don't believe that fear, hatred and division is all republicans have...thanks Nash.
you are doing exactly what these two men are NOT doing.
I, as a republican, who voted for a republican am looking forward to the new administration and what they can do to help the american people. It is time to stop all this fighting.....media bashing and otherwise.... The media is also on the attack of Mr. Obama .... already lowering their expectations even before he takes office.
Passing the torch is part of the history of the President and is done with dignity and respect regardless of who the outgoing party is.....do you think GWB said to Bill Clinton going in.....yea, nice of you to mess around in the Whitehouse with the intern.....I congratulate Obama, and not just b/c my party lost, and lost big, but because all of this *&!!! needs to stop..
You mean the Obama palace.
Ron Paul
Commander in Chief giving way to Redistributionist in Chief - its very moving......
We'll also accept....1/20/09. The Beginning of Socialism!
interesting
Brent, any negative connotations you are imagining about these code names is disspelled by the choice of Renaissance for Michelle.
If you can find something negative in that- do let us know.
If socialism is what's going to fix the financial problem (although I don't believe that is what Obama is proposing), then BRING IT ON! Whatever works.
Do you actually think that's really their code name? Gimme a break. The USSS is a bit smarter than that.
That's a really genuine insight Brent Thomas. Not only that but its really funny. You're a really funny person, did you know that? I hope you've got more gems like that, so you can throw em out there next time you venture onto the comment sections of political editorials. Really helps to enlighten the conversations, don't ya think?
We're all glad to have such a smart person as you wandering around boston.com looking for opportunities to make funny and insightful comments. Thanks for participating.
Hey Nashie girl... "division" the Republicans?? Thats all Obama campaign did. Rich vs Poor, Black vs White, Blue Collar vs White Collar. What movie were you watching, typical looney lefty .
"hatred"- his surrogates Ayers, Wright, Fleger, Farrakhan now there are some hateful characters.
Dem speak: If you love your country, God and an unborn child you are a "Hater".
I hated Bush (never voted for him) and I'm sure to hate this guy. Look up Rehm Emanual's background. It is a disgrace that this guy could even get near the White House. Both Parties are corrupt...any research will prove that. I voted for Ron Paul and will never vote Rep or Dem ever again. All those that did are fools and stooges...or crooks.
divider giving way to uniter.
Maybe Mr. Obama can get the Clintons to return the "W" keys, that would be a step in the right direction!
Don't you mean, former secret service "codename"?
#9, #9, #9,...no not a Beatles song, a rebut to No No NoBama. Appointments shows he lacks bi-partisanship? What else do you see in that crystal ball you have? He hasn't made appointments; he has made an appointment, singular. Me thinks you have made your mind up before the facts are in (not that your name would suggest that...HA!) Yes the guy was a tough politician...so what? This is Chief of Staff we are talking about, not Secretary of State. I think you want a bit of a tough guy for that job. You have a lot to be in charge of. Plenty of Republicans have suggested that it is a good pick for that job. Mitch McConnell and Melendez from Florida to name two.
Let's see who he picks for the dozens of other jobs before you pass judgment.
CR
You are one of the few sane voices on this site. I, too, was a Republican once (until that bonehead Bush ran in 2000). I agree, we need to stop all this vitriolic, destructive language and move on. No one involved in divisive rants
(on either side) has any right whatsoever to call themselves "patriotic Americans". I'm sick of it. The guy's been President Elect for five minutes and already people are all over him. It's a disgrace.
Remember we always have the option of Impeachment if he takes the country in a Socialist bend which really is not in the best interest of our Democracy.....There are a lot of corrective measures that can be taken via the Constitution although I would hope that he will do the best for our country at large. First on the list, he must address the economy and how to solve the rampant recession, foreclosures-which I really think are an issue of personal responsibility- just because I want a Mercedes doesn't mean I can own one if I cannot afford it- American jobs and incentives for corporations to stay here and hire American workers, and an overhaul of unions and their demands. Perhaps the Libertarian Party and its idealogy should get more attention from the masses and the media.
#28 - guess you didn't get the memo that all of that "w" stealing reports were a hoax. I believe the record shows that there was 1 missing from 1 keyboard. There was not any ransacking of the WH by the Clintons or their staff.
I agree Ron Paul is the real change.
I just hope all of the whinny liberals will stop complaining now that Bush is gone. If that is all the change that happens, I will be happy.
But as you can see from posts, that transfer hasnt happened yet.
What about Bush and his outgoing code name? I, for one think that "Duh" would fit him well.
Obama keeps acting like he WON something. Did he really win or just get the ‘Biggest Dose of Affirmative Action’ ever.
Biggest Dose of Affirmative Action……….
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
---
Media Stolen Presidency
Wow! You right wing nutcases (as opposed to moderate or even conservative Republicans) are really bitter. For the past 8 years this country has put up with the worst leadership in U.S. history and you just lost a presidential race with "no ideas" McCain and a moose hunting creationist from Alaska as your party's standard bearers. And you're upset that Obama won?? Are you kidding me??!!
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
---
Media Stolen Presidency
copy and paste if you agree
To call you President "Bushie" say everything about you and nothing about the President you disrespectful moron. Whether you are blue or red, you need to get your act together and give respect when respect is due and get down to WORK and not name calling
Let's face it -- everything W and Cheney touched turned into mud ... so in the sprit of democracy the people have spoken and it's time to pass the torch and let the other guys have a chance ... I think you have to admit that Bush / Cheney have left this barnyard in quite the state of shambles ... so let's be sure to give Obama more than 100 days to raise the Titanic from the ocean floor ...
President Elect Obama will be our new president and as such he will have my full support however that does not mean he will get a free pass. Many of his programs and the direction he plans on taking this country goes counter to what I believe in. Also the folks who hate president Bush might remember that there has not been a 2nd terrorist attack on his watch. Also one of our great enemies Lybia has now joined in trying to work peacefully. I will be in a sense glad to here that the Liberals will not have president Bush to blame for all of the worlds ills. I think their behavior has been hateful among other things.
If however President elect Obama does put in play the ultra liberal agenda I will work with anyone I can to make sure he does not see a 2nd term.
I did say a prayer for him although i know most liberals hate religion but its a very tough job he is walking into and I hope for the countries sake he does put country first. As a conservative it is my hope that going forward people realize that Government works best when it has the least to do with your life. Now with all of the bailouts which I opposed everyone is stepping up to have the Government give them money. We do have to pay down our deficit for our kids sake and we can't keeps spending money we do not have.
Good luck and God speed to our future president.
It is an end of an era, now we go from whinny liberals to whinny conservatives. My how somethings never change.
Thank you Rudderman for your thoughts and for noting similar ones by CR. I had meant to do that also. We have to end the divisiveness and vitriol. Maybe the problems with the economy are large enough that most people will realize the necissity of working together.
To #32 some of what you say on the economy makes sense and echoes Obama.
But lose the 'socialist' label and don't threaten impeachment becuase you don' t agree with a policy decision. That is not what impeachment is for (I'm sorry the bar was lowered when Clinton was impeached) - High Crimes and misdeameanors. Basically it has to be unlawful action. And besides, before Bush put in that huge tax cut for the rich...there was a tax policy in place for years that Obama simply wants to go back too. Nobody called all the prior President's socialists. Besides he put it out there and people voted. And it was a landslide and a mandate. 365 EV's so far (thanks Nebraska- first time a state has ever actually split their EV's, even though Maine and Nebraska always could have, theoretically.) with Missouri still undecided. Could be up to 376!
And don't be too surprised if he delays re-taxing the rich if he feels it would be detrimental to rebounding the economy.
Hope and change were the incessantly repeated dual mantras of The Obama Campaign. I want to believe that the President elect will make meaningful and effective strides towards restoring all that has been sundered over these last eight years, however, Mr. Obama's choice of, for example, a former director of Fannie Mae, (appointed by Bill Clinton) Rahm Emanuel as his Chief of Staff is not encouraging. Equally, it is not heartening that the Democrat's most prominent dismantler of Glass Steagall, Robert Rubin has acted as a top advisor and, though I don't expect his appointment, he is on the short list for a return to head The Treasury.
It is axiomatic that birds of a feather flock together, and very few of the names being bandied about for key cabinet positions in the Obama administration are birds of change. Rather, they represent the opposite, birds of a flock that have steered the U.S. financial sphere and now the general economy to ruin.
I hope the Bushes put plastic slipcovers on the furniture the Obamas sat in.
Obama was elected on emotions and charisma, not on substance or " the content of his character". Few people who voted for him (based on my asking them) know what he has actually been saying or anything about his background.
52%of the voting public voted to turn America into a borderless. third world socialist nation, and 48% voted NO to Socialism. Hardly a landslide or a serious mandate.
Glorious Leader Comrade Obama's Socialist Agenda has created a divide across this country wider and deeper than even Bush was able to do. He will NEVER be my president. SO, you lib's go ahead and hang out on the left side of that divide and drink the coolaid with the party proletariate, and the rest of us will stay on the right side with the Resistance.amd do everything we can to prevent the trimverate of Socialism (Obama, Pelozi,Reid) from ruining this nation.
Question. If Obama's father is African/American and his mother Caucasian, why is he considered African/American? Would he still be considered that if his father was half African/American? Quarter?
Bush is headed where he belongs - history's trash heap. I wish Obama well on his quest for peace, justice, and a better world. This is the biggest 180 degree turn in the presidency since FDR replaced Herbert Hoover. All you right wing nutjobs now have to sit back and watch how a real president governs.
Hey Richard, don't forget your Uzis and ammo when you hide in your cave, better prepare for the Obama Youth movement, coming to get you and your fellow wingnuts in the "Resistance" and dump your sorry $sses in a concentration camp!
LMAO!!!!
Why are Michelle's clothes always so tight?
For all of the GOP supporters out there parroting the McCain/Palin campaign diatribes (socialism ?!) , it's time to put it to rest ... McCain is a good man , just did not have enough support this time around (I wish that Karl Rove didn't torpedo him in SC with 'robocalls' back in 2000). Thank goodness for factcheck.org (and the like) -- give it a try sometime !
Now that the election is finally behind us, we should all try to move forward together with Obama as President, who will bring in good people (including a dissenting opinion, something totally missing from Bush cabinet) to help lead this country out of this mess …
who is the very stupid person that actually says taxes are socialism, get an education in finances taxing redistributes wealth. IT is not the same to say someone is a socialist BUT for stupid people it is very easy to wave a flag and not think about what they are saying