Obama camp's statement on WH meeting

Posted: Monday, November 10, 2008 5:10 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House

From NBC's Mark Murray
Stephanie Cutter, the Obama-Biden transition spokeswoman, released this statement about Obama's meeting with President Bush at the White House:

“President-elect Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama were very warmly welcomed today at the White House by President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Upon arriving, President-elect Obama and President Bush proceeded to the Oval Office, where they had a productive and friendly meeting that lasted for over an hour. 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. President-elect Obama thanked President Bush for his commitment to a smooth transition, and for his and First Lady Laura Bush’s gracious hospitality in welcoming the Obamas to the White House."

“After a brief private meeting, the First Lady led Mrs. Obama on a tour of the White House that focused primarily on the private residence of the historic home. After this tour, the First Lady and Mrs. Obama visited in the West Sitting Hall, where they 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. Mrs. Obama was honored to finally meet the First Lady, who was a gracious hostess. Following their visit, Mrs. Obama met with Admiral Rochon, the White House Chief Usher.”

*** UPDATE *** White House spokeswoman Dana Perino issued this statement: "The President and the President-elect had a long meeting, described by the President as good, constructive, relaxed and friendly. They spoke about both domestic and international issues, though since it was a private meeting the White House will decline to comment on specifics. The President also showed President-elect Obama the living quarters, including the office the President uses, the Lincoln Bedroom, and the rooms for the Obamas' two young daughters. The President enjoyed his visit with the President-elect, and he again pledged a smooth transition to the next administration."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

"I'm way in over my head!"

BH Obama - Chicago IL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:18 PM)

Obama was really torqued off when he tried to light up in the Oval Office, and Cheney jumped out and hit him with the fire extinguisher.

All In Good Fun (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:25 PM)

Things went from bad to worse when Obama agreed to go hunting with Cheney.

Lyle Taylor, PA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:27 PM)

I think the way that Bush helps this transition will help him end on a more positive light and that helps the whole country.

This is a great way for Bush to move forward, maintain some dignity, and maybe end up being a president that made mistakes, was not perfect, but when it came time to transition in the middle of 2 wars and a broken economy that him and his staff were flawless and that helps us all.

mrh, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:28 PM)

Really sad. So much racism still. It seems a normal visit between the president and the president-elect, as is customary, is too much for some.

S Ohara, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:32 PM)

It was a proud moment for our country!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:34 PM)

I've been out. Did Barney tear into Obama like he did that stupid reporter? And more important, is the White House even good enough for Barack Obama? It DOES have columns.

Fair Game (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:37 PM)

It's sad to see sore losers.

John Smith, Jamestown, VA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:39 PM)

Day 6 of the Obama nightmare again showed a drop in the markets. It's slowing a bit. Only -1% on the Dow and -2% on the nas. Hoping for a positive day sometime soon.

Dow Jones (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:40 PM)

This is a great way for Bush to move forward, maintain some dignity, and maybe end up being a president that made mistakes, was not perfect, but when it came time to transition in the middle of 2 wars and a broken economy that him and his staff were flawless and that helps us all.
mrh, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:28 PM)

Oh PLEASE give it up!! Bush's legacy is cast in stone - the WORST president in our Country's history; a president who shredded the Constitution, boke both national and international laws and treaties and showed utter disdain for America!!

Give it up!! Bush has NO dignity and will never regain anything!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:41 PM)

The white house is'nt good enough for the ONE! He'll be needing somthing a little more ornate, to rule from, say a little gold plating. Something that looks like a temple !!!

Free American Tehachapi Ca. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:45 PM)

Ahhhh, sore losers... you can always tell who they are. The first to post and most witless posts on the board. Bless their little hearts...

Laurie (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:46 PM)

Dear Republican Naysayers --

Welcome to the world WE'VE been living in for the past 8 years! We're glad it's you this time and not us!

VERY HAPPY AND SATISFIED DEMS

Jo, Chicago (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:48 PM)

ignorance is still abound i see. it is a shame. even john mccain said now that we have a president it is time to rally our support of him in hope that he will perform in a manner that benefits all americans. it is sad to see that some americans would act as if they are from another country. sad but true.

ace (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:50 PM)

I see the hate for Bush, Palin, and anything Republican still continues. You'd think the rhetoric after the election would calm down a bit, but most of Obama's supporters seem to be as rabid as their hero Keith O. If anything was learned from the Democrats this time around it was to start the lies early, have the lies come often, and get your talking points to the idiots in the media so they could repeat your message of hate over and over.

What Goes Around (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:52 PM)

Dow Jones: '...Day 6 of the Obama nightmare again showed a drop in the markets...'

I've forgotten, now....
Who's the President that's led us to the economic melt down ?
And, who's President now?

Don't try to blame Obama for Bush's incompetence
Bush ran us into a ditch

... and in cas you din't notice.....
Bush lied us into the Iraq War and made torture a part of America's foreign policy

Any questions, Mr Dow ??

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:54 PM)

Ahhhh, sore losers... you can always tell who they are. The first to post and most witless posts on the board. Bless their little hearts...
Laurie (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:46 PM)

Sadly, they are still blind and deaf to what has gone on over the course of the last eight years; they wanted more of the same. On the bright side, there we SOOOOOOOOOOOO many more of us who didn't!! Well, I never wanted any of it!! Al Gore was my man; he always will be!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:55 PM)

This sounds like it was all done in good taste. Folks just need to let out their frustrations on the GOP loss. The Dems rule now.

I'm sure the Bushes were gracious and warm to both President Elect Obama and First Lady Michelle.

There is really nothing bad you can say about this - well unless you're a sore loser.

Pray for our new President and country.

Betty, Corona, Ca. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:56 PM)

Suz in KS (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:58 PM)

It's sad to see how "bitter" the right-wingers are in defeat. Thanks for your continued hostility. You see, that's what helped President-elect Obama win the election. While you were busy calling him names and sneering at his eloquence, Sen. Obama was out on the campaign trail proposing solutions to the nation's problems and talking about what he would do to ease the financial strains on the middle class.

Enjoy your hate, folks. But remember, we are all Americans and should be working together to build a brighter future for our kids. You can join us, or you can keep whining out in the political wilderness, where the voters will continue to ignore your negativity in favor of leaders who truly want to make things better for every citizen.

Philimus, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:59 PM)

Fair Game -- I've been out. Did Barney tear into Obama like he did that stupid reporter? And more important, is the White House even good enough for Barack Obama? It DOES have columns. ---

===========

At first it sounded like you were talking about Barney Frank. And yes, that reporter was walking funny afterwards after his encounter with Frank, but not because of a sore leg.

Pluck Harris, Kansas (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:00 PM)

Barack asked Bush - "So, what room do I use to have the people worship me?"

The One (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:02 PM)

I love all the constructive right-wing feedback since the election. It's either sour grapes "doomsayers" or rambling attacks ala the campaign.

Folks, we tried it your way for 8 years. You can protest all you want, but this situation happened on your guy's watch. The hands-off, "I don't want to know anything" regulatory approach of Republicans on business put blinders on this country until it was too late. Even many Democrats sadly acquiesced to Mr. Bush for 2 years; without a solid majority, I suppose it didn't surprise me.

Obama is not a "savior", but he seems to genuinely care about fixing problems. And it was him or a man who admitted knowing little about economics, so I think it was an obvious choice. If you had a stronger candidate, you should have nominated him, instead of going with John McCain and (gasp) Sarah Palin. Sorry.

Eight Is Enough (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:03 PM)

This wasn't the super bowl with one side winning and the other losing. We all won because we will have a very capable and intelligent person in the White House repairing the damage in a couple of months. We are all winners in the new USA.

Faith, Schererville, IN (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:05 PM)

Answer: The Scarecow, the Tin Man, and the Wicked Witch.

Question: Name the Secret Services code names for Obama, Reid, and Pelosi.

Karnack (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:05 PM)

It is so sad to see sore losers...wait a second...IT IS GREAT TO SEE SORE LOSERS...HAHAHAHA...In your face repub-morons.

Rohit Singh (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:05 PM)

Thank God that the cretins (who don't even understand economics one whit and post ridiculous statements about Obama affecting the stock market)are so obviously full of sour grapes and ignorance. When China is having to pump hundreds of billions into their economy to prop it up today, it is quite clear that it has NOTHING to do with Obama. Besides, who created this mess anyway? The GOP.

Margaret (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:13 PM)

My God, you guys are such sore losers, emphasis on loser. Obama rose from obscurity, got an education paid for by himself, not his daddy and daddys friends, earned more than a C- average. got a job on his own that he didn't screw up, got elected to the state legislature, didn't screw that up, got elected to the Senate, didn't screw that up, now has beaten you. Openly. Fairly. Honestly. Three things the repubs know very little about.

Sit down, take a deep breath and wait it out. For 8 long years. We did. And, though our nation barely survived, it has, at least so far, survived. There is no way Obama can do the depth and breadth of damage dumbya did, so just please, stop whining.

Paul S. Miller, Webster, NY (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:14 PM)

You know, if you can't be big enough to admit that the Republicans had us going in the totally wrong direction, that's okay. At least now we know for sure we'll be heading the opposite way. That is in the direction that will even save your sorry butts. Not that you would ever admit that either. Some folks just never admit when they're wrong. Most of us know the truth though! And, you're welcome.........lol!

GDJ in CA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:26 PM)

I am so tired of the lack of civility that this nation has stooped to. I want to see good manners and decorum returned to this nation. I have had it with rudeness.

I was taught if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything.

D. A. Reuter, Bremerton, WA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:49 PM)

Let's all get back to your favorite subject , Palan bashing!!

Free American Tehachapi Ca. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:56 PM)

Rumor has it that Cheney saw Obama come in the White House, while he was working on his bike seat. He jumped on his bike, with out the bike seat on, with barney running behind him on his way to Wyoming. Rumor also has it, that all the "third" grades that ran the Palin campaign, including, Rush, Hannity, and Focus on the Family, are not to far behind. It is also claimed that they stoled a third grade science book on the "Fairness" bill and how to cut-up a frog at "Cheny's" Ranch.
Rumor also has it that Sarah is going to give up some nice cloths she just bought, and is going to come back on a "Fox", in the hen house jet, wearing "sheep's clothing"....it is just a "rumor of course...................

Robert Colorado (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:57 PM)

Hmmm.... a cordial visit between the leaders of two American political parties. I guess they didn't get the memo. We're apparently not supposed to like each other, even though we are next-door neighbors. We're apparently supposed to be waging a civil war in the neighborhoods.

And I love it, that one guy who is somehow trying to pin the financial situation on a President-elect who has not even appointed his Secretary of Treasury. What sort of delusional world does that guy live in? One of his own making, for sure.

Sensible (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:03 PM)

I support the new president, I,m just sick of hearing from all of his stupid cronies!!!

Free American Tehachapi Ca. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:03 PM)

Hey, sore losers: the AMERICAN process has spoken, and you lost by a significant margin. Maybe you should consider re-thinking your world view. Be patriotic and support your president-elect.

To the rest of us: just imagine what it's going to be like to have an open, forthright administration, and a president that actually holds press conferences more than once a year!

K, Denver, CO (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:28 PM)

Dear Dow Jones,

Bush is still the President and the stock market is still going down under his watch!

Not to say when Obama takes office on Jan 20th, it will stop dropping; after all, you can't reverse eight years in 80 days!

realone, Wash DC (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:42 PM)

Amen Philimus in Cleveland.

Faith Restored (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:58 PM)

You people better take a page from conservative Republican, John Wayne. A supporter of then Vice President Richard Nixon's bid for the White House, he famously expressed his vision of patriotism when John F. Kennedy won the election: "I didn't vote for him but he's my president, and I hope he does a good job."

If you don't hope that the president (whoever he is) does a good job in the office, you can't call yourself a patriot! So get over yourselves and support the person who was elected! Otherwise, take off your flag pins-you're no patriot!
Suz in KS (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:58 PM)

But you see Suz, that is exactly how they work. If Obama would do poorly, they'll be back saying "I told you so". These type of people have nothing positive to say about anyone because they have such low self-esteem.
And when Obama does well, they'll still complain. They'll say it "doesn't help them" or "McCain would have done that if he'd have won".
I thought the quote was great. It's much easier to make excuses after losing than it is to graciously accept defeat. That's been missing for a long time, not only in politics, but in other venues such as sports.

Dan St. Louis, MO (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:21 PM)

You can join us, or you can keep whining out in the political wilderness, where the voters will continue to ignore your negativity in favor of leaders who truly want to make things better for every citizen.
================================================

Join you? Heck you had control of both houses for the past 2 years, yet nothing got done. Dems, you really don't think that the Obama Machine is going to let you all take turns working for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae for a few months and leave with 20 million, do you? I perdict this as another Clinton presidency. No matter who you talked to 3 years after he was elected, you could not find anyone who voted for him.

Ryan, Bossier City (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:27 PM)

What a sad world some of you must live in. Nothing but hate.

I personally think it's great seeing how they seem to be really working together in this transition. Although I don't think President Bush did a great job, I still respect the man.

Stacy, Iowa (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:46 PM)

Day 6 of the Obama nightmare again showed a drop in the markets. It's slowing a bit. Only -1% on the Dow and -2% on the nas. Hoping for a positive day sometime soon.
Dow Jones (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:40 PM)
*****************************************************The white house is'nt good enough for the ONE! He'll be needing somthing a little more ornate, to rule from, say a little gold plating. Something that looks like a temple !!!
Free American Tehachapi Ca. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:45 PM)
*****************************************************I see the hate for Bush, Palin, and anything Republican still continues. You'd think the rhetoric after the election would calm down a bit, but most of Obama's supporters seem to be as rabid as their hero Keith O. If anything was learned from the Democrats this time around it was to start the lies early, have the lies come often, and get your talking points to the idiots in the media so they could repeat your message of hate over and over.
What Goes Around (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 5:52 PM)
*****************************************************
All this...... and the clowns still hold out that the Dems are the haters.
And what the hell does Obama have to do with the Dow???
Unbelievable. I listened to the rhetoric about Palins "ignorance" but it seems more widespread than just her.

Tired Dem. OKC (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:49 PM)

Many of these comments from Obama supporters are so hypocritical. How has the left been acting the last 8 years? "Not my president" "Idiot Bush"... How can you honestly criticize the Right and act so 'holier than thou' when you have been spewing such hatred and lies for years? Where is the bipartisanship? Where is the mutual respect? Many of these comments do not justify a response in reality. You are not proving to me that you are a 'better' person with your own comments.

Terri, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 10:16 PM)

I love our democracy and our country. I am so proud of what we are all about...the principles and hope that we represent as a great democracy. Pres Bush is my President, despite my disagreements, he is my President. And soon we have Pres Obama, who I voted for and have such huge hope and respect. Let's move beyond the bitter politics, and respect each other for our mutual love of our great country.

Leigh, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:27 AM)

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

RN, NY/NY (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:09 AM)

"I see the hate for Bush, Palin, and anything Republican still continues."

Look, I want to reunite our nation and come together as much as the next guy. But keep it real... it was the Gingrich republican's hatred for the Clintons that first began this division, and it was the Rovian politics of the 2000 and 2004 elections and the past 8 nightmarish years that has solidified and calcified that division.

Rove framed the issues in these terms:

You either support the war in Iraq, or you hate America.

You either support the so called christian right, or you have no morals or values.

So long as people continue to define patriotism, morals, and values in those narrow terms, we are going to be divided, and divisive. As long as people try to disenfranchise their gay brothers and sisters from their civil liberties, and try to impose their religion on others by trying to overturn Roe v. Wade, we are going to clash.

I'm not laying down now, just because the election is over. I'm not interested in holding hands and singing Kumbaya with a bunch of fascist religious zealots. This fight isn't over.... it's just beginnning....

Stay tuned.....

Jim, New Britain CT (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 7:58 AM)

It is neither a time to gloat nor a time to complain.
Comments about Barney or Palin are inappropriate at this time. Let's focus on the issues, not our peeves

We really need to pull ourselves together, folks. The only good news seems to be sinking gas prices, all else on the economy side is not very bright

The country needs new answers to the problems that were created on Bush's watch. Bush has been in a reactive mode ever since 911. We need proaction from the Obama administration.

Everyone needs to put away to old tied politics, that have failed so miserably in the last few years. Barack has an electoral mandate, GOPers. Get over it!

Bush wants to make this transition smooth. Considering his failed presidency, that is the least he can do to help the country.

We are still over 2 months from the 1/20/09 and there are many issues that we need to deal with short and long term. If you want to let you voice be heard, do to "http://change.gov" and express yourself!

Yes We Will!

Ed, FW, TX (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:33 AM)

Everyone, please take a moment to reflect on how every other nation is viewing the United States. Now go look in the mirrow, pause for a moment, thank God that we have a person of Pres. Elect. Obama character to change the whole worlds thinking about America. That by itself should make you proud once again. JUST THINK ABOUT IT!

Ted Taylor, Ackerman, Ms (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:39 AM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1667525