Obama, McCain to meet on Monday

Posted: Friday, November 14, 2008 10:47 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
Earlier this morning, Obama's transition office announced that the president-elect will meet with McCain in Chicago on Monday, and they will be joined by incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of McCain's closest friends and allies.

In fact, per an Obama transition official, Emanuel and Graham were instrumental in putting this Obama-McCain meeting together. Remember that Emanuel and Graham served as the negotiators for the presidential debates, and when other Republicans were criticizing Obama's selection of Emanuel as chief of staff, Graham praised it.

"This is a wise choice by President-elect Obama," Graham said in a statement. "Rahm knows Capitol Hill and has great political skills. He can be a tough partisan but also understands the need to work together. He is well-suited for the position of White House chief of staff. I worked closely with him during the presidential debate negotiations which were completed in record time. When we hit a rough spot, he always looked for a path forward. I consider Rahm to be a friend and colleague. He's tough but fair. Honest, direct, and candid. These qualities will serve President-elect Obama well."

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Comments

When I read this on MSNBC.com earlier I had this immediate image in my head of a Woodshed.

Why else would Lindsey the puppet master be 'invited'. I believe they are going to be 'schooled' Obama style - which immediately invokes the image of the SNL skit with Biden saying, "you just got schooled - Biden style". Funny goings on, how can you resist?

PS. I think Bill Mahrer season ender is tonight. Should be funny, too.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 10:53 AM)

I think that Obama should give McCain a job....

Eloise, Clearwater, FL (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:00 AM)

See how gracious and gentlemanly PE-Obama is. He will be outstanding and yet the media still underestimates this man. Though, I didn't like the way McCain ran his campaign, I hope they can work together for the good of the country.

Mia in Miami (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:01 AM)

I've said in a number of posts (and my own blog) that Obama would do well to offer McCain a position in his cabinet. He does have Foreign Policy and National Security experience, and if he's willing to burry the hatchet with Leiberman and Clinton, he should certainly do no less with McCain. It would be the perfect gesture of "reaching across the aisle". Besides, it's not like McCain could possibly have any presidential ambitions in 2012 (since he'll be 78), and he'd make the perfect political "shield" against Pailin (she can't take digs at Obama now since her "boss" would be working for him). (Bonus point: short term it also would take him out of the campaign for Chambliss in GA)

67 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:02 AM)

McCain should be offered Director of Homeland Security. Good for the nation, good for the administration in a number of ways, including politically.

Team of Rivals (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:02 AM)

It doesnt say what the meeting is about, are they going to kiss and make up. I have to say President elect Obama is a much nicer person than I would be.
I guess thats whey he is where he is and I am where I am. Lindsey Graham is my Senator, I e-mailed him just this morning about oversight on the bailout bill. I also e-mailed him a couple of years ago and told him I would vote for a crack head on the corner before I would vote for him. He also went along with the Bush
administration on everything, even Bush'es signing statement on the torture bill. I have every hope to see his back one day.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:03 AM)

Obama loves Lincoln history - keep your enemies close!

SAM, USA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:05 AM)

I don't remember anything like this ever happening before -- not a private, personal meeting less than two weeks after a tough election. I think it speaks well for both men, especially Obama. He didn't do or say things that would make it impossible for McCain to meet him, but in the other direction ... McCain (and esp Palin) painted Obama as deeply flawed (sex ed for kindergartners?) and almost a traitor. --- More than anything else, this convinces me that Obama is deadly serious about taking a bi-partisan approach and working WITH anyone to achieve solutions for some of our problems. --- It's sort of like Hillary Clinton going to the floor of the convention and moving that Obama be nominated by voice vote. It's something above the norm that would be expected by no one, for which there is no precedent. That action, more than any speech, said more about Hillary's support for Obama/Biden ticket, and this says something more than any speech could about Obama's intention to keep the drama and distraction to a minimum and to work with anyone who can help him solve the very real problems.

Elizabetj (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:08 AM)

A smooth move by Obama to talk with McCain and Graham to show his committment to bipartisanship. I can't remember if the Clueless Cowboy ever met with Gore or Kerry after winning but I seriously doubt it because he's just not that smart and far too pettily partisan.

I have no problems with Hillary being Secretary of State. What happened in the primaries needs to stay in the primaries and there should be no family squabbling now that we're the majority in power. Let the repugnant ones whine and wail and just sit back and enjoy their freakshow!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:10 AM)

They all know what we are facing.

Mccain and Clinton know what we are facing...

and they live on this planet too.

this team ...Obama's cabinet/team ...is either going to save us ...or not.

To be a member of this team would be a lifetime achievement for anybody if they save us from this road we are on...

and if they don't none of this is going to matter anyway.

dl, Exeter NH (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:10 AM)

I recall in one of Obama's speeches last summer he mentioned that John McCain would be a great choice for Homeland Security. I hope he offers him that position. Obama is about matching people to their strengths.

As far as Hillary is concerned, I think she would make a great Secretary of State, and what a great message that would send to America and the rest of the world, that after all the dust settles, rivals can come together to govern together in unity.

Gail, TN (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:14 AM)

Well, it depends.....

Is this a 'Ship of State' or a sit-com ?

If it's a sit-com, Hillary would be perfect

Every week we'd have her trying to undermine Obama
Include Howard Wolfson and Mark Penn

A continuing gag could be Bill popping in with a new honey
They'd all have 'big hair'

I still think Bill would make a great ambassador to the Play

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:16 AM)

I believe that this is the start of going through the budget with a scapel. Who better to be part of a bipartisan team to make government work better and smarter. My hope is that both Democrats and Republicans can put their differences aside and address the growing economic crisis.

United we Stand, Divided we fall (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:18 AM)

It'll be interesting to see if McCain responds; we'll see just how much he truly believes "Country First". If it's anything like chosing Sarah Palin as his VP, then I think we all know where he stands. I believe the "real" John McCain is the one we just saw throughout this campaign.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:20 AM)

How about Senator McCain as the junkyard dog overseeing where all this darn bailout money is going? I know Pres. Bush just appointed a special prosecutor as the watch dog, but Jan 20 that all changes. I know I wouldn't want to answer to John McCain if I misused the money (which we ALL know is going to happen)

Craig, Sterling, VA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:21 AM)

I think their meeting will be cordial, at the end of the day they both want what is best for the American people.
The election is over and we need to move on, this country needs harmony and good working relationships from both sides to get it back on track.
President elect Obama and Sen John McCain may have been adversaries a couple of weeks ago, but they are both American's first and the country does come first now.

carol panama city fl (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:21 AM)

You are either a patriot or you are not. John McCain ought to be willing to serve his country one more time. The far rightists don't love America- they love themselves. With the crises facing America- it is the time for patriots- democratic or republican- to step up and help President-elect Obama save this nation.

Sam Cleveland Ohio (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:24 AM)

Well, if this isn't President-elect Obama being true to his pledge extending the olive branch of bi-partisanship then I don't know what is! Obama is setting the stage to govern within a team of rivals as that is the only true pathway to positive change. Hopefully, Obama will lead with a firm hand and it is evident that McCain and his cronies know that their actions during the campaign and previously did not put our country first-promoted tremendous debt, catered to the well-healed few, not the average citizens and sought to divide many Americans. Patriotic Americans look forward to Obama's leadership choices based on intelligence, toughness, eradicate, skill and compassion for all who need help and want to help themselves.

Perhaps General Colin Powell wil be Secretary of Education and and Bill Richarson as Secretary of State. These people have the aforementioned qualities to move us forward.

Sheila from Texas (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:25 AM)

As long as the "freak show sarah" is not invited I'm good with that. John what were you thinking? Now is the time for BHO to reach out and cross the party lines but remember also you can not trust any of them as far as you can throw them. So John come on in sit down shut up and learn something for once!

Yeah right,Las vegas,NV (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:27 AM)

This meeting is not about a job for McCain...but it is to seek McCain's help...in case he needs the 60th Senator to avoid a filibuster, a republican who can work his side of the isle.

Simply a smart move.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:27 AM)

Offer McCain nothing...run his campaign advisors out of washington.

McCains campaign will go down in history as the dirtiest, most maliciously run campaigns in history. He needs to be made an example of so we never have that sort of monkey business in elections again. The people spoke by electing barack.

GP NW Indiana (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:31 AM)

It seems to me that politics has changed in the most positive of ways. Whether it's Obama's guidance or the dire state of the Union, it's got to be the best thing to happen to save our country.

I'm really proud that Obama is taking the high road and does seem willing to bring everyone into the fold that is willing to work with him and others. It bodes well for the USA!

McCain and Hillary are both good people. Things got ugly and it's impressive that Obama can put that behind him to look ahead. I think they could both bring experience and knowledge to the Cabinet.

JustThinkin (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:32 AM)

Anyone heard of Abe Lincoln, seems like Obama is following a plan laid out by another Illinois Prez.Remember a time when a republican was called Honest?

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:35 AM)

he'd make the perfect political "shield" against Pailin (she can't take digs at Obama now since her "boss" would be working for him). (Bonus point: short term it also would take him out of the campaign for Chambliss in GA)

http://jawillie.blog.com
===================================
jawillie, start counting the days till Sarah of the Yukon turns on John McCain for her own political gain. Don't think so? Two words... Joe Lieberman.

Blue in Texas, Portland, Texas (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:36 AM)

Despite how his campaign was run , I actually like McCain.He is very funny. I think he should change his line of work though. He would make a killing as a comedian.

Nette, Fort Worth, Tex (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:44 AM)

I'd like to see Obama give McCain the position of "Defense Spending Reduction Csar". Defense spending constitutes about 25% of government spending...the biggest bucket...with the biggest opportunities.

McCain would report directly to Secretary of Defense...and be charged with INTELLIGENTLY reducing our defense spending, while improving our capabilities. If anyone could get it done, it's McCain.

Start with no-bid contracts and cost-plus pricing. Eliminate contracting out our military. Eliminate programs that the military doesn't want or need, and replace them with better programs that increase human intelligence and foreign service.

What better way for Obama to bring us back to fiscal responsibility. What better way for McCain to put Country First.

Matt, philly, pa (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:48 AM)

I'm sure the meeting with John McCain will be cordial even though they have differences in policy.....at the end of the day they both want what is best for this country and will come together on that basis.
The election is over and we must all get over it and move on, whether or not you voted for President elect Obama, he will be our new President and I for one can't wait to see that happen.

carol panama city florida (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:48 AM)

Let me say this: Obama's my guy.

BUT, I have to say that this is all becoming a BIT too West Wing-esque for me. It's like when Matt Santos (elected as the first Hispanic president) invites Senator Vinick over to talk foreign policy and ends up offering Vinick the SecState position. It's all a little weird:-)

That said, it shows that Obama is serious about being bipartisan and harnessing all available resources to improve our country - without regard to party or petty inconsequential nonsense. It's time to get to work and Obama is showing us EXACTLY why he was the right person at the right time for the job.

Adrienne, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:48 AM)

Barack Obama is bringing Integrity back to the Oval Office. After 12 year's(last 4 of clinton- 8 of bush) Our House need's a good Exterminator.

Rick,Ky (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:52 AM)

For McCain bashers, please try to remember McCain has a long, long history of working well across the aisle-unlike Obama-so this should come as a surprise to no one. I wonder why Obama would do this, though, since he has been so busy bashing him as out of touch and clueless the past six months. Why would you want someone like that around?

Jessica (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:57 AM)

McCain has conflicts with himself and everyone around him. The make believe maverick is uncontrollable and therefore untrustworthy in any position except the one he's been elected to do.

bill, okla (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 11:58 AM)

jawilly: "He does have Foreign Policy and National Security experience... It would be the perfect gesture of 'reaching across the aisle'."

I disagree. Sure, it would be a nice gesture and I hope the administration is inclusive of Republicans. But Obama needs people who are steady and professional. Sorry, but McCain isn't at that level.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:01 PM)

I can't stand that disgusting little toady Graham. He's as annoying as Palin - their voices are like fingernails scratching across a chalkboard.

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:03 PM)

The main thing to remember is that McCain apparently doesn't go anywhere without the wing man. What does that tell you about his ability to function without a keeper? I think PEO needs SMART people in his administration.

Opa, Marysville WA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:03 PM)

If I had to guess, I would say both the PE and Rahm Emanuel have read Sun Tsu. I'm sure Lincoln didn't, but he had the same instincts.

Shawn in St Louis (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:04 PM)

McCain, cool. Lindsey slum of the earth.

D. (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:14 PM)

Obama is going to need ALL the big players on the same page. Not only to break the fillibuster but stop the GOP from self destructing. He definitely has full court vision. Instead of castigating your enemies and rivals...draw them in and get them on your agenda. Either his administration leads this country out of the ditch or the onset of the next depression will hit. I will say this, I trust Obama, and so far..I believe he is doing a far superior job than McCain or Hillary would have.

chrisJ (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:23 PM)

FIRST ROLE FOR MCCAIN

One of McCain's big pitches in the campaign was to trim fat from the Defense budget. Have him head up some commission to look into waste there. He says there's billions to be cut--I'm sure he's right--but if Obama went after it he'd be seen as a weeny. But if McCain does it, it's bipartisan, using his expertise--and saves us billions.
Win Win. Both like the bipartisan label--and we need to save a few billion...

Steve Mac (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:28 PM)

Nice flavor to these posts folks. Good to see some thought put into the board! :)

No Drama Obama is certainly full of surprises. McCain could fit in several slots as could Hillary.

All through the campaign media and many others continued to misjudge and underestimate the PE. Barack is more than book smart. We are in a difficult period but those who come onboard the Obama admin and help us pull ship of state off the rocks, will certainly help the country and themselves.

Seems like a Win-Win scenario to me. Let's see what happens next!

The other good news about this is it gets Caribou Barbie off the front pages. Nice to get a break from her mindless drivel!

Obama for America!

Ed, FW, TX (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:31 PM)

Good idea, Team of Rivals, McCain for Director of Homeland Security! I think he'd be great at that, and he's one of the few Repubs

And I'd love to see Hillary in Obama's cabinet (I supported her during the primaries), and would LOVE to see her as Secretary of State. Of course, it depends on whether Obama offers it and whether she wants to leave the senate.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:36 PM)

Someone has been in my head. I have stated to all my colleagues McCain should be offered Director of Homeland Security. Great minds think alike.

JK (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:39 PM)

If Obama offers McCain a place in his cabinet, then that means McCain has to vacate his senate seat. With a democratic gov in AZ that means we could have another dem appointed to the senate. Hello number 60!

Kelly, VA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 12:46 PM)

In case you all have forgotten, Senator McCain has a job - he is a US Senator. I voted for McCain for president. I really don't know how Obama would want "just another Bush" - his words NOT mine - in his administration. McCain fundamentally disagrees with Obama on many levels. Another thing, "Country First" does not mean agreeing with that which is detrimental to the country.

SC in VA (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 1:09 PM)

What Obama is essentially saying with this move is 'hey, ignore all of that stuff I've been saying about McCain being just another George Bush.' He knew all along just how ridiculous that claim was; too bad people bought it and now we have Obama our President. God help us.

Renee, Detroit (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 1:31 PM)

I hope "Insane McCain" does more listening than talking at the meeting with Obama. Please McCain do NOT invite "Puppet Palin" to the meeting. She has again proven that she is incompetent, and should NOT be given the time of day. "Insane McCain" has a lot of explaining to do, and many more political bridges to fix. Going down to Georgia to support "Shameful Chambliss" was NOT a good start. For God sake McCain! Try to get on the correct political policy path for the future of our nation.

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 4:32 PM)

Hell, since only McCain knows how to kill Bin Laden, he oughta be Secretary of Defense!!

Mike in Pocatello (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 5:14 PM)

How about giving McCain the job of closing Gitmo?

It's a very tough job and McCain may be honored to take it on.

JL (Sent Friday, November 14, 2008 5:15 PM)

I would expect that if McCain is offered a job in the Obama administration, there would have to be some arrangement in which Janet Napolitano agrees to appoint a replacement Senator who would caucus with the Republicans.

Perhaps McCain would be offered the opportunity to name his replacement.

Otherwise there would be too much cynicism that Obama offered McCain a job as a way of manipulating the Senate.

Copithorne, Berkeley, CA (Sent Sunday, November 16, 2008 7:15 PM)

He shouldn't offer McCain Director of Homeland Security - Offer him Joe Leiberman's Homeland Security Committee chairmanship in exchange for for him changing parties. After all, the republican base doesn't really like John McCain. It would be serving sweet justice to the opportunistic, self serving - me first, Joe Lieberman.

Ken Mesle (Sent Sunday, November 16, 2008 9:18 PM)

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