Blair House snub to Obamas? Not really

Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008 4:33 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: White House, John Yang

From NBC's John Yang
Moving from one city to another with school-aged children can be complicated. And when you're about to be President of the United States, it's really complicated.

President-elect and Michelle Obama raised the possibility of moving into Blair House, the presidential guest house across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, in time for their daughters, Sasha and Malia, to start school on time when classes resume at Sidwell Friends on Jan. 5.

Schedulers checked and found that there were events and guests that could not be displaced in Blair House before Jan. 15--the date presidents-elect are traditionally invited to move in and which has been on the Blair House schedule for sometime now, according to White House officials.

A snub from the current President to the President-elect?

Not really, according to Obama transition officials.

"The Bushes have been extremely accommodating to the Obama family's needs and the entire process has been smooth and friendly," one told NBC News, speaking anonymously because the discussions about the family's transition are considered private. Said another: "It's just the way things happen. We understand -- it's no big deal."

So what are the Obama's plans? They're being worked out, the officials said. They won't comment on the timetable for the move from Chicago to Washington in order to preserve Sasha and Malia's privacy.

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Comments

We pay for the house with our tax dollars. I don't want to pay for receptions that Bush's pals are hosting before they escape from DC.

LB, Virginia (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 4:42 PM)

"The Bushes have been extremely accommodating to the Obama family's needs and the entire process has been smooth and friendly," one told NBC News, speaking anonymously because the discussions about the family's transition are considered private. Said another: "It's just the way things happen. We understand -- it's no big deal."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Once again the Obamas' are gracious.
You just can't beat them.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 4:45 PM)

First Read is the only new source I trust. I appreciate the reasonable tone of all your posts. Other sites I have been to today have been fanning the partisan flames over this story, the bail out and Blogo. I think starting Monday I will make MSNBC and New York Times my only sources for news. I defintely need to pare down my media diet. I've been riled up all day!

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 4:45 PM)

I'm sure Eric in Salinas will have something nasty to say about this, but I'm sure the Obamas can come up with something on their own. Maybe they can stay with Chris Matthews; something tells me he'd be very accommodating.

Jen (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 4:53 PM)

And this is a surprise how? I assume you have to book Blair House six months in advance at the very least and NOBODY had a clue that Blair House might be needed earlier.

Yeah, right!

Darla, Missoula, MT (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 4:57 PM)

O Come on, just let the people who were scheduled for Blair House to be bumped up to the White House. Or is the reason Bush has seemed out lunch, because they are busy entertaining. What could be more important or take precedence over these kids getting to start school on time. What, they'll have to stay in a hotel for 2 weeks. That isn't reallt going to help their privacy or the Secret Service out.

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:12 PM)

Talk about trying to find a story where there is none...

Jill F., Tulsa, OK (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:14 PM)

unbelievable--small small to the end

papi sarasota ,fl (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:16 PM)

I'm sure, somewhere in D.C. someone has a home they would be willing to let the PE Obama and his family stay in until they can move into the White House on the 20th. Something that can't happen soon enough.

note: The southern white boys who are unwilling to help the auto workers in the north will pay the price for their spiteful, self-serving actions.

note: I will no longer be watching MTP with David Gregory and why am I not surprised that Fiorini is one of the first guests. "A leading CEO" give me a break.

stephanie, ft. pierce,fl. (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:22 PM)

Yeah, Bush hates Obama. He's trying to screw him over. Bush wants Obama's kids to be dumb.

Get a Grip (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:25 PM)

Trash like Obama can stay at the Motel 6. Continental breakfest is included. Save your receipts too Barack. You can voucher most of that stuff.

Guido Nance, Boston (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:29 PM)

Who cares? All the important issues, and you waist time on this?? Yup... change is a'com'n...

Sadden American (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:29 PM)

For security reasons, it would be nice if the White House tried to accommodate the Obama request. It certainly seems like it could be do-able. After all, the Obamas can't just stay in a hotel nor can they stay at a private residence, since that could be perceived as a favor to the new president. I'd feel bad if the Obama family ended up moving three times before finally settling in to the White House.

Lola, Austin, TX (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:33 PM)

There's a nice Best Western about a mile from the WH. It's no smoking though, so Obama will need to go out to the street to light up.

Handy Andy (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:39 PM)

Yes. The Republicans should snub the Democratic President. The final slap needs to be issued to leave a nasty taste in the mouths of the Democrats. Revenge is a dish best served cold. It will be sweeter when they remember actions of the losers.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:51 PM)

Bump them!!! He's the President elect for goodness sake!!!

Mrs. Jones, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:51 PM)

Obama is a Senator, doesn't he already have a home where he and his family can stay until he moves to WHITE HOUSE?

Veracity, NC (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:57 PM)

The American media is such a disgrace. They go looking for sh-- that does not exist. Is this a story? I think they have more interest in stirring up controversies than actually reporting news that the public cares about. Where were they before the start of the war that cause the lives of thousands of americans? I am sick of the celebrity/pop-culture driven news cycle that seeks to create and sensationalize the trivial to make a quick dollar. they are going to milk the unfortunate situation in IL to their advantage. Jounalism? Please, give me a bleeping break!!!!

Mannie, houston, TX (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:01 PM)

This headline is so misleading. You guys are getting so tabloid in your writing.

I wish there was somewhere else to put this but I didn't see anywhere. David Gregory as the host of MTP is just WRONG. I won't be watching any longer. I have sent emails to this effect but get no response from anyone. I know I am not the only one who feels this way, but I guess NBC nor MSNBC really cares what the viewer or fans really think.

Norah O'Donnell is also getting to be very opinionated and rude. She constantly interrupts people and when she speaks about President Bush or PE Obama she is disrepectful and refuses to use their titles. I am sorry but I think they should be addressed with their title not just their last names in a rude way. They are the leader and future leader of our country and should be shown some respect.

I am sure I will get some backlash from some of the people here. But that is my opinion.

Annette, Odessa, MO (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:04 PM)

The Obamas were right to ask. Why move the kids more times than is necessary? Unfortunately, the house is not available due to prescheduled conflicts. Hopefully, they'll find something else soon that can temporarily accomodate them. Moving is not easy, especially with children, so it was wise to ask if it could be simplified. Too bad it isn't possible, but understandable, given all the circumstances.

Rob (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:06 PM)

why are not more reorters telling public the FULL facts about the small group of southern senators who killed the auto bailout bill... that these senators have self interest over national workers interest...they all have large foreign auto plants in their states and receive much compensation from these auto makers {Honda, toyota, BMW}? They are making it look like they are protecting the US economy and not presenting the full facts for their actions.

Ann Meredith, Berkeley,CA (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:17 PM)

If it was an intentional snub by Bush then I'm loving it. Maybe the legal aid society can find a place for Michelle and the president-elect through Obama's "transitional" team. This guy thinks he's already president.

Mollyanna (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:18 PM)

what about the VP's place - isn't that closer to Sidwell Friends anyway! (or does VP Cheney still use the place... I thought most of the time he was an undisclosed location LOL... ;)

Farce master (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:39 PM)

Everyone in this country should be focused on our current problems especially the president and president elect. Obama should get in there as soon as possible for security reasons and to get his family settled so he can work on the nations problems. He should absolutely not be burdened with an extra move. Whoever is scheduled in the Blair house tell the president you don't need it. Who could possibly need it more than our president elect and his children who are starting school. Lets give the new first family as much stability and support as we can. Really ridiculous that this was even denied him and it absolutely should make the news. How petty and ridiculous that our president elect should even have to spend one moment on this housing issue. Lets let him deal with america's housing issues. I am embarassed of the Bushes for their complete lack of accomodation. Apologies and at minimum the Blair house should be extended immediately to the Obamas.

Norma, Honolulu, HI (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:46 PM)

No, it's not a snub, and even the Obama team have said as much. What I find telling is how mature the liberal lefties are acting since the election, and conservatives are all being juvenile. Reading the comments left for this story is all the proof anyone needs... it's like this all over the web. I truly hope the current Republican party dies out and 'true' conservatism comes back. William F. Buckley is rolling in his grave.

fido5150 (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:49 PM)

Mollyanna,
U should shut your pie-hole. He is the president elect. What's wrong with him requesting to stay in the Blair house? You might want to put blinders on your bleeping face cus you will be seeing Obama for the next 4yrs, maybe eight. I don't see any of you criticizing Bush who has trashed this country perhaps irrepably. Your blind hate is sickening. Go back to the hole where you crawl out of

Mannie (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:50 PM)

I agree with Annette re: Norah O'Donnell. What's with her? She getting almost as bad as Matthew's with her interrupting, and her biases are showing big time. When you have a guest on, let them state their opinion, for Heaven's sake! That's why I'm tuning in. Not to hear the moderator talk over them and insert their own opinions. Enough, already, with all of them.
Whatever happened to just reporting the news!

Carol Miller, Sarasota, FL (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 6:54 PM)

Will you people get a life? The new president wanted to get himself and his family settled into a Secret Service approved site in time to get the kids in place to start a new term. The Bush group already had it booked. I'm sure it was some big deal that couldn't be moved for THE INCOMING PRESIDENT OF THESE UNITED STATES or maybe it wasn't but now that it has been turned down would you want to be the one that was considered more important than the INCOMMING POTUS? Come on press corps do some digging, this could be really good. I really get a hoot out of people like Limburger on his radio rant. How can some one that espouses to have even a modicum of intelligence look at this temporary housing situation and see sinister elements on the part of the INCOMMING POTUS? Rush really needs to let up on the meds again.

New England Jim (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:04 PM)

They can not be moved until the 15th? If there is a terror attack on the Blair House god forbid i wonder how long it will take to those snake oil sheik despots to run away.

Just unbelievable.

serge,slc,utah (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:12 PM)

Thank goodness Obama is acting like the current President - that way we have someone that acts like president. Besides the last few oil men are using Blair House in early January, or it may be Pharmaceutical men, or Insurance men or Ranching men, you know good ol boys.

John Kares, Portland OR (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:15 PM)

"This headline is so misleading. You guys are getting so tabloid in your writing."
---Annette, Odessa, MO

Annette, I feel your pain. Misleading story titles is one of my biggest gripes about MSNBC (which I otherwise love). Nothing irritates me more than clicking on a story title only to find after reading the story that the title was misleading. I always give those stories a 0.5 rating because they won't accept a 0 rating.

nuanced (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:21 PM)

Mollyanna - Barrack is taking charge because your lame duck President is useless!

Who exactly are those that are scheduled to stay at the Blair house? Are they more important than the President Elect???? Unbelievable.

Joyce, NY (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:23 PM)

Lubbock folks who would know say that Laura Bush has been living in Blair House herself because George was back on Jim Beam whiskey. Tell Barak's girls that there is a drunk in the oval office and that's why their education must wait a few weeks. When he sobers up he'll realize that the country wouldn't have gone broke and Americans would still be loved if he hadn't been elected.

McKlean&Soberly, Houston Texas (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:30 PM)

Well Mollyanna, since your current president seems like he could care less about the economy going to hell in a handbasket, and elected Repubs, for the matter, also don't care what Bush has to say, someone needs to be the grownup and take charge.

Melissa (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:34 PM)

i agree david gregory just doesnt fit.. there are others ..i guess he fits the description of who dominates sunday morning talk shows...

why not norah? andrea? lester holt? for goodness sake!!!! I wont be watching anymore

tee-philadelphia (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 7:38 PM)

Mollyanna

You're a poor loser. Since Pres Bush has apparently all but left the building -- someone has to be in charge - - even if it's just to soothe and comfort those in distress.

I hate to say that you sound like a typical hater -- but you sound like a typical hater. Get over it and grow up!!!!

Liz, NY (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 8:04 PM)

But, according to ABC, the Blair House staff says there aren't any conflicts:

"The Blair House says that they are ready for the Obamas whenever -- if ever -- they choose to come, yet they have no idea when that will be. They also confirm that there are no other foreign dignitaries scheduled to stay at the Blair House for the duration of the Bush administration.

The president often hosts receptions on the first floor of the Blair House, however -- which may be why the White House was not comfortable with allowing the Obamas to move in when there were scheduled events.

But the Blair House describes the president-elect's residential quarters within the house as a separate area -- purposely designed to provide privacy from the rest of the house. Still, the White House insists that, regardless of the set-up, the dates are non-negotiable, as is tradition."

Seattle Mike (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 8:17 PM)

The venom from some people is unbelivable. The Obamas just asked for a reasonable accomodation. I am pretty sure the Secret Service would also appreciate the use of Blair House for security reasons.

Personally I would like to know who is using the facility. Unless it is a foreign dignitary, almost anyone else should moved to a hotel.

Peter F. Brennan, Sarasota, FL (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 8:21 PM)

Wonder why the family can't just live in the apt/townhouse in which the Obama's have been living while he has been a Senator?
Would think it would do for 20 days?
Don't rem this being such a big deal with other Pres elects in the past.........

mary CA (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 8:51 PM)

well i fully agree with you. Gregory is very one sided and tries to play neutral but you see the "right" he has inside to blind him to the facts. I also think that Norah is right along side them. I think that they are just compensating for the great and knowledgeable Dems like olbermann and matthews. I wont watch MTP either. They should have given it to Andrea Mitchell. She is a great political mind.

ashley, Orlando, Florida (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 9:00 PM)

Hopefully this will be the last shameful act which will be conducted by our current President. Prior to his walk of shame from Washington, D.C.

Willie, Houston, Texas (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 9:33 PM)

Obama lived in a house in DC with other Senators. He had just a room in that house. So he doesnt have a house in DC already.

lilkunta, el mundo (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 10:09 PM)

There is more to this story. The Blair House has 119 rooms...14 bedrooms...it's bigger then the White house.70,000 sq. ft. Word from White House was ...it was "booked" and...they would not release the guest list. Hello?
http://www.blairhouse.org/h_house.html

genia philly (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 10:25 PM)

With all due respect to David Gregory, he is a wrong choice to host MTP. He seem someone who is not going to go at lengths to seek the truth. On another note he is perfect keeping in mind American media's role in pushing the agenda of corrupt American regimes and spinning the truth. Thanks to American print and electronic media, American nation is one of the most ignorant and brain washed nation. Please note that this is the view that most nations around the world share and it is not in any way personal.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 10:58 PM)

This is ridiculous.The current President of the US (unfortunately) could certainly find rooms for his guest in the DC area. Maybe in the White House! What could that idiot have going down that is so important as to not show some respect to the new President of the US (fortunately).As seems to be his M O, he has the morals and culture of a dog.

James Adams, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 11:48 PM)

#1: let's give David a chance on MTP
He is in a difficult position.
#2: I think I am or was Tim's bigest fan
But I know he can't be replaced, so let's try to give
David the benefit of the doubt
I know Tim ( who the best) would!!!

Lorie, Somerset , MA (Sent Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:13 AM)

Yeah Bush would want to leave a bad taste in Obama's mouth...Can anyone say war crimes??? Bush, what a dumb ass...

Tracy, Oakley (Sent Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:22 AM)

to all the haters, we put up with Bush for eight years & suffered for it. Now it's somebody else's time. Get over it & get used to it. There's nothing you can do about it! Obama is here & probably for the next 8 years too. Kick bush out, he hasn't been doing anything for the last two years anyway.

smarterthanu (Sent Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:35 AM)

... I'm absolutely loving this! All I can say is that you conservatives can now endure what the rest of us have endured the past eight years under Bush. Keep those sarcastic and negative comments coming and, by the way, "in your face!"

Richard Dann, Tucson, AZ (Sent Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:42 AM)

Wow!! How times have change 8 years ago all of these Rethug supporters were happy for stealing the election and having 8 years of missery. Now Obama is getting to move and the Bushes are moving into an all-white neighborhood, the Obama haters are pissed because his moving in and cleaning up the mess the Rethugs have made.

Alistair (Sent Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:49 AM)

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