Obama Meets Bush: What To Expect

[kentuck]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/09/obama-meets-bu...

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In a moment laden with symbolism and simmering tension, President-elect Barack Obama meets with President Bush today at the White House.

In addition to Obama and wife Michelle getting their own personal tour of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue from the Bushes, the newly-elected 44th president will discuss the details of the transition with Bush.

Per the New York Times:

In a time-honored tradition of American democracy, Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, will receive a tour of their new home from Mr. Bush and the first lady, Laura Bush. Then the men will split off to begin the formal transfer of power, all the more urgent this year because of the financial crisis. Mr. Obama has said he expects a "substantive conversation between myself and the president."

Though the meeting has plenty of potential for tense moments - Obama spent hours on the campaign trail denouncing Bush's "failed policies" and Bush once praised Obama's primary rival, Hillary Clinton, as "more ready to be president" - Bush is said to have newfound respect for Obama's campaigning skills and appreciates the potential to gain some goodwill by being a gracious host, reports the Times:

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