The rancor of the campaign gave way to handshakes and comity Monday as President Bush met privately for over an hour with President-elect Obama in the Oval Office — their first-ever one-on-one.
The two leaders, with no staff members present, were expected to touch on the global financial crisis, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and issues relating to the transition of power.
Bush and Obama “had a long meeting, described by the president as good, constructive, relaxed and friendly,” said White House Press Secretary Dana Perino. She said Bush “enjoyed his visit.”
A statement from Obama’s transition office said the two were grateful for the warm reception.
The visit began with the president and first lady Laura Bush greeting the Obama motorcade on the South Lawn driveway. The foursome paused briefly for cameras before heading inside the residence.
A few minutes later, Bush and Obama reappeared for a stroll together down the iconic White House Colonnade toward the Oval Office. While the president-elect talked and gestured, Bush waved to photographers.
“I don’t think any of us can understand what it’s like for two people, who are now going to be in a very small club, who understand what it’s like to be commander in chief,” Perino said.
While the two met in the West Wing, hundreds gathered along the White House fence line on Pennsylvania Avenue, hoping for a glimpse of the day’s events.
Among them was Billy Corrigan, lead singer of the Chicago-based Smashing Pumpkins, who said he was visiting Washington on other business when he heard his senator and president-elect was also paying a call.
“What inspired me as a citizen was the way Barack Obama influenced the process in a positive way,” Corgan said.
Paul Baillie of Richmond said he was working nearby and came to the White House to witness history.
“I want to see the new president come in a switch this country around,” Baillie said.
But spectators were out of luck as the two couples stayed largely out of sight. Laura Bush gave Michelle Obama a tour of the residence and introduced her to Admiral Stephen Rochon, the White House chief usher and head executive of the mansion staff.
The two wives headed to the second floor of the residence, to look through the family living quarters and historic chambers including the Lincoln Bedroom and Queen’s Bedroom.
Sally McDonough, spokesman for the first lady, said the two had refreshments and talked about family life, particularly their children – both are mother to two girls. A photo release showed them in the Yellow Oval, a sitting room that Bush has said is a favorite spot in the White House.
The president later took Obama through the residence, including the Lincoln Bedroom. The historic chamber, formerly an office, was the room where President James Buchanan welcomed President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
Body language between the two leaders looked good, and Bush appeared to be cheerier and more energized than he has been lately. The president has instructed staff to be professional and cooperative throughout the complex transition process.
During the visit, several Obama staff members popped up around the West Wing – personal aide Reggie Love and press secretary Robert Gibbs visited the press office, while Obama transition chief John Podesta, a former Clinton administration chief of staff, met with Bush Chief of Staff Josh Bolten.
