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Presidential Power Lunch
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ShareJanuary 07, 2009 4:07 PM
ABC News' Kirit Radia Reports: It was the most exclusive lunch in the world -- the menu and the agenda were secret, but one can be sure there was a lot on their plate.
President-elect Barack Obama met today with President George Bush and three former presidents in the first meeting of living presidents at the White House since 1981.
“All of the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office,” Obama told reporters before the lunch. “And for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel, and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary.”
Asked what he will learn from his predecessors' mistakes, Obama smiled and said he will learn from "their successes."
"I think [what] we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country. And to the extent we can, we look forward to sharing our experiences with you," President Bush said.
"All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual -- and we wish you all the very best," the outgoing president said.
Obama met with Bush for half an hour before sitting down with former presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, without any staff present.
While the five men have had their vocal differences in the past, none of the tension was on display at a photo op in the Oval Office.
"Although they may disagree on some policy prescriptions in order to solve problems in America, they're obviously all rooting for the same team," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said before the meeting.
Afterwards, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs issued a statement: "They had a very constructive conversation," he said. "The president-elect was grateful for their counsel and the spirit of bipartisanship they showed in wishing his administration success in meeting the challenges we all share as Americans. The president and the former presidents had helpful advice on managing the office as well as thoughts on the critical issues facing the country right now. The president-elect is anxious to stay in touch with all of them in the coming years."
Perino issued a separate statement, saying: "President Bush was delighted to have the former presidents and President-elect Obama to the White House today for a historic lunch in the Private Dining Room just off of the Oval Office. Each of them expressed their desire for President-elect Obama to have a very successful presidency. During the lunch, they had a wide-ranging discussion on many different issues facing the United States, and they all look forward to remaining in contact in the future."
Before the meeting Perino said the meeting would likely touch on both the business and personal aspecets of living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
"There'll be time to talk about issues that are -- face the country currently, issues that they think might face the country in the future," she said. "But I'm sure they'll also have a chance to talk about experiences and memories that they have in the White House, both on the personal side, about -- such as raising a family in the public eye, raising a family in the White House, and also what it's like to be in the post-presidency, as President Bush is about to experience in about 12 days."
She added that the leaders were likely to discuss the nation's economic woes and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“President Bush and President-elect Obama have developed a good relationship, and I'm sure that it will be deepened today,” Perino told reporters. “But one of the reasons that they've developed that good relationship is that they've been able to keep their conversations private.”
And in case you are wondering, the leaders did not dine on the new half million dollar set of White House china that first lady Laura Bush unveiled this morning.
January 7, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (47)
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He should meet with the dead ones as well :) Might learn more - - -
Posted by: Dave | Jan 7, 2009 4:41:52 PM
This is a 'stupid' headline--why not say he met with former Presidents--it would be impossible for him to meet with any other of the Presidents as they are all d e a d*****
Posted by: silverlady | Jan 7, 2009 4:45:22 PM
It will take a lot more than a lunch to fix what America needs - They state (the Presidents) they care about our country but that is not enough. Until both houses start caring about the American people instead of themselves (which is why we are where we are today) we can expect just more of the same.
Ried and Palosi need to go ASAP - They first can'y change and if they could they are too stupid to handle the job we need done.
NOTICE - no has taken responsibility for what has happened to us - they just blame Bush - which will be the old saw they will bring out for the next four years -
Peneta head of the CIA - OMG - What has changed? What a joke I would laugh but its not funny. What can they be thinking of?
Posted by: a citizen | Jan 7, 2009 5:10:21 PM
Noone has the integrity of President George W. Bush. He didn't have to invite all the past presidents to a luncheon - it's unprecedented, according to a White House historian. He is just a very special man with a deep love for his country and he will be missed by many.
Posted by: lizathome | Jan 7, 2009 5:13:27 PM
where is Gerald Ford? Isn't He still living? Every one keeps reporting all the living presidents.
Posted by: ll | Jan 7, 2009 5:14:21 PM
Hey II,
Where have you been the last two years???? Gerald Ford passed away on Dec 26, 2006.
Seems I remember it was on the papers and TV--!!!
Posted by: Jim | Jan 7, 2009 5:21:12 PM
Thanks, for the info. I guess it wasnt a big news story the day after Christmas because I truly do not remember seeing any funeral coverage like they did when Reagan, and even Nixon died.
Posted by: ll | Jan 7, 2009 5:28:14 PM
Lizathome, this was not George's idea. President-elect Obama initiated this lunch. And by the way, the only people who will miss him are the comedians.
Posted by: Obamaall theway | Jan 7, 2009 5:38:16 PM
I don't remember this clearly, but I believe that Mr Ford and his family requested a relatively private funeral, not a huge state one like other presidents
What I DO remember is Bob Woodward (of Watergate fame) publishing posthumously an interview from a couple years earlier with Ford (which Ford gave him permission to release after his death)that absolutely vilified the Bush administration's handling of post 9/11 and especially the decision to invade Iraq--I remember being very surprised with that.
Posted by: Jim | Jan 7, 2009 5:38:32 PM
This man is a national security threat. God help us when he gets in office.
Posted by: Ryan | Jan 7, 2009 5:38:43 PM
(APPLAUSE) (STANDNG OVATION) For President Bush.
Alright, many disagree with "W," but the one thing that is 100% sure, is that he is very patriotic and believes in the American system. He really feels the monumental importance of having Mr. Obama elected as the NEXT President of the United States. I believe he is very proud/honored to be THE President welcoming the first African American into the White House as the next leader of the USA--especially, given where this oountry stood as far as race relations, as short as a little over forty years ago. It only underlines that there is opportunity in our country for everyone. Something we all say, and yet forget to feel. Let's all get ready to see the first, woman, Jew, Chinese, Spanish et alia (as long as they are competent), run and be elected to the White House.
Wonderful Mr. Bush!!! Just wonderful and very gracious!
Posted by: FS | Jan 7, 2009 5:46:17 PM
Excellent meeting....
Posted by: t | Jan 7, 2009 5:57:18 PM
May God be with us all. Get out your Bible and look up 2 Chronicles 7:14. Read and digest and remember that God is in control. HE puts up Rulers and HE takes down Rulers. Mr Bush, I wish you God's Speed but let us remember to pray for Mr Obama and his Cabinet he has inherited a raw deal and only God can lead him through.
Posted by: Inez Pullar-Smith | Jan 7, 2009 6:01:50 PM
That a President-Elect is simply ABLE to sit down with four predecessors and share lunch and talk is both extraordinary and also a statement about the strength and resilience of our form of government. I am not at all sure of the value of any advice from Bush & Son, but Clinton and most especially Carter may have some real words of wisdom for Mr. Obama. Truly, we live in amazing times!
Posted by: Jordan | Jan 7, 2009 6:15:23 PM
Why would Bush lower himself to ever eat with possibly the most incompetent president America has ever been graced with- jimmy carter?
Because he loves this country and wants what is best for it.
Why would Bush ever lower himself and meet with barry o any more than he has to? barry ran a campaign full of lies and propaganda.
Because Bush loves this country and wants what is best for it.
Posted by: Barryisafraud | Jan 7, 2009 6:22:29 PM
I agree 100% Carter has to be in the top three worst presidents we ever got stuck with - Just a poor old fool (sorry just a rich old fool.
Clinton, well what can you say - he brought shame to the office.
Bush I feel did his best - can the others say the same? What would they have done with 911? Katrina? Etc. etc.
So all you monday morning QB's - if it makes you feel better blaming Bush for all that has happened go head - Obama will be using it for the next 4 years.
I have an Idea for Obama that will not cost a dime but will be good for America, Bring some respect back to our country - The people don't repsect anything not the President, Teachers, Police, and certainly not our flag (we ask on soldiers to defend it, even die for it yet you allow people to urinate on it - burn it and walk on it. You do that and you will have my vote for ever
Posted by: A citizen | Jan 7, 2009 6:38:35 PM
It is refreshing to see the President-Elect showing more class and respect of office regarding President George W. Bush than many of his supporters in these forums. It is refreshing to see.
Posted by: WICKETSC | Jan 7, 2009 6:46:30 PM
Bush may love his country but he didn't love it enough to put his ego aside and ask for good advice. So apparently he loved himself more. Heckofa job, W.
Posted by: tiredoftherain | Jan 7, 2009 7:38:36 PM
I am appalled at our President-Elect being addressed as Mr. Obama during tonight's World News--not once, but consistently. What was the reason for not showing him the respect he has earned as our future President? It could not have been ignorance on the part of the newscaster or the ABC producers. I think an on air apology is required.
Posted by: JoAnn | Jan 7, 2009 7:57:43 PM
What a class act from President Bush to invite all to lunch. I hope BO learned something.
Posted by: CW | Jan 7, 2009 8:10:24 PM
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