The New First Family Visit Their New Home
President-elect Barack Obama and his beautiful wife and future First Lady Michelle Obama were welcomed to the White House today by the current residents (GWB and his wife Laura) less than one week since he was elected as our nation’s 44th President. Here are a few pics of the Obamas and the Bushs posing for pics in front of the White House just a couple of hours ago and some info from the New York Times about their meeting today:
President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, were welcomed at the White House shortly before 2 p.m. Eastern time by the current occupant, President George W. Bush, a man with whom he expressed a sea of differences during the just-ended election campaign. Broadcast images showed Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama strolling along the colonnade toward the outer entrance to the Oval Office. Mr. Obama walked just at Mr. Bush’s shoulder and appeared to be speaking animatedly, gesturing with both hands. Each of the men waved several times to reporters and others off camera. Mr. Bush and the first lady, Laura Bush, are expected to take the Obamas on a tour of the White House, and then Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama are expected to split off for about 90 minutes of formal talks concerning the transfer of power from Mr. Bush’s conservative Republican administration to a presumably much more liberal Democratic leadership. Mr. Obama will be seeing the Oval Office in person for the first time, just 10 weeks before he will make history by returning as its first black occupant, a spokesman for Mr. Obama said earlier in the day … Josh Bolten, the president’s chief of staff, said on Monday morning that the president and president-elect will be alone in the Oval Office when they meet, without aides present. “I’m sure each of them will have a list of issues to go down,” Mr. Bolten said during a televised interview with reporters from The Associated Press and The Washington Post. “But I think that’s something very personal to both of them. I know the president will want to convey to President-elect Obama his sense of how to deal with some of the most important issues of the day. But exactly how he does that, I don’t know, and I don’t think anybody will know.” Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama have had relatively little personal contact before now, and by some accounts, when they have met, there has been some awkwardness … For his part, Mr. Obama and his aides have missed no opportunity to remind Americans that they have only one president at a time. Even so, Mr. Obama and his team are moving expeditiously to plan the transition and a post-Inauguration agenda that aides said would probably include the quick reversal of some Bush policies, such as his restrictions on stem-cell research and on oil and gas drilling. One thing is certain: The body language between the Obamas and the Bushes will be widely scrutinized and assessed, to see whether they appear to be comfortable working together or, as was the case with some past transition meetings, are straining just to appear polite. Mr. Obama flew to Washington Monday morning from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago aboard a chartered American Airlines Boeing Super-80 jetliner. Ms. Obama flew to Washington separately, a spokeswoman for her said. Having had a chance to size up their new accommodations, and those who have occupied them for eight years, the Obamas are scheduled to return immediately afterward to Chicago, where the work of transition will continue. Aides to Mr. Obama said that no Cabinet nominees would be announced this week.
LOL! I’m surprised the Obamas didn’t show up with a bunch of moving boxes to present to the Bushs. I can think of about 65 million people in this country who would love to help the Bushs pack up their shizz in the White House ;)
All kidding aside, tho, I think it’s very admirable that GWB has been so open to starting the transition of power process so soon after the election. This is the first transfer of power since 9/11 and it looks like they want to ensure that there are no gaps that might be exploited by our nation’s enemies. I also think is great that the Obamas are allowed to tour the White House so early before the Bushs move out … that way they can take stock on the home’s inventory so they can make sure the Bushs don’t take nothing with them when they go back to Texas :)
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Tags: Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama
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November 10th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
you mean like the Clinton’s did on their way out the door? In all seriousness, GWB is not my fave guy, but I think this gesture by he and his wife shows that all politics aside, they are a classy couple. As much as was said about him during the campaign, he could have easily not done this.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
This post reminds me of Election Night, chanting “Pack your shit!” on the White House lawn, election with 1,000 citizens of the world. ;)
November 10th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
[...] The New First Family Visit Their New Home President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, were welcomed at the White House shortly before 2 pm Eastern time by the current occupant, President George W. Bush, a man with whom he expressed a sea of differences during the … [...]
November 10th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I’m glad that GWB and Laura are welcoming them in so soon to get a tour and slowly turn over the power. However I am not looking forward to GWB coming back to Texas…luckily I am far from his ranch.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
[...] New First Family Visit Their New Home Posted in November 10th, 2008 by in Uncategorized The New First Family Visit Their New Home President-elect Barack Obama and his beautiful wife and future First Lady Michelle Obama were [...]
November 10th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
[...] The New First Family Visit Their New Home I also think is great that the Obamas are allowed to tour the White House so early before the Bushs move out … that way they can take stock on the home’s inventory so they can make sure the Bushs don’t take nothing with them when they … [...]
November 10th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I’m surprised they didn’t have security lined up and down the White House driveway. With all that’s been in the news, i’ll be surprised if there isn’t some sort of confrontation before he, Michelle, and the kids are moved in. I read where France is now wanting to break the race barrior as well….we are all human beings under our skins……
November 10th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
HAPPY OBAMA DAYS!!!
November 10th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Trent, I understand that you are not a McCain/Bush fan, but some of your readers are, and I think you should respect that. Your blogs are starting to be so negative and so political that frankly it is making me consider whether or not I should come back and check your posts.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
That is absolutely your right Emily. But, for the record, I tend to make fun of everyone I blog about and I don’t feel that this post in particular is negative at all. It’s very obvs a joke. I can only write about the things that interest me or that I enjoy. This election had a huge impact on my life and on lives of many other folks … there is no way I can’t not talk about it. But again, if it’s not your thing then only you can make that decision.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I am really excited about BO but also nervous. I don’t know why. Isn’t his past a bit ’shady’? His ex friends who were anti American? The Church he was involved with? I mean, we all have a past, I guess..but why would he be involved with those groups. I guess I need to read up on it more. I’m still happy about no more GWB and that the world is changing. NO ON 8!
November 10th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Emily, no offense, Trent has not become Perez Hilton yet.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I have to agree with Emily.
In particular, the HUGE “O” logo advertised on the side is over the top. Just my opinion… this kind of blatant political solicitation could turn a lot of people off. It’s Trent’s blog so he can do whatever, but to be honest, I don’t come here as much anymore because it irks me.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I bet Bush can’t wait to leave it all behind- the mess, the pressure, the stress- to just chill at his ranch. Let someone else fix the mess he created. That seems to be G.W. Bush’s style. People have been doing this for him his whole life and now it’s Obama’s turn to clean up after the mess Bush made. Good luck Obama, it’s going to be a very tough job ahead.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I think it’s adorable that the Obamas have their arms around one another.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Love your comments Trent, so funny!
November 10th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Although I think you make a good point Trent (You do tend to make fun of everyone- people like Paris Hilton deserve it) George Bush is our President. Does that mean because people make a completely superficial JUDGEMENT about him as being “stupid and incompetent” that we should be able to make judgements about Obama based on his race? Did Bush make some monumental mistakes? Absolutely. Does he deserve to be relentlesly attacked for it and abandoned by the American people? No but they are anyways. Its the same type of discrimination you may sometimes face for being Gay. And its the same type of unwarranted attack I occassionally face for being Jewish. I guess I’m with Beth, Emily, Susan, and Sandra on this one.
I do not think you are making any extreme comments about Bush and Republicans- however your incessant commentary on it seems a lot like stereotyping to me and a lot of others.
Free Speech is a right but it has consequences and I think we all learn that lesson at some point in our lives.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Annie - you compare being “stupid and incompetent” with being a minority, which is upsetting.
Intelligence is not a superficial judgement when you’re talking about the President of the United States. As President he of all people shouldn’t be off limits when it comes to criticism.
Yes, free speech is a right. And not reading something is your right too, so if you don’t like it, you can just click away. The beauty of the internet.
(P.S. And besides, was I the only one who felt like this post WASN’T making fun of Bush?)
November 10th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Annie, I’m Jewish as well. And you are talking about two very different things..Judaism and politics. GWB’s role is a job-being Jewish is not a choice. GWB had a choice to be Prez and he was. I don’t think Trent makes fun of everyone. I think he has a sense of humor. There is a difference. TMZ and Perez Hilton–those are sites where celebs are constantly made fun of. I will say that I don’t think we need to know that Trent had dinner at Pizza Hut or did his laundry, but that is his choice to post it. And guess what? I’m Jewish and gay. So there, a huge double whammy.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Bush and his gang are WAR CRIMINALS and should be put on trial for misleading the public in order to go into war - for their own financial gains and personal agenda. The fact that nearly half of America still has their head in the sand about that is DISTURBING.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
SUSAN - ANNIE - EMILY … This is Trent’s Blog - he is going to state who and what he supports in politics. There are many Pro-Bush / Pro Rebublican blogs out there, where you can hang out with like minded people.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
*Republican*
November 10th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
To think a black man is finally going to be in the White House is almost enough to make me cry. Reading this post, it just hit me all over again! I am a Canadian and I am just so excited to have this man be President. I have been criticized by some of my fellow Canadians for being quote “obsessed” with this election, but its absolutely foolish to think the President of the US doesn’t affect us here in Canada or indeed the world. And for all you Sensitive Sallys getting your knickers in a twist cuz Trent was having a little fun with ol’ GWB, get over it. The man started a war, LIED TO HIS COUNTRY and is basically responsible for the economy being what it is now. He has wasted millions of dollars and thousands of lives on Iraq….so exactly why don’t YOU want him to go????
November 10th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Damn, GWB looks worn out.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
ROFL
November 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
What a great gesture of bipartisanship!! I am very proud at the way George W. and family are helping the Obamas get adjusted to the new lifestyle they will be taking on. It makes me happy that he did not try to spread that bad blood like the Clinton staff did when W was the president-elect.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Hi Trent,
I know you’re a die hard Democrat however, you should still refer to our president as President GWB and First Lady Laura Bush. It’s disrespectful not to.
Thanks so much!
November 10th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I agree with emily and susan too cocky the bushes are good people just wait till tragedy hits obama while he is in the white house his first year then i may change my mind about him until then he has to prove himself
November 10th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I think this is a good sign of friendship and that we should all try to work together. I wasn’t a Obama supporter and am afraid for what he will do with the economy but accept the fact he’s president, so we should move forward and hope for the best.
Republicans need to calm down and put bitter resentment aside, but so do Democrats. Bush has had scathing attacks for 8 years (some warranted and some unwarranted). People took great enjoyment of belittling Bush and showing their contempt (much like this blog by not bolding his name for some odd reason). They gave no effort to be bipartisan. Now that their candidate is president they think we should all show respect for a president because he’s our leader, its hypocritical. Obama may be a great president, but he has had a shady past so its not that strange some people are wary.
Now saying all, Trent can post whatever he wants its his blog. Yes I don’t agree with everything he says but when I don’t thats my issue and if I don’t want to hear it I don’t have to.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
WOOT WOOT!
November 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
the fact that president bush has been so welcoming to obama despite the verbal abuse thrown his way shows how classy and respectful he is. Perhaps people should show him the same amount of respect he shows others. President Bush has withstood an immense amount of criticism and nasty abuse at the hands of ignorant people. Time will show that he wasn’t the ‘idiot’ people always made him out to be. Kudos to President Bush and the first lady-the two of them are a class act and they will be missed…
November 10th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I’m so tired of politics - I’m tired of all the negativity that is going on everywhere concerning all subjects.
I’m happy and sadden that Obama became president. Not because of his race but because there are certain things I just don’t agree with on his policy and background. But I don’t agree with completely with McCains policies either. Shoot, I don’t think there is anyone in this world that can find someone they agree with on every single subject, topic and opinion.
But I felt that I had to post this at least. President Bush wasn’t perfect - no president has ever been perfect. But he did what he thought was best right or wrong - just as Obama will do. President Bush and Mrs. Bush deserve our respect for at least trying to do what was right - whether we personally agree with it or not. And yes, while I didn’t vote for Obama - I’ll respect him and his wife also for wanting and hopefully making this country better and stronger.
Just because you don’t agree with someone does not mean you have to be cruel, mean, or heartless.
This is the one blog that doesn’t go to the nasty lengths for a laugh and internet traffic.
But please cut the Bushes a little slack. Their life hasn’t been easy for them - you can see that. This job has taken it’s toll on them and they at least deserve to leave the White house with at least a little common kindness.
And just one simple question - Why is it ok to make fun of the Bushes when no one has even dared do that to the Obamas?
November 10th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Calgirl - I absolutely agree with you! Whether you support him or not, he IS still PRESIDENT Bush. However, Trent was just quoting The NY Times. A very obvious omission on the part of the original writer.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
First, I don’t think this post is insulting to Bush at all.
Christie — Yes, Bush has probably done what he has believed to be right. But this incessant and unnecessary war, which has killed Americans and Iraqi civilians; tax cuts to the rich; ignoring the people devastated by Hurricane Katrina (”You’re doing a heckuva job, Brownie!); ignoring the Constitution (Scooter Libby, anyone?); Cheney overstepping his role as vp; stealing elections; and more is just too much for me to respect.
And people HAVE poked fun at the Obamas. Here’s something from “liberal” John Stewart:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=183509&title=Barack-Obama:-He-Completes-Us
November 10th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
well im NOT american - and i have to admit, australians love to take the piss out of Bush and his band of republican followers. no offence to americans, we love you guys, but we like to have a bit of a chuckle at the right-wing conservatives who admittedly are viewed as red-necked and ignorant. (dont hate me, im just saying this is what a lot of aussies do!)
with that said - i vehemently disagree with his politics (his politics were downright wrong and immoral in my opinion), but take him outside of the political sphere? he seems like a nice and jovial person.
this post was a bit of fun, and people need to chill out. the world is becoming way too politically-correct as it is. the president isnt God, who the hell cares if someone addressed him “improperly” on a celebrity focused blog? its not 17th century england for crying out loud.
November 10th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I heard recently that, despite all the perks that come with living in the white house, the first family still has to pay for any food that their private guests consume
November 10th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
hilarious how u are trying to compare people making fun of Obama with the attacks Bush has faced. everyones afraid of stepping out of order with the man. tell me, what would have happened if someone hung a dummy of Obama out a window? how come it took several days before the dummy of Sarah Palin was made to come down? Obama was the media’s pet and will continue to be so for four more longg painful years. amazing how far bull shit can take you
November 10th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
As someone who had friends that suffered through Katrina (in the Superdome), I will NEVER forgive the Bush administration. As someone who has had a friend killed in Iraq, I will NEVER like the Bush administration.
I will respect a president who earns it — white, black, man, woman. I will not respect a president how has contributed to the deaths of loved ones.
p.s. those who want to demand for the media to criticize Obama like Bush has been criticize, please remember that OBAMA IS NOT OUR PRESIDENT YET! When he screws up in office, which will happen because it happens to every president, then you draw a parallel to the Obama administration and the Bush administration.
p.p.s people refered to Bill Clinton as Bill Clinton when he was in office. Quite simply, when a man is president, the American citizens feel accustomed to him and the whole “President” title gets forgotten until that man is out of office. Its not per se disrespectful.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
maureen - there were Obama effigies hung in ohio and oregon.
Plus, his image was put on fake food stamps; waffles with racist depictions, and people yelling “terrorist” and “kill him” at mccain/palin rallies.
Attacks on Bush have been for his politics, his poor judgement and lack of intelligence that he has displayed throughout his administration. But verbal attacks have not escalated to threats of violence or racim. I would not find an effigy of Bush being hung funny whatsoever.
November 11th, 2008 at 5:33 am
This post was harmless - calm down people!!
November 11th, 2008 at 5:34 am
I <3 the OBAMAS!
November 11th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Oh, they’re just going to be alone in the Oval Office so GWB can tell my beloved Barack Obama about the secret “Presidents Book” cause ya’ll KNOW that thing exist.
November 11th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Trent, You claim to poke fun at verybody on this site and that’s true except for the Obamas. Since the day he entered the race you’ve acted like he’s the cherry on the sundae of America and he’s not. Don’t get me wrong,I voted for him but he wasn’t my first choice (Go Hillary 2012!) I was sad for me to stand in line for hours just to vote for someone I wasn’t passionate about and in my opinion he’s going to have alot to do in the next four years to convince me that he deserved the job he was elected to do. So all in all I love your site, I won’t stop reading it everyday, and I hope Obama is up to the job(health care for everybody,please hint hint), but please Trent take the wide-eyed hero worship down just a notch, kay?
November 11th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Actually, Trent initially supported Hillary Clinton, until she was beat out in the primaries so to say that “since the day he entered the race you’ve acted like he’s the cherry on the sundae of America” is completely wrong. Though, I personally think that he is the cherry on the sundae of America, others may not, and that is OKAY with me. You kitkatt should respect everyone’s opinion whether you agree with them or not…and surly know your facts before you accuse.
November 11th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Everyone please take a deep breath.
Obama wasn’t my 1st choice either (Hilary) but I have since joined the Obama band wagon.
As for bush, I’m just really annoyed that he’s moving to Dallas. While he does have his ranch in crawford, he will also be living in Dallas. I just wish he would permanently live on his ranch.
Those are just my 2 cents.
November 11th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I certainly didn’t mean to disrespect or belittle anyones opinion and if anyone took it that way I truly apologize. Like I said he wasn’t my first choice but I will respect and support him as our president. That being said,the point I’m trying to make is that maybe we should wait to see what improvements he can actually make before we start tripping all over ourselves thinking he’s the answer to all our prayers and will be able to fix everything which is something nobody would be able to do in 4 years.
November 11th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Sorry this is kittkatt. The first reply was at work this one one the blackberry my bad.
November 11th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
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