If ever you sought a living, breathing tableau of recent US Presidential history, Wednesday was it, when President-elect Barack Obama met with outgoing President George W Bush and all three living former presidents in the first such meeting at the White House since 1981.
Obama met one-on-one with Bush for 30 minutes before they were joined for lunch by former presidents Jimmy Carter, George Herbert Walker Bush and Bill Clinton. No staff members were present during the lunch itself. It was Obama who first conceived just such a meeting and proposed it to President Bush, who reportedly liked the idea very much and put his full weight behind the plan to make sure it happened.
And though we don't have a copy of the menu, given that the US faces hitherto unseen challenges both at home and abroad, it's safe to say that their plates were entirely full.
Before the meal, all five were all smiles at an arranged photo op in the Oval Office.
"All of the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office," Obama said to reporters, as photographers snapped away. "And for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel, and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary."
For his part, President Bush had some kind words for the first African American to win a US Presidential election. "All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual," Bush said. "And we wish you all the very best."
Before the meeting, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino gave the media her public relations spin: "Although they may disagree on some policy prescriptions in order to solve problems in America, they're obviously all rooting for the same team."
Afterwards, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs issued a similar 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."
It is believed that the meeting was an all-inclusive, comprehensive crash course on life at the White House for the young President-elect. And it's almost certain that both domestic issues -- such as America's economic woes -- and international issues -- such as the Iraq War and the current Israel/Gaza conflict -- were discussed.
No word if the distinguished guests were permitted to eat off of Laura Bush's brand-new Rs 2.4 crore set of china. 2.4 crore for some silverware and plates? Wow. We hope the First Lady wasn't there to give President Elect-Obama any advice about fiscal responsibility.
Image: Former United States President George H W Bush (left to right), President-elect Barack Obama, President George W Bush, former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter at a media photo op as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, January 7, 2009. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS
