Carter, Clinton, Obama & 2 Bushes: Power Lunch At The White House
EmailQuite a scene in the Oval Office a short while ago. President Bush welcomed former Presidents Carter, Bush 41, and Clinton back to the Oval Office for a meeting with the man who will soon be working there. This was the first such meeting of living presidents at the White House since 1981. Said President Bush to Barack Obama: "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." For his part, Obama called it "an extraordinary gathering," and added that "all of the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office. And for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary, and I’m very grateful to all of them." Asked what he will learn from their past mistakes, Obama replied that he intended to learn from "their successes." Their lunch is expected to last about an hour. Just the presidents, no staff. We hear they are having burgers. Stay tuned…
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Now that would be an interesting luncheon, would love to be there.
Posted by: samhiguchi | January 7, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
Did their lunch get served on the half million dollar dinnerware we taxpayers paid for? I am sure that would have enhanced the flavor of the food tremendously. Talk about wasteful spending by the Bushes. If Michelle Obama had done this, the pitchfork crowd would be at the White House right now with torches in hand.
Posted by: geecee | January 7, 2009, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
How about a quail?
Posted by: silkwool | January 7, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
Taxpayers didn’t pay the 1/2 million for the Bushware, it was funded by private investors, but it’s still excessive and wasteful. And, what’s the point with 13 days left in office? It’s just more of the same flawed decision-making that hallmarks the last 8 years.
Posted by: LR | January 7, 2009, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
I was amazed when I heard that three former and present president was having a luncheon together,this shows how Barack plans to lead this country with togetherness and to listen to the people concerns.I pray for Barack he has a mess to clean up, but with God’s help and alot of pray we can get through it. we must all come together and stand as one, and we must remember We can do all things through Christ who strenghten me.
Posted by: Lisa Ferguson | January 7, 2009, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
People sure can complain about nothing.
It was great that the Presidents got together – and if those complainers want to – I think that most of us would spring for a Hamburger – on China or Paper plates. Grow up folks.
Posted by: BobC | January 7, 2009, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm
Broken Boots
by Bob Mitchum:
There is an old forgotten soldier
who stands on the corner of our street
dressed in wornout clothing
with broken boots upon his feet.
He once served his country bravely
in far off distant lands
but that service is now forgotten
as upon that street he stands.
He fought in wars he did not ask for
but was proud to do his part
and those wars have left him homeless
and wounded his once brave heart.
Alone now and forgotten
by that very country that he served
hungry cold and lonely
is this what he deserves?
Alone he stands forgotten
His head hangs in sad defeat
alone he stands as broken
as those boots upon his feet.
“a poem by Bob Mitchum”
Posted by: Bob Mitchum | January 7, 2009, 7:36 pm 7:36 pm
Lisa, this luncheon was hosted by President Bush. So it was his idea, to be sure. Or are you saying that President-Elect Obama pushed his way into the White House?
To the comment regarding the dinnerware ‘scandal’!: When private people donate money, it’s their business what they donate to. It really is.
To the ‘pitchfork crowd’ comment:
you must be thinking about your own group.
Posted by: it's a free country (at this time) | January 7, 2009, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm
Ahem!!!
I will not belittle the contributions to the present economic problems ties with Bush and Clinton BUTTTTTTT – Congress has caused most of the present economic problems —- don’t just target Clinton or Bush from either side —- Congress controls the money and legislation!!!
Don’t give them a free ticket – Democrat or Republican!!! Wasteful spending is “GET NOW PAY LATER” in true Credit Card style!!!
Get past the feelings and prejudices and look at the facts folks!!!
Posted by: Dale | January 8, 2009, 1:14 am 1:14 am
Lets see how gracious the next president will be, when the elected one invites guests to the white house before his term.
Posted by: Lizzie | January 8, 2009, 1:07 pm 1:07 pm
It’s Congress; it’s bankers; it’s organizations who INSISTED that people were given loans that they could not afford; it’s both Republicans and Democrats; it’s just plain people who over-spent and under-saved; it’s the get now – pay triple later people; it’s us: that’s whose fault it is for the present predicament.
How do we get out of it? Congress MUST make some major changes now: some tough choices and decisions must be made now.
Some people won’t like it when it affects them. I might be one of them.
Oh, well; that’s the price we MUST endure now in order to save our country.
It’s that serious.
Posted by: now | January 8, 2009, 3:29 pm 3:29 pm