Presidential Power Lunch
EmailABC 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.
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He should meet with the dead ones as well :) Might learn more – - -
Posted by: Dave | January 7, 2009, 11:41 am 11:41 am
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 | January 7, 2009, 11:45 am 11:45 am
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 | January 7, 2009, 12:10 pm 12:10 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 | January 7, 2009, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
where is Gerald Ford? Isn’t He still living? Every one keeps reporting all the living presidents.
Posted by: ll | January 7, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 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 | January 7, 2009, 12:21 pm 12:21 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 | January 7, 2009, 12:28 pm 12:28 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 | January 7, 2009, 12:38 pm 12:38 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 | January 7, 2009, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm
This man is a national security threat. God help us when he gets in office.
Posted by: Ryan | January 7, 2009, 12:38 pm 12:38 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 | January 7, 2009, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
Excellent meeting….
Posted by: t | January 7, 2009, 12:57 pm 12:57 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 | January 7, 2009, 1:01 pm 1:01 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 | January 7, 2009, 1:15 pm 1:15 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 | January 7, 2009, 1:22 pm 1:22 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 | January 7, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 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 | January 7, 2009, 1:46 pm 1:46 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 | January 7, 2009, 2:38 pm 2:38 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 | January 7, 2009, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
What a class act from President Bush to invite all to lunch. I hope BO learned something.
Posted by: CW | January 7, 2009, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
I think Obama, if he’s wise, will often ask for their opinions on things. He may not use it, but atleast he will be able to get other Presidents’ opinions. He will have 2 repubs and 2 dems to talk to. No one else on earth could give such advice. As for dealing with al queda, he will get advice from Bill and W. No matter what you side you’re on, both men can give invaluable insight to Obama. They’ve seen the intelligence that no one else can see. I hope Obama felt humbled and really, truly appreciated who he is about to become.
Posted by: justrighttoo | January 7, 2009, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
I think I am going to throw up. A group of power mad, greedy men out to improve their pockets at the expense of the American slaves. These men swear to uphold the Constitution and only uphold their coffers and egos.
Posted by: clancy49 | January 7, 2009, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
Hey II
I can’t believe you didn’t see the 3 funerals of 3 very different men that were all over the television news in December 2006 – President Gerald Ford, Saddam Hussein and James Brown!
Posted by: jcdc | January 7, 2009, 3:50 pm 3:50 pm
Lizathome: I so agree with everything you wrote. It’s so nice to know that there are other people like me who ‘get it’ very refreshing reading what you wrote. You made my day
Posted by: jackie vets | January 7, 2009, 5:44 pm 5:44 pm
ABCNews is the ONLY news service reporting the big Prez luncheon correctly. Everyone else is calling it a lunch with Barack Obama & FOUR ex-Presidents…. WHAT? Can the others count? There’s THREE former Presidents, the CURRENT President and the President-elect. And Obama is NOT a President and CANNOT be addressed as such, he is the President-ELECT. Only after he has taken the oath of office will he be President Obama.
Posted by: Steve C | January 7, 2009, 6:04 pm 6:04 pm
Witnessing on television three ex-presidents, one soon to be ex-president and the president elect standing shoulder to shoulder together and smiling is an image that is going to be etched in our memories for a very long time. It reaffirmed why America even though it may not be the largest democracy is still the greatest democracy in the world. I cannot imagine any other nation on earth with leaders from a span of 32 years in the white house coming together across party lines with such grace and goodwill towards each other. American democracy has has been enduring for over 2 centuries and the civility by which the peaceful and orderly transition of power takes place is heart warming. We Americans may not be going through the best of times and in fact we as a nation are probably going through the worst of times but that does not change the fact that we are lucky in many ways to live in America in the first decade of this century. Imagine the people in Zimbabwe who cannot dump a wretched dictator who has deprived the people of their freedom and brought misery only to hope that elections would change the leadership of their country, shattered. Imagine the ex-president of South Africa who one day recently was unceremoniously removed from power before his term ended. Imagine being a Palestinian in Gaza and misery is just a long dark, scary, bloody tunnel with no light and no end in sight. Imagine living in Israel surrounded by enemies who want to see it disappear. Imagine living in countries where the leaders will kill each other and the only way leadership changes is by a military coup. There are crooks and swindlers in America who have made off with millions and billions, the deficit is reaching astronomical proportions, the greed of a few is ruining the lives of many and the mismanagement of wall street and government and the lack of oversight is troubling, but the fundamental ideals of America should resurface with the new president. The unity showed by the presidents coming together is a sign of the Times that United States will stand up to the challenges and find its path to recovery from the current economic mess.
Posted by: gjkotw01 | January 7, 2009, 6:13 pm 6:13 pm
JoAnn – where have you been living these last 8 years?!?! MR OBAMA is the president – elect. That’s not even an official TITLE! PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH has been PRESIDENT for 8 years, and most times the uneducated press calls him MR BUSH.
Where were you when HE WAS BEING DISRESPECTED?!?!? Folks who complain about non issues need to put their heads back in the sand!
Posted by: NPage | January 7, 2009, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm
This was indeed a gracious, nifty thing that President Bush extended this invitation to the P-elect and three past Presidents. I apparently made a couple of rude people angry in Dallas on the WFAA Web site today by not going out of my way to mention that I understood that this was originally Obama’s idea and remembered when I first heard that reported (on NPR), so let me make sure that fact is unmistakably clear here. Obama was indeed the source of the original idea. But Bush didn’t have to execute on it, and I’m terribly glad he did. This was an important unifying gesture for our country, and it was a heartening sight to see elected officials treat each other with a great deal more respect and courtesy than opposing factions do here.
I still want to know what was eaten. Chicken? Salmon? Beef? Texas-style food? I’m guessing probably not broccoli.
Posted by: Kellybelle22 | January 7, 2009, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
Hmmm….the two Democrat Presidents wore red ties, the two Republican Presidents wore blue ties….and the Democrat President-Elect Obama— wore a….BLUE TIE too….is he a closet Republican? Or is he just not in to Power Red?
Posted by: crazyiniowa | January 7, 2009, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
President George W. Bush is a class act. He is very patriotic and loves this country and God. Didn’t Ms. McFadden say there is a place to vote for the worst President and the best on this site? In case I miss it, Carter was the worst and the “W” has been the best. He at least has integrity and love of country. As far as why the country is in the shape it’s in…look to the Congress. The President has little control. Christ will sort all this out!
Posted by: Deep in the Heart | January 7, 2009, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
C’mon people!!!
It does not matter who came up with the idea or who execute on it!!!
Point is that Democrat and Republican (former, current and elected)Presidents can come together for a common good!!!
The United States of America!!!
Posted by: sisterdearest09 | January 7, 2009, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
My Ratings of these presidents
Worst
1: George Bush or George W. Bush
2: George W. Bush or George Bush
You can sort out which of the two needs
to be listed as the worst and second worst
3: Jimmy Carter Absolutely was worst until we suffered with the Bush’s now
he is rated as 3rd worst
Best
1: Best Bill Clinton
Not yet Presidents – I didnt vote for the new guy to be B.O.
I still think Hillary would be even better than Bill.
We will all have to wait and see.
Posted by: JD | January 7, 2009, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
I’m counting the days.I can’t wait! Until the worst president of the united states is out of office ( His dad sr. G. Bush beenig the 2nd worst .) And I did’nt even vote for Obama. And I still Can’t wait ! And I sure hope that any advice given By the Bushes would be consider a joke.
Posted by: con jr | January 7, 2009, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
I didn’t think that mattered, either, SisterDearest, but apparently my readers on our local Dallas news site felt I’d been remiss in not directly mentioning both details. I suppose I do think it’s significant that the lame duck President issued the round-up, brought the photographers in for the historic photo-op, and fed everyone. I wish we had similar hope for a meeting of the diplomatic minds regarding Israel, Gaza, and now Lebanon. . . .
Posted by: Kellybelle22 | January 7, 2009, 9:55 pm 9:55 pm
JoAnn – where have you been living these last 8 years?!?! MR OBAMA is the president – elect. That’s not even an official TITLE! PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH has been PRESIDENT for 8 years, and most times the uneducated press calls him MR BUSH.
Where were you when HE WAS BEING DISRESPECTED?!?!? Folks who complain about non issues need to put their heads back in the sand!
Posted by: NPage | Jan 8, 2009 12:04:46 AM
________________________________________
I used to say the same thing regarding Bill Clinton. The press used to regulalrly refer to him as Mr. Clinton and I saw that as a bit disrespectful.
Whether the press likes the man or not, he should be addressed by his title and at least shown that bit of respect.
Posted by: dk | January 7, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
lizathome God Bless you for having the guts to speak up about Bush. So Many people think he is whats wrong with the country when in a time like this he is what we needed. The house is at fault with this crisis. Bush warned them. They didn’t listen. He kept us safe. Watch Obama use the same things Bush did to keep us safe. Those tools everyone complained about. Obama is going to be able to use them if he needs too. The great thing is he may not have to because of the things Bush did. Iraq will be a free country and it will spread around that part of the world. Bush will be judged kindly by history. I hope Obama is a great potus. He has the tools to keep us safe. proof being Bush has done so. Obama will be tested and he should have a strong response to let them know just because the cowboy is gone doesn’t mean America is weakened at all. It will be up to Obama to show the enemy that America is strong. God bless this man because he is soon to be the leader of the free world.
Posted by: Timothy Ronald Bladel | January 8, 2009, 1:01 am 1:01 am
TV is stating 90 minute meeting. With or without the 30 minutes he spent with Bush that still puts this in the “little more than photo op” category. Nothing of real substance or value was said or done.
Posted by: jan | January 8, 2009, 1:04 am 1:04 am
Imo, I think it is good that Obama initiated this lunch with GW and the 3 other surviving Presidents. However, I noticed that at least for the photo op, he is standing in between the two Bush’s, I don’t really want to think of Obama “palling around with the Bushs’” least he end of in the same mental state of denial that they seem to suffer from. Both Bushes rode in on the coattails of Reagan, having no sustenance of their own, both totally unable to identify with middle class America. I understand Obama’s quest to reach out to the other side, I find it admirable and worthy enough to be called “change”. I did vote for Obama and look forward to his Presidency.
Posted by: braith morgan | January 8, 2009, 1:33 am 1:33 am
power lunch with some of the worst presidents ever in modern american history. fellowship? wonder what you are thinking obama? other than your coming elaborate inauguration, you are not impressive to date. you have selected former clinton people for your administration including hillary, you have picked emanuel, richardson, panetta, gupta. richardson’s major donor that is at the root of the richardson scandal in NM also donated to your campaign. not impressed so far, not by any stretch of the imagination.
Posted by: Lawrence | January 8, 2009, 1:42 am 1:42 am
Well according to everything I see on ABC and CBS evening news every night it appears that half of the cabinet Obama has chosen has been from that of President Clinton. I would that think that would be a good thing for the economy by brining that experience to the table.
Posted by: EFarris38 | January 8, 2009, 5:04 am 5:04 am
Lets wait and see if the next Pres. will be that gracious and have the elected pres. go over his head and invite people to the White House before his time.
Posted by: Lizzie | January 8, 2009, 6:34 am 6:34 am
These Bush lovers are interesting.Are u guys serious. Look at the state of our country under his leadership. Obama can learn a lot from this man.He can learn what not to do.President-Elect Obama seemingly has formulated a plan that is going to serve the interests and needs of all Americans.Rich and Poor will reap the benefits of this new plan.He has work to do and we need to pray that he will be lead by and operate in wisdom to serve our country.Like it or not he is our president and he needs to succeed for our country’s sake.
Posted by: TV | January 8, 2009, 9:27 am 9:27 am
Well done. This is how a leading nation rolls up its sleeves to fix things. For every negative comment out there about such a gathering and show of spirit, please consider how other countries function and you will appreciate America. I’m not an American, I don’t even live there, but I love America for what it can become with some more effort.
Posted by: SB | January 8, 2009, 9:47 am 9:47 am
“He is just a very special man with a deep love for his country and he will be missed by many”
And many will be missed because of him.
Posted by: ghost | January 8, 2009, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
Another thing they share in common.
http://michaelfury.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/investor-relations/
Posted by: ghost | January 8, 2009, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm
“Gerald Ford passed away on Dec 26, 2006.”
Yes, and “Poppy” Bush made an odd comment at his funeral.
Posted by: ghost | January 8, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
lizathome: Yes indeed Bush is a very special man. The same way “Rain Man” is a very special man.
Posted by: Zodiac | January 13, 2009, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm