By Jennifer Parker

Nov 10, 2008 2:28pm

Rituals of American Politics

President-elect Barack Obama is going into his meeting today with the current President George W. Bush with an agenda. He wants to talk about the economic stimulus plan which could be considered by the lame-duck Congress. He also wants to talk about federal aid to the auto industry, and accelerating federal aid for homeowners facing foreclosure. As we saw the images today of the Bushes greeting the Obamas, President-elect Obama put his hand on Bush’s shoulder as they walked into the White House. The bitterness of the campaign appeared to fade away — just a little. Of course, Obama’s core election strategy was to paint Sen. John McCain as running for a third Bush term. And we saw that McCain had a hard time working his way out from under that criticism. But President-elect Obama did not hit as hard on the issues of honesty and ethics as some other Democrats did. He focused more on President Bush’s economic policies and said that Sen. McCain would be continuing in the same direction. As they focus on the transition, both men want to put that behind them. The transition of power is one of the core rituals of American politics, and both want to get it right. –George Stephanopoulos

User Comments

As Ralph Cramden used to say: “How Sweet It Is!” Out with the dumb, incompetent, greedy ones and in with the smart, competent, decent ones.

Posted by: hopesprings52 | November 10, 2008, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm

71 Days My fellow Americans 71 Days and Bye Buh Bush,And the smart one takes over Can I get a YAHOOO WAHOOO YAHEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Angie | November 10, 2008, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm

The states Obama won have the cities with hightest crime rates and murder rates — LA, Boston, LA, Detroit and of course Chicago (Murder capital of the US).
Shows what Obama can do in a leadership position — since he was a community organizer in Chicago, a State Senator and US Senator from Illinois.

Posted by: MaryEllen | November 10, 2008, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm

What a class act President Bush – we will miss you. We will especially miss your intelligence, your honesty, your morals and you did not have to be briefed before going to any meeting. It is just so very sad that Stephanapolous could not get him a position with the new administration. He is like a kid.

Posted by: Jane | November 10, 2008, 3:41 pm 3:41 pm

This is the first time in my life i’m completely proud to be an American.
Even after being wounded fighting for this country.

Posted by: black vet | November 10, 2008, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm

Gore may have had that 2000 election stolen from him by the Bush posse, but justice has been done! Too bad the country had to pay such a terrible price and be run into wars and economic collapse just so Bush and his cronies could add to their riches.

Posted by: hopesprings52 | November 10, 2008, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm

my day of passing is near, thank god i live to see history in the making,before a month are days of leaving this world, thank you god,obama may god hold your hand trough your long journey.

Posted by: yvonne | November 10, 2008, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm

“As Ralph Cramden used to say: “How Sweet It Is!” Out with the dumb, incompetent, greedy ones and in with the smart, competent, decent ones.”
I did not know Nancy, Harry, and the rest of the Democrat Low-Lifes in Congress were leaving also! :)

Posted by: ajax | November 10, 2008, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm

people who are staunch republicans should be aware that according to the census data – the most lowly educated and the richest vote republican, so that either means that you don’t know how to vote your economic interests
(ie. if republicans had privatized even part of social security, most elderly would be on the streets right now!!!)
or you are allowing your self to be frightened by socially backward people
if you think george bush girls or cheneys relatives were going to fight in this war -you must be joking. also if you really believe in creationism and avoid science – please don’t take vaccinations or medicine – let your stupidity naturally select you to die young.

Posted by: Audrey | November 10, 2008, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm

YAHOOO WAHOOO YAHEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: LA in Indiana | November 10, 2008, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm

@audrey.. actually, I “privatized” my Social Security a while back. That is why I was able to retire at 45! :)
My wife and I own a nice Farm and have a house at the lake, also. Oh, and I OWE NO-ONE anything! I am debt free! :)
How about you?
The American Dream is nice until you wake up and realize you have to work for it!

Posted by: ajax | November 10, 2008, 4:59 pm 4:59 pm

Jane said: “What a class act President Bush – we will miss you. We will especially miss your intelligence, your honesty, your morals and you did not have to be briefed before going to any meeting. It is just so very sad that Stephanapolous could not get him a position with the new administration. He is like a kid.”
Jane….as President, they ALL attend briefings prior to taking office!
sheeeesh ==rollin eyes==
So yep, Georgie Porgie was briefed…he just forgot over half the stuff they told him. Even down to the small stuff like: as you appear to read, don’t hold the book upside down…take the cap off the binoculars BEFORE you attempt to look…and, dancing requires you move your feet, not just your shoulders.

Posted by: LA in Indiana | November 10, 2008, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm

as i understand bush wants a nafta type agreement with colombia-as a attachment to a stimulis package for the middle class—–WAY TO GO BUSH,A DIRTBAG TO THE END,BIG BUSINESS BIG BUSINESS—–WE MUST STILL HAVE A FEW SPARE JOBS—OR WANT A PART OF THE COLOMBIAN DRUG BUSINESS.

Posted by: rodney | November 10, 2008, 5:07 pm 5:07 pm

@rodney, I guess you had NO problem with Nafta when:
“The NAFTA agreements were signed in December 1993 by the leaders of the three countries — Brian Mulroney of Canada, Carlos Salinas de Gortari of Mexico, and Bill Clinton of the United States but did not come into effect until January 1, 1994[1] when Jean Chrétien was in office in Canada.”
“In the United States, NAFTA was able to secure passage after Bill Clinton made its passage a major legislative priority in 1993.”

Posted by: ajax | November 10, 2008, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm

The worst president ever. worse thsn Nixon. I hope he suffers for the 4,000+ lives of our troops.

Posted by: Phil | November 10, 2008, 5:19 pm 5:19 pm

I think calling Bush the worst president since Nixon is being a bit extreme. Bush had some bad luck and quite a few historical events (that he had no control over) happened during his administration. He had no control over 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, historically high gas prices or the housing market meltdown (with the economic crisis – and he is on record warning Congress 17 times to regulate Fannie/Freddie – warnings that congress ignored). The president is just a man, and he has very limited powers. The president isn’t someone we pin all our hopes and dreams on or blame if we can’t achieve those dreams.
Bush made his mistakes – but he did some good things too. Taxes were at their lowest point since 1991 for ALL TAXPAYERS – and that was rather nice. Bush’s handling of the Indian Ocean tsunami response was beyond reproach and for all those who like to think that the world hates us, just think back to all the donations from foreign countries that poured in after Katrina – it was unprecidented.
I also think that when the dust settles, Bush will eventually be recognized for his efforts for encouraging ethanol gas production and No Child Left Behind – two programs that needed more ooomph behind them but were at least steps in the right direction.

Posted by: Missy M | November 10, 2008, 5:48 pm 5:48 pm

“(ie. if republicans had privatized even part of social security, most elderly would be on the streets right now!!!)” Posted by: Audrey
Your words drip with hate, but this section of your post is an outright lie. Most people who “privatize” their retirement plans invest wisely (T-bills, bonds, etc. that are not impacted at all by the stock market) — the funds grow slowly but it’s a safer bet then “investing” in a nearly bankrupt Social Security system. In 15 years, those who did not take measure to “privatize” their retirement WILL surely be out in the street.

Posted by: civics 101 | November 10, 2008, 5:56 pm 5:56 pm

Let’s just hope that as Obama transitions to the Presidency that he doesn’t let his leftist illuminati ideals ruin the Constitution and other American values that our forefathers once held dear.

Posted by: Jeff | November 10, 2008, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm

Typical of Bush to want to talk about Columbia, especially since he hasn’t done one single thing for the America people since he’s been in office.
And I love that Obama wanted to talk about AMERICAN issues, AMERICAN job, and AMERICAN concerns.
Bush and his republican buddies have been shipping jobs overseas for so long I really can’t understand how they can ever get any American to vote for them.

Posted by: American Girl | November 11, 2008, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm

Let’s see if the candy man can give us all the wonderful things that he promised during the campaign. Let’s see if the Dems, can get this economy going, by continuing a culture of bloated patronizing, irresponsible spending. Let’s see if Obama is just another Jimmy Carter in black skin. He makes a wonderful EX-president. The boogey man will be gone. Let’s see if the Messiah is able to bring peace when Iran is actively seeking a nuke. Should be interesting…

Posted by: jose.gadalupeo | November 11, 2008, 6:12 pm 6:12 pm

Obama is already editing his campaign promises and it will just get worse. He and his leftist illuminati rhetoric were full of empty promises that will never come to fruition.

Posted by: Jeff | November 14, 2008, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm

borrowing billions of dollers from a communist country without raising taxes just to look like the good little small government republican does not realy ring of the true american ideal
Jose’ your throwing some pretty big rocks from inside that little glass double-wide you live

Posted by: yankee | November 15, 2008, 11:18 pm 11:18 pm

Speaking of campaign bitterness… Some things never go away.
Barbara Walters went on The View and repeated the old canard that the Clinton’s sabotaged the White House before they left and Schieffer was on one of the CBS early news shows repeating the same line. Wasn’t there a GAO audit which showed the whole thing was yet another Bush lie?

Posted by: jan | November 16, 2008, 9:57 am 9:57 am

The terrorists can’t wait for Jan. 20th. I don’t think Obama can keep us safe. Besides, he’s Pelosi’s gofer boy. Whatever she says, he’ll sign for it (ban guns, raise taxes, keep abortion legal, no drilling for oil, etc.).

Posted by: Jacob | November 17, 2008, 1:08 am 1:08 am

You know, how come nobody finds it worth comment that shortly after having his first security briefing, Obama wants to increase our troop presence in Afghanistan? What happened to brining all our troops home? Nobody finds it worth commenting on when Obama now says, “Those tax changes that I promised? Well, it’s gonna take some time for me to get to them, folks.”
As pleased as I am that Obama got elected, he is already proving himself to be just another politician. Backpedalling, changing priorities, surrounding himself with the same old politicians that have been rattling around DC for DECADES – welcome to more of the same, folks. It was just wrapped up in a better package.

Posted by: My Views | November 21, 2008, 6:02 pm 6:02 pm

More members become loyal to Barack Obama http://www.evergreenspace.com

Posted by: Tony Smmy | November 24, 2008, 1:09 am 1:09 am

happy thanksgiving

Posted by: ronnesha | November 27, 2008, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm

Iam commenting on the priest talking about confession after voting for obama.
Selling Indulgence(s) was also an infallible teaching of the Catholic church you know. Just like the Inquisition.

Posted by: Femi Ade | November 30, 2008, 8:18 am 8:18 am

Thank God we still have the same big federal government that has caused this whole mess to begin with. You people are so blind you don’t even realize that social security is really private income. It comes from private employees tax dollars. The government contributes nothing to it. We should have the freedom as “free” Americans to decide where our retirement funds should be. That’s what conservatives wanted…just freedom to choose.
Obama, may God hold your hand while you reach into my pockets and give my money to others. May the fed continue to cut rates and inflate our currency so that the neocons and far left liberal politicians get richer.
Wake up people and stop drinking so much Obamade.
http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=ron%20paul&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=campaign%20liberty&hl=en&emb=0

Posted by: RonPaulSupporter | December 5, 2008, 12:59 am 12:59 am

this one’s for Angie — who says Obama won the cities w/ the biggest crime rates.
California (read LA) is the 9th largest economy in the WORLD
I don’t know what NY (read NYC) is, but it’s way up there relative to other states
Red states make up a tiny sliver of the overall U.S. economy, esp. given their size
Blue state tax dollars (we generate almost all of it) pay for the red states’ roads, military, schools, etc.
We must be doing something right

Posted by: TJ | December 26, 2008, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm

@ TJ
no, the majority of tax dollars don’t even come from the income tax.

Posted by: Hank | January 14, 2009, 10:21 am 10:21 am

Bush made his mistakes – but he did some good things too. thank god i live to see history in the making,thank you god,obama may gods wisdom guide you through your long journey for a better world for all.
and thank you President Bush you played your part and your critics are wrong.

Posted by: Mike Koloboy | January 20, 2009, 8:53 am 8:53 am

As I read the hate here in the responses, my heart saddens for the American People. Like it or not, mistakes or no mistakes, Pres. Bush deserved to be respected for all he did. How many of you that are complaining, ran for an office in your community, in your state? Did any of you donate time to or for someone besides yourself? You complain but I am yet to see to much of anything that said I contributed to anything but the nasty words written in this blog.
I respect Pres. Bush for what he did and tried to do for the American People. I respect him even more because he held his head up high as the crowds booed him and threw shoes (of all things) at him. Like it or not, he was OUR PRESIDENT…Thank you Mr. Bush for being my President.
My prayers are with the present administration, that God will guide Pres. Oboma and his staff.

Posted by: Genny | January 22, 2009, 11:44 am 11:44 am

Hostages of energy especially electric detained longer as seized taxpayers. From big coal fights of Illinois a story that hardly pulls any punches. After almost 9 years of public taxpayer providing solar energy to rural members of cooperative the cooperative it states due to the economic conditions must now penalize solar electric. The added charges and unfair legislative environment have electric consumers being again held hostage far further into decades of our children’s and their children’s futures. Taxpayer here a public participant of solar electric was given authority by cooperative electric and for time period mentioned provided electric to other members freely. Now the cooperative in spite of what is being said about requiring taxpayers to help and embrace change the change is to lessen participation and cause severe economic hardship to gain advantage of coal. Nothing is wrong with cheap coal this is not the problem. Electric run as a monopoly is a problem because one monopoly does not want to be the first to give in. That is unfair to not to allow all states equal access to solar fairly reimbursing public for conservation of coal. Not so quickly selling it to other countries. For any electric provider to be in sole control of electric and not the public gives the end result which is to hurt the public taxpaying consumer who has less rights or representation or regulations

Posted by: g | January 26, 2009, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm

rawr

Posted by: May May | March 9, 2009, 10:12 am 10:12 am

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