All Happy In Harlem

Barack Obama and Bill Clinton lunched in New York today and, according to a joint statement released by the spokesmen, "had a great conversation" about politics and "mostly" about "how the world has changed since September 11, 2001."

The get-together was the first formal sit-down since Obama defeated Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination and comes two weeks after a convention that was rife with intrigue about the Clintons and their role in the fall campaign – not to mention the internal party divisions.

Today's lunch was all smiles though, as the two appeared in front of reporters before disappearing behind closed doors. When asked what he thought of the state of the race, Clinton said he believes Obama will win "pretty handily" over McCain. "You can take it from the president of the United States," Obama chimed in. "He knows a little something about politics." And, when asked what he would be doing for the fall campaign on behalf of the Democratic ticket, the former president said, "I've agreed to do a substantial number of things, whatever I'm asked to do."

Here's the joint statement sent out: "President Clinton and Senator Obama had a great conversation in Harlem today. They discussed the campaign briefly, but mostly talked about how the world has changed since September 11, 2001. Sen. Obama praised the work of the Clinton Foundation around the world and President Clinton applauded Sen. Obama's historic campaign which has inspired millions around the country. They also spoke about what the next President can do to help make the economy work for all Americans, as it did under President Clinton, and ensure safety and prosperity far beyond the coming the election. President Clinton said he looks forward to campaigning for Senator Obama later this month."