The Ultimate Power Lunch
(CBS)
It's a day for White House historians and reporters to wish for a "fly on the wall" moment as President Bush, President-elect Obama and their predecessors Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton meet at the White House. The meeting was Mr. Obama's idea. The White House says George W. Bush was happy to arrange it.
Reporters only had a quick photo-session glimpse of the unique fraternity. It was a bi-partisan mutual admiration society as President Bush told his soon-to-be successor, " We want you to succeed. Whether we're a Democrat or a Republican, we care deeply about this country. To the extent we can, we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. All of us who have served in this office understand the office itself transcends the individual. We wish you all the very best and so does the country."
After shaking hands with President Bush, Mr. Obama said, " This is an extraordinary gathering. All of the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office. For me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary." CBS News Senior White House Correspondent Bill Plante asked the president-elect what he could learn from the mistakes of his predecessors. Mr. Obama responded, "from their successes!"
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Reporters picked up on some presidential small talk as Bill Clinton complimented George W. Bush on the Oval Office floor-covering. Mr. Clinton said, " I love this rug." Each president chooses his own rug design for the famed office.
