Continuing Tradition, Bush Leaves Note

(CBS/ AP)  Continuing a White House ritual, President George W. Bush left a note in the Oval Office for President-elect Barack Obama, wishing him well as he takes the reins of the executive branch.

President Bush wrote a private note to Mr. Obama Monday and left it in the top drawer of the "Resolute" desk in the Oval Office, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Knoller.

The White House will only say the theme of the note is similar to what Mr. Bush has said since election night about the fabulous new chapter Mr. Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best, Knoller reports.

"The theme is similar to what he's said since election night about the fabulous new chapter President-elect Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best," White House press secretary Dana Perino said Tuesday.

During his last moments in the Oval Office, former President Ronald Reagan scribbled a note for his successor on a notepad with a turkey insignia that said "Don't let the turkeys get you down." He, too, slipped the note in the presidential desk for his successor, President George H.W. Bush.

Four years after that, the elder Bush left a note for President Bill Clinton. And eight years after that, Clinton wrote a note for Mr. Bush, and included a copy of the message he had received from Mr. Bush's father.

Mr. Bush's final half-day as president includes a goodbye to Washington and a hello from fellow Texans.

On Tuesday morning, the president and first lady Laura Bush will welcome Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, to the White House. The Bushes, the Obamas, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, his wife, Jill, and leaders of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will have coffee in the Blue Room.

After the swearing-in ceremony for Mr. Obama at the Capitol, Mr. Bush will take a helicopter to Andrews Air Force Base, where he'll make private remarks inside a hangar.

The Bushes then will fly to Midland, Texas, on the familiar blue-and-white presidential aircraft, although it will be called Special Air Mission 28000 instead of Air Force One because Mr. Bush will no longer be president.

While the inauguration frenzy continues in Washington, thousands of well-wishers are expected to greet the Bushes at Centennial Plaza in Midland - the same place the president stopped on his way to the nation's capital for his own inauguration in 2001. While Mr. Bush was born in New Haven, Conn., he spent his childhood in Midland. He returned there as an adult in the 1970s and met the future first lady.

After the rally, the Bushes are flying to Waco, Texas, on their way to their 1,600-acre ranch in nearby Crawford.

[flutecat]

I wish I could send this to the man himself. However I would like to say Thanks to Presidant Bush. I know that man struggled in the choices he made. I feel in my heart that he prayed a lot for this country. I know he loved this country. I think to many tare down the presidants and dont focas on the good they do but just the bad. I hope Obama understand he has a lot a weight on his shoulders and will prove his worthiness to the world. I hope he is a God fearing man like Presidant Bush was. I hope and Pray for him that he will pray before he makes any impotant choices. I pray that he will be safe. But thankyou Presidant Bush you did your best and that is all you could do. Everyone thinks he or she could have done better. But noone really knows what they would have done in your shoes. You are a good man to me and all my family and friends. Thanks!!!!

[rhs648]

correction

Thank you President Bush. While you served as President, my state became the wealthiest state in America with the highest median income according to the most recent Census Bureau data. My family has prospered. Thanks to your efforts, my pension will be more secure because you allow us to put increased amounts in our qualified pension plans each year. My upcoming retirement will be more secure because you gave us a prescription benefit as part of the Medicare program. Hopefully, people will appreciate these improvements as they approach retirement age. Enjoy your retirement.

[rhs648]

Thank you President Bush. While you served as President, my state became the wealthies state in America with the highest median income according to the most recent Census Bureau data. My family has prospered. Thanks to your efforts, my pension will be more secure because you allow us to put increased amounts in our qualified pension plans each year. My upcoming retirement will be more secure because you gave us a prescription benefit as part of the Medicare program. Hopefully, people will appreciate these improvements as they approach retirement age. Enjoy your retirement.

[liberalme]

If you''re ever looking for a "Good Will" Ambassador, you can find me in Wacko Tx.

[babooph]

Did he use his crayons ?

[vcofreason]

My first note would say, "Run!!!!!" and then the real note would be underneath. The president in this country is nothing more than a figurehead. Congress, with all its criminals and thieves, truly make the law in this country based on what lobbyist pays the most money, buys the biggest lobster and talks the right game.

[lemonskink]

The note:

If you find any bottles of Jack Daniels send them to Crawford. I hid so many I lost track. Good Luck.

[omnibus66]

I wonder what color crayon he used.

And did he stay inside the lines?