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Obama Staffers Stocking Up on Midnight Oil

President may encourage having families to White House for evening meals

By Sarah Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 15, 2009 11:11 AM CST

(Newser) – The early-bird White House of the Bush administration is almost history, Politico reports. Unlike President Bush, who was usually out the door by 6pm, President-elect Obama’s staffers are expecting long, late hours to match their heavy workload. The Obama team is already working on ways to keep workers in touch with their families. One idea? Communal meals at the White House.

“You don’t want to burn people out,” warned a Bush adviser, suggesting the Obama team work in shifts. “You don’t want them to become so busy that they can’t function to their maximum potential.” Another change: Obama seems more inclined than Bush to be seen out and about in Washington—he’s already been to cocktail parties and a local chili joint.

President Bush and President-elect Obama walk along the West Wing Colonnade at the White House on Nov. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Barack Obama eats with Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty at Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington on Saturday night; George W. Bush rarely went out for meals. (AP Photo)

Workers finish a walkway in front of the White House on Saturday as preparations continue for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. (AP Photo)

Families may be invited for meals at the White House so President Obama's staffers get a chance to see them during what are sure to be busy early months in office. (AP Photo)

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Obama Staffers Stocking Up on Midnight Oil

President may encourage having families to White House for evening meals

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Obama Staffers Stocking Up on Midnight Oil

President may encourage having families to White House for evening meals

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • White House • Bill Clinton • George W. Bush • transition team • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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