UPDATED
Obamas wrap up White House visit, though details are scarce
Chicago Tribune Nov 10, 08 3:17 PM CST
(Newser)
-
The First Couple and the First Couple-elect met at the White House this afternoon. After the Bushes greeted the Obamas, President Bush took Barack Obama to the Oval Office for a private meeting, while Laura Bush showed Michelle Obama around the residence. The meetings lasted about an hour, the Chicago Tribune reports.
More »
Associated Press Nov 10, 08 1:17 PM CST
(AP)
-
President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, have arrived at the White House for a visit, his first since last week's landslide election victory. President Bush and first lady Laura Bush were at the North Portico of the White House to greet the Obamas on a sunny fall day with moderate temperatures and colorful but fading autumn leaves.
More »
Bolivia, Ecuador latest to repudiate US anti-drug operations
Christian Science Monitor Nov 10, 08 12:02 PM CST
(Newser)
-
Some Latin American countries are pushing back against the US by cutting off DEA operations, the Christian Science Monitor reports. President Evo Morales, saying DEA agents "worked to conduct political espionage," gave them 3 months to leave Bolivia. Ecuador, meanwhile, has refused to renew the US lease on a key airbase, which an American official says creates a "serious gap" in drug-interdiction operations.
More »
The last time the two met, Dubya sanitized his hands afterward
Fox News Nov 10, 08 1:48 AM CST
(Newser)
-
It’s possible that no greater distance has ever divided the numbers 43 and 44. An excerpt from Barack Obama’s 2006 book, The Audacity of Hope, reveals just how awkward today’s meeting between president and president-elect might be, reports Fox News. After shaking Obama’s hand at their first meeting in 2005, President Bush slathered his hands in sanitizing gel—and offered Obama a dollop, too.
More »
Prez-elect may enact own oil, stem cell
plans in January
Associated Press Nov 9, 08 6:38 PM CST
(AP)
-
President-elect Obama plans to use his executive powers to make an immediate impact when he takes office, perhaps reversing Bush administration policies on stem cell research and domestic drilling for oil and natural gas, the AP reports. John Podesta, Obama's transition chief, said today Obama is reviewing President Bush's executive orders in an effort to undo policies enacted during 8 years of Republican rule.
More »
OPINION
Obama veers from longstanding American anti-intellectualism
New York Times Nov 9, 08 10:31 AM CST
(Newser)
-
Since Adlai Stevenson, America has recoiled from intellectuals in power—but maybe Barack Obama, “an open, out-of-the-closet, practicing intellectual,” can change that, writes Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times . “Smart and educated leadership is no panacea,” Kristof notes, “but we’ve seen recently that the converse—a White House that scorns expertise and shrugs at nuance—doesn’t get very far either.”
More »
OPINION
Wall Street Journal Nov 8, 08 2:31 PM CST
(Newser)
-
George W. Bush may not be judged kindly by history, but he was faithful, consistent, and above all compassionate, writes former White House official Jim Towey in the Wall Street Journal . It was “little acts behind the curtain” that “inspired intense loyalty by staff members." To those who knew him, “the president's true character rendered his media image pure caricature.” It is the real George Bush, this man of "bedrock decency," that Towey will miss.
More »
Transition moving quickly between president, successor
Washington Post Nov 6, 08 1:36 PM CST
(Newser)
-
President George W. Bush will meet with Barack Obama early next week to discuss plans for transition, the Washington Post reports. Obama received his first intelligence briefing this morning, and key staffers have been given expedited security clearances. “We face economic challenges that will not pause to let a new president settle in,” the President said, explaining the hasty measures.
More »
Treasury chief may be announced today as transition gears up
Washington Post Nov 6, 08 4:20 AM CST
(Newser)
-
The Barack Obama team is swiftly dismantling his presidential campaign network and getting the framework in place for the transfer of power, the Washington Post reports. Economic issues are taking priority and the president-elect may announce his Treasury secretary as soon as today. Sources say New York Fed Chief Timothy Geithner, former Treasury secretary Lawrence Summers and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker are likely picks.
More »
Obama election 'triumph of the American story,' president says
CNN Nov 5, 08 1:24 PM CST
(Newser)
-
All Americans, no matter who they voted for, should be “overcome with pride” at Barack Obama’s historic victory, President Bush said today, calling it “a triumph of the American story.” Bush promised he’d give Obama his “complete cooperation” in preparing for the transition. He said he looked forward to the inauguration, which “will be a stirring sight.”
More »
ANALYSIS
Economic woes will put creativity in the red
Times (UK) Nov 4, 08 5:05 PM CST
(Newser)
-
The end of the Bush era could mean tough times for the arts, the Morgan Falconer writes in the Times of London. Not only will artists, filmmakers, and writers lose the muse who has inspired critical works, but the economic crisis will drain financial support. John McCain already implied he would trim federal backing, and Barack Obama would likely be forced to do the same.
More »
Prez praised by both parties for ambitious transition efforts
Bloomberg Nov 4, 08 9:33 AM CST
(Newser)
-
These days, not even "Brownie" would say "Heckuva job, Bushie," but President Bush is getting lauded by both sides of the aisle over his perhaps unparalleled efforts to ensure a smooth handover of power, Bloomberg reports. Bush began delegating tasks and deadlines this spring. “The White House and agencies are doing a good job, learning from mistakes of the past,” says a former White House aide who’s handled transitions since the Carter presidency.