The transition: The Bush-Obama meeting

The New York Times raises the curtain on today’s Bush-Obama meeting. “In a time-honored tradition of American democracy, Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, will receive a tour of their new home from Mr. Bush and the first lady, Laura Bush. Then the men will split off to begin the formal transfer of power, all the more urgent this year because of the financial crisis. Mr. Obama has said he expects a ‘substantive conversation between myself and the president.’” ”But there will also be a subtext to the session: the personal chemistry between two leaders whose worldviews are miles apart. The ritual visit is occurring uncommonly early this year, less than a week after Mr. Obama handily defeated Senator John McCain of Arizona, who was the Republican nominee and Mr. Bush’s preferred candidate. Emotions may still be raw.” The New York Daily News : "It will be all smiles at the White House Monday when Barack Obama pays a visit - but behind the handshakes is friction over his plan to reverse many of ... (link)