Obama makes triumphant White House visit

WASHINGTON - President George W Bush and President-elect Barack Obama met privately in the Oval office Monday in the first public steps in the transition to a new administration.

The meeting lasted about an hour. It was Obama’s first visit to the White House since his election Nov 4 and his first visit ever to the Oval Office.

Bush and First Lady Laura Bush greeted Obama, and his wife, Michelle, at the South Portico entrance to the White House.

“Good to see you,” the First Lady said. Obama replied, “thank you so much.”

Presumably referring to the chilly weather, the president-elect also told the First Couple: “You both look autumnal.”

Three minutes later, Obama and Bush walked the colonnade that connects the main White House building with the West Wing and Oval Office. The two appeared to be chatting amiably, stopping occasionally to wave at reporters.

The first lady and Michelle Obama toured the residence, with particular emphasis on where the two Obama children will be living when the new president moves in on Jan. 20.

Obama and Bush were meeting in a “tone of cooperation,” despite sharp attacks on the president’s record during the campaign, said White House spokesperson Dana Perino.