The current President Bush hosted lunch for President-elect Obama and four former Presidents. After the lunch President Bush and soon to be President Obama had a 30 minute lunch. The following is from the AP, of what was said during the photo-op, also theres picture below,
“I just want to thank the president for hosting us,” the president-elect said, flanked by former President George H.W. Bush on one side and his son on the other.
Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, both smiling broadly, stood with them.
“All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office,” Obama said. “For me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary.”
In a swift photo opportunity, the current president wished Obama well before all five men headed to a private lunch that lasted about 90 minutes.
“I want to thank the president-elect for joining the ex-presidents for lunch,” Bush said, even though he’s not quite a member of that club yet.
“One message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we’re Democrat or Republican we care deeply about this country,” Bush said. “All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual.”
He added: “We wish you all the very best, and so does the country.”
