How Presidents Pass the Torch
The torch passes on election day; the power follows in January. But in between comes a personal transaction, like the one that just took place at the White House. It's not simply ego that has a way of fouling up this moment. Both parties have an eye on the history books, as the outgoing President airbrushes the epilogue, and the arriving one prepares the prologue.
By historical standards, George W. Bush and Barack Obama were remarkably civil in their Oval Office summit. They had never engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Despite the loathing for Bush that animates many in his party, Obama ran less against the man than his record. Bush, apparently in an undisclosed location throughout Campaign 2008, seldom had a bad word to say about Obama, beyond privately dismissing him as a naive lefty. He called Obama's victory a "triumph of the American story, a testament to hard work, optimism and faith in the enduring promise of our nation." Obama's team has been quick to praise the Administration for its commitment to continuity at a moment when enemies crouch and markets quiver.
This civility distinguishes Bush and Obama from many past rivals turned fraternity brothers sharing the secret handshake. Bush takes such rituals seriously, and he had tagged Obama long ago, during White House rush. When freshman Senators visited for breakfast in 2005, Obama wrote in 2006, Bush sought him out to offer some advice. "You've got a bright future. Very bright," the President said. "But I've been in this town awhile, and let me tell you, it can be tough." When your star rises fast, people will come after you from all sides, he warned. "So watch yourself."
Read entire article at Time Magazine
By historical standards, George W. Bush and Barack Obama were remarkably civil in their Oval Office summit. They had never engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Despite the loathing for Bush that animates many in his party, Obama ran less against the man than his record. Bush, apparently in an undisclosed location throughout Campaign 2008, seldom had a bad word to say about Obama, beyond privately dismissing him as a naive lefty. He called Obama's victory a "triumph of the American story, a testament to hard work, optimism and faith in the enduring promise of our nation." Obama's team has been quick to praise the Administration for its commitment to continuity at a moment when enemies crouch and markets quiver.
This civility distinguishes Bush and Obama from many past rivals turned fraternity brothers sharing the secret handshake. Bush takes such rituals seriously, and he had tagged Obama long ago, during White House rush. When freshman Senators visited for breakfast in 2005, Obama wrote in 2006, Bush sought him out to offer some advice. "You've got a bright future. Very bright," the President said. "But I've been in this town awhile, and let me tell you, it can be tough." When your star rises fast, people will come after you from all sides, he warned. "So watch yourself."