(CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama will set foot inside the Oval Office for the first time Monday as he meets with President Bush to talk about the problems his incoming administration will face.
The meeting between president and president-elect is a historic formality, but it's also a time for serious talks.
The two are expected to discuss "a broad range of issues," focusing on the economy, according to a leader of Obama's transition team.
"It's clear that we need to stabilize the economy, to deal with the financial meltdown that's now spreading across the rest of the economy. The auto industry is really, really back on its heels," transition team leader John Podesta said.
Podesta told CNN's "Late Edition" that Obama will push Congress to enact "at least part" of an economic package before he takes office in January, but said the problems Americans face need short- and long-term approaches.
The president and president-elect also are expected to talk about national security and the war in Iraq.
From CNN Politics
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I can't understand why Obama would be talking with Bush to be updated on what has been happening. Dick Cheney is likely the only one who knows what is going on and Bush just does as Cheney directs him.
I am no fan of George W. Bush (really, nooo fan at all), but to his credit, he has done a pretty good job in this transition process. I don't know if he is trying to do this for his legacy, inherent goodness, or if he is just relieved to be a private citizen again...but he has been pretty good in the handoff process.
barack should just boot bush's butt out ,now!
Please try and see Canadian Documentary " The Bush Years"
You people have a right to know what your government has done.
Right where you belong, Mr. President-elect. We are so very proud of you! Yes You Can!!!
Obama needs to get in to the Oval office early to find out how much garbage he needs to haul, how many fumigators to hire and how many exorcists he's going to need. Bush was a complete incompetent and did more to harm America than ANY foreign threats. I pray for Obama and Biden to clean up the debacle that Bush and his filthy cronies are leaving behind.
WoooHooo, two idiots talking about our future. How comforting
Lets get busy, we know that you are ready to handle the major crisis
the republicans have put the nation in. Your supporters in Baton Rouge Louisiana are eagerly awaiting the victory visit to Louisiana (Baton Rouge)
Obama 08'...................................................................................................
Hurry Obama! – forget the formalities!
China set to make major economic splash on the world!!!
568 BILLION!!!
Republicans asleep at the switch AGAIN!
China!!! “NEW world bailout KING”!!!!
Change. We're full of it.
This will be Baracks hardest job, not laughing when GW proudly tells him all He's done.
I guess this would be a good time to measure those drapes lol.
I think President Elect-Obama will be teaching George W. Bush something!!!!!!!!!
and the story goes on and on. President Bush did a great job after Clinton left him with a bursting tech bubble and Bin Laden still running free and then of course the result of that...9/11 and then the Democrats left us with this housing mortgage mess because they refused Bush's reqest for oversight. Cheney and Bush, every Democrat and comedian favorite...what will they ever do without them?
Obama can't be ridiculed because he is, well I can't say, as anything anyone does or says will be perceived as racist. Looks like th Comedians will have to take a vacation for 4 years and the Democratic Congress will simply continue their vacation as always.
Stacy – It has been said that the president-elect is welcomed into a group with very exclusive membership. The cardinal rule is that former presidents respect the incoming president, regardless of party, and support him. It maintains dignity and integrity in the office of the president. President Bush is obviously adhering to this rule, and yes, it does put him in a good light.
I hope one of the issues is employment,I'm out of work.I know the employment market is tough right now,so I want to go with Obama's plan,not the Republican "trickle down theory",but it's been imposable to find anybody at the bottom of the food chain that hires people,it seems they are all looking for work too.
Can somebody help me by explaining how this"from the bottom up"works ?
We have to give GB credit for being in the White House even if he don't know nothing 'facts are facts.
At least I am seeing some decent comments here for once....but there is still hate and vitriol amongst the liberal left posters..... OF COURSE, President Bush will do what is right in handing over the reigns of power. We will expect nothing less of Obama four years from now.
Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfiwitz, Rice, Gonzalez should all be prosecuted for treason, breaching of the U.S. Constitution, and gross violations of U.S. and International laws and treaties.
With any luck Bush will ask Obama if he wants to start early, like today!
I'm glad to see the President and President-elect meeting so soon. Some of you republicans need to take a long look in the mirror and figure out why you hate people who disagree with you so much. If it's because that's what your party has told you to do, become an independent and get a new perspective. Seriously, the hate and blame-game era needs to come to an end.
This will give President-elect Barack Hoosane Obama an opportunity too find out what President Bush has and has not shared concerning all information that will help transition team go forward. Then the President-elect Obama can clearly see first hand information which will help him in appointments of different individual choices towards cabinet positions for his Administration
From direct communication with the President, Barack Obama can configure plans which he may be addressed in his first 100 days that the Executive Office and Congress can take immediate action on! So this is a very large and impact opportunity for President-elect Barack Hoosane Obama can, and will experience!
Being President is a lot harder than anyone gives credit for. President Bush was dealt a bad hand and he could have done better. Hindsight is 20/20.
President-elect Obama is yet to prove himself. As President, he will not be able to vote present as he did so often in the Illinois Senate (look it up, its true).
EVERYONE needs to stop the venomous attacks and start working together. Democrats can't sit there and expect Republicans to just bend over and support nonsense legislation. Democrats need to make an effort as well.
Gary November 10th, 2008 10:02 am ET
This will be Baracks hardest job, not laughing when GW proudly tells him all He's done.
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Barack's already laughing - he doesn't need Congress or anyone - he's going to "rule" this country through executive orders !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Prez Obama: President Bush, How did you srew up so bad? How did you manage to be the worst president ever?