CHICAGO (CNN) – President-elect Barack Obama will not be moving his family across the street from the White House early, despite his request to do so. Blair House, which incoming presidents traditionally occupy 5 days before inauguration day on January 15, is apparently booked in the early part of January.
An Obama transition spokesperson says the family initially "explored the idea" of moving into Blair House early so that daughters Sasha and Malia could start school on schedule. But the family was told there were previously-scheduled events and guests that could not be displaced.
"The Blair House, the President's guest house for visiting dignitaries, is available to President-elect Obama and his family starting January 15, as is historically the case," said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for First Lady Laura Bush.
"As for any conversation, I don't comment on specific conversations about transition details."
The Obama transition spokesperson emphasized the White House has been "extremely accommodating" to the Obama family, adding that the entire process has been "smooth and friendly."
From CNN Politics
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Tell me again what does PE stand for? President Elite?
It never hurts to ask! This does not show arrogance, it shows them thinking about their children starting a new school and trying to make the transition easy on them. Same thing any other parent would do for their children.
Why is it all of the PE Obama naysayers react to these senasationalist blogs that are not words from Obama' s mouth but some nonevent written by a reporter who should be doing investigative reporting on something meaningful...like the political ties of Shelby and Corker to foreign auto compaines?
Hey CNN, where's your ticker article on the Canyon County, Idaho representative who sent out numerous e-mails comparing Michelle Obama in her red and black dress to a Black Widow spider?
You could sure have fun with that, now that you're into tabloid journalism.
Honestly I don't understand why so many of you create problems out of nothing. The article simply says that Obama ASKED to use it early so his daughters could start school on time. Nowhere does this article indicate that Obama in anyway felt insulted or was in anyway humiliated.
Bush is still our President, as much as I dislike it, and he can use Blair house as he wants. The article also clearly says that the traditional 5 days preceding inauguration have NOT been booked.
Obama is not asking for special consideration, it's simply a matter of convenience. Obama is going to end up there 5 days before the election, if his family could move in earlier they can spend less time with logistics like this.
Where is the problem? Neither the Bush nor Obama teams have made this into a problem. Honestly, the lot of you.
Amend my last post. Raise the illiteracy rate from 33% to 45%.
Folks, quit thinking with your adrenal glands and start using your brains. Try reading the material as well.
I have, by the way, noticed that the illiteracy knows no party lines.
It's disturbing that so many people believe one side or the other is wrong.
Way to follow your hearts and not your heads, people. Wake up.
can;t we all get alone?? i'm an obama supporter, but this ain't a big deal! thye probably wanted to get settled in early for the kids sake, but it's no big deal.so let's join, democrats, republicas, black, white, latino, asian, gay, straight, lesbian, and everything in between.we are the united states people!
Unfortunately the President-elect will have to a hotel in the mean time to allow the kids to be able to start school. If tradition only alows 5days before the new President is sworn it to have that house available then that's what it is. I'm sure that they can afford to stay in an area hotel for the desired length of time, although it will be a security nightmare for the Secret Service. All they can do at this point is to Bare and Grin know soon he/they will on the inside looking out verse being on the outside looking in.
Every disappoinment is a blessing. The Obamas needed not rush into there anyway, as the sanitation department needed a go at it first.
I guess Obama can put himself and his girls up in a hotel so they can attend school. I guess they will need extra security. but that's O.K. He'll do anything for his girls.
Obama is not the president yet and he should not go around acting like one. Bush has every right to the Blair house untill Jan 15th, 2009.
Bush and LAura are wonderful people AND NO ONE CAN FILL THEIR SHOES.
It is a hoot to read the dribble that appears on these blogs, to include myself.
Doesn't anyone read the story before responding? It clearly states that the place is booked until January 15th, at which time the new President gains access, not a day or five days before. What more needs to be said? I know though that there are a bunch of people that would like to attach some sort of racism or discrimination to this and will never give up as long as CNN makes it possible with headlines such as these.
Right on Rebekka! Obama has not even taken office yet and there is already a scandel involving a CLOSE affliate of Obama. Too many sheep are spoon fed by a dishonest media. Do research for your selves people!
Who knows MAYBE Obama is connected some how.
And this is news... why?
Read the article, people! The Obama's can have the house on the 15th, just like everyone else has. They were asking to get in early and it is booked. No one in the Bush administration is denying them anything that anyone else has had. They have no "right" to move in early. Stop the whining!
Maybe Obama can get his friend Rezko to buy him cheap land and then build a house.
idiot dems! the blair house is not run by the white house – it is a hotel that takes reservations!! get over yourselves – you all are starting to look really stupid!!!
I am an Obama supporter. I find no offense in either the request to move in earlier, or the negative response. I do get upset by those on both side that need to attack either person with negative invectives.
Go ahead, Susan, start marching...you dolt...
Good Grief, people, take a deep breath and relax. The article says the Obama family, as all incoming Presidents in the past, have the house starting on the 15th, 5 day before the Inauguration. There's is no slight or scandal here.
I think it was reasonable for the Obamas to see IF accommodations were available, they've been told they are not, THEY are accepting the answer. Why the fuss??
Everyone just needs to relax!
Please read the entire article. He is moving in on the 15th of January which is the normal process for incoming presidents. He just wanted to know if he could move in prior to the 15th to accomodate his daughter's school schedule. There was no scheduling error on anyone's part. This is not even an issue. Read the last sentence of the article. Quote: The Obama transition spokesperson emphasized the White House has been "extremely accommodating" to the Obama family, adding that the entire process has been "smooth and friendly."
Rebekah, Yes you are sorry. You have also chosen to be spoon fed-
by the right wing nutjobs. Anyone still spewing this not a citizen crap
has to be doing it because they enjoy looking stupid.
December 12th, 2008 11:54 am ET
oh I'm sorry that I actually question things instead of blindly accepting them….I'm sorry I actually read, research and think for myself instead of being spoon fed by the media....
Seems like you have been fed by the right wing media. Republican talking points, anyone?
Its time to shut Limbaugh down with the Fairness Doctrine.