January 1, 2009
Posted: 05:25 PM ET
The Obama family will check into the historic Hay-Adams hotel in Washington this weekend.
The Obama family will check into the historic Hay-Adams hotel in Washington this weekend.

(CNN) — The hotel that will be home to President-elect Barack Obama and his family for the next couple of weeks offers one of Washington's best views of their future home, the White House, and a past linked with political movers and shakers.

The Obamas will be moving into the Hay-Adams hotel this weekend, aides say. They're doing this in part so that the family's daughters, Sasha and Malia, can begin school when classes reconvene after winter break.

They had hoped to move into nearby Blair House, which president-elects traditionally occupy five days before moving into the White House, early. But the Bush administration said the house, which is used as a guest house for visiting dignitaries, already had events scheduled there and guests who could not be displaced.

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama


bushisuseless   January 1st, 2009 10:52 pm ET

Citadelgrrl05

I feel your pain and of the other military families American soldiers in reality have a thankless job . They are only good when they are strong but when they get maimed and seriously hurt in this godforsaken useless war in Iraq. They rendered them useless by this administration they got poor treatment in a rat infested hospital and
most of this war veterans ended up homeless. I'm wondering since they can't fill up the quota of new recruits. and they can't imposed the draft. They might have deliberately sabotage the economy. So people who lost their job and those who can't find any job at all, and those newly high school graduates who can't get to college have no recourse but to enlist. So this poor people can protect the rich republican their friends interest and their wasteful lifestyle.
As for the Blair house 'What foreign dignitaries. For all we know They might be moving Bush 's cradle, pampers children book, bongs, and Laura's Dominatrix outfit in that house. They can't send it to their new house yet because they are still using it. If I were the first Family I wouldn't move to that house yet until they get completely sterilized and completely exorcised.

Proud American   January 1st, 2009 10:24 pm ET

Can't Bush get social security for the remaining 3 weeks of his admin. He shouldn't have any problems qualifying being retarded an all. Or, he could use sick leave, the brain cells in his head have dried up.

Proud American   January 1st, 2009 10:21 pm ET

GuyInVA Your a bigger Idiot than the one who's currently in the White House. Bush is totally useless and standing in the way of progress. Put your helmet on and go to bed. Idiot.

PJP in OK   January 1st, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Proud American said, "BUSH BEGONE AND NOW 75% OF AMERICA AGREES, FINALLY! Well Said, I couldn't have said it better myself. Happy New Year!!!"

Well, bub, I think is is less than 75% and even if it isn't, there is 25% of us that is still here and we don't plan on going anywhere!!! We will keep ours eyes and ears open! I pray Obama does good but that is what it is going to take, prayer for him.

Jarolalo   January 1st, 2009 10:06 pm ET

Why is Obama's moving anywhere prior to January 15 a topic or an issue? He can go wherever he wants to, I think. The Blair House will be available at the traditional time, and its availability is no reflection whatsoever on George W. Bush. I hope the Obamas understand this, and I believe they do. Where they go now is much ado about nothing and not a national concern. They can work out their family situation.

Complainers from the military are a far greater issue because anyone in the military has volunteered to be there, a choice with excellent benefits. The United States has no draft.

obama   January 1st, 2009 10:04 pm ET

Republicans, you have lost – just accept it and move on

Canaman   January 1st, 2009 9:59 pm ET

I wonder why some people on this comment board are still so bitter about their incoming President Obama. He is planning on staying at the hotel so that his kids would go to school, NOT the Blair House. Comments like: "'Oh, he should wait his turn", "Pres Bush can do anything he wants to the Blair House", etc are rationally unnecessary. Obama doesn't attempt to jump his turn NOR fight to stay at the Blair House. Although, he asked the present White House whether the place could be available and it wasn't. Rationally thinking people are not making any big deal out of that negotiation.

If the "baseless hate" that is apparent on this board is so common in America, then the country is in a big trouble. Some fellows are incredibly shallow, and it's sad.

I KNOW THIS MIGHT NOT BE SHOW IN THE COMMENT AREA BY THE PARTIAL CNN AS ALWAYS, BUT I'LL POST IT ANYWAY.

Jacky   January 1st, 2009 9:45 pm ET

To William A. Schaedler from St. Louis …" the eventual destruction of the United States as you know it."

You mean Obama is going to destroy Bush's work — this horrific economy, being despised around the world, his disbelief in SCIENCE?
Ok… bring it on. Maybe we'll go back to those horrible Clinton days when everyone was employed, rich, and making money. Yeah, that would be just horrible.

CD   January 1st, 2009 9:36 pm ET

If I was Obama, I would not let AF1 take Bush back to Texas. I would make him fly commercial.

Marie,San Diego   January 1st, 2009 9:34 pm ET

Who are these "important" people currently staying in the Blair house? Are these folks more important than the next prez?

alex badme, albuquerque   January 1st, 2009 9:33 pm ET

Bush Rules. Hes the President and not just the elect. When O'bama gets in he can make the rules. The he'll tax teh us to kingdom come. What ever happend to above 250K. Its right back down to 150K and if you dont pay taxes they give you 2K for nothing. I am afraid we are going to go really down soon. Jan 20th is a very sad day indeed. If Obama can stay in a $6.5M house in Hawaii surely he can aford the hotel. I'm guessing the tax payer, me, not the ones making less then 150K are paying for it anyway so just stop your whining if your not paying

RCLGuard   January 1st, 2009 9:31 pm ET

"No Hillary = No Obama" Are you kidding me? PUMA's are so 2008.

MikefromWV   January 1st, 2009 9:30 pm ET

If the Obama family is not complaining and is apparently understanding of the present situation with Blair House, then the rest of us should show some understanding. I hate Bush as much as anyone, but this is a trivial matter, not worthy of our energy and emotions. This hotel will provide them with worthy quarters to stay in until the 15th, when they will be able to move into Blair House for the next five days. I just continue to count down the days until Bush is gone for good. I just keep marking off the days on my calendar until Barack is our new President. Then Bush will retire as gracefully as is possible for him, to Texas, where, hopefully, he will no longer be able to harm our great Country.

Call it down the middle   January 1st, 2009 9:19 pm ET

It doesn't say anything about Obama being upset about it, it just said they are staying at the historic hotel, that's all. What's the big deal. I'm sure Obama isn't losing sleep over it, also it doesn't say we (tax payers) have to pay for it. It also doesn't say Bush is being a jerk about it. If anything it seems like they are getting along pretty good. Everyone is going off over nothing. Everyone take it easy. I quote Rodney King, "why can't we all just get along?"

Citadelgrrl05   January 1st, 2009 9:16 pm ET

GutInVA, where have you been these past 8 years, you have the nerve to say that it is lefties that don't use the constitution, you bush enthusist makes me utterly sick, as a militay spouse, I am utterly disgusted by this so called commander in chief and i can not wait for him to leave, after my husband had to spend six months in the desert, and be with out our 1 and 4 year old, I can not wait till Bush leaves, trust me there are so many military families that feel this way and that is why almost 50% of us voted for obama. Bush is completely WRONG in this situation, he could have gotten his favorability from 22% to at least 25% for being gracious in this situation, kids come first no matter, they should not have to stay in a hotel. He probably having all his saudi, texas, and lobbyist friends in there too woop it up, how pathetic. You know we are going to find out who stayed there instead it will definately make his rating go from 22% to 15%.

William A. Schaedler from St. Louis   January 1st, 2009 9:15 pm ET

Everyone who so fervently voted for this character better prepare yourselves for the eventual destruction of the United States as you know it.

chuck   January 1st, 2009 9:15 pm ET

BARNEY AND CONDI —–THEONLY TWO BLACKS TREATED WELL BY GEOGE BUSH.

TexAnnie *-*-*-*-*   January 1st, 2009 9:13 pm ET

Good God people, chill out…. and, please, engage your brain before putting your mouth in drive.
First of all, historically the Blair House has not been available for the President Elect until Jan. 15th. Nothing different this year than from past years.
The Obamas asked if it was available earlier so their girls could start school. They were told it would be in use, and they said okay and found a hotel instead. If the Obamas aren't upset, why should any of you posters be upset??
Nothing is any different about this issue than for all previous Presidents/Presidents Elect since Blair House was built. This is a NON-ISSUE.
I can understand the Obamas wanting to get situated in DC so the girls can start school, and they've resolved that situation quite well. They (the Obamas) will be paying the hotel bill– not you, not me, not the U.S. Government.
I swear, I wonder why CNN allows some of the uninformed arrogant incendiary posts they do on here.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 1st, 2009 9:09 pm ET

FUMIGATE THE WHITE HOUSE, THE BLAIR HOUSE AND ANY OTHER HOUSE THE BUSHES HAVE LIVED IN. THE HOTEL WILL DO JUST FIND UNTIL ALL OF THE ABOVE HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.

John G   January 1st, 2009 8:58 pm ET

But Chris in Missouri, he isn't every other President. As he himself enjoys pointing out he doesn't even look like them…

He is Barack Obama and trumpets should sound, knees should bend and waters should part for his convenience. The rules simply don't apply to him.

Word on the street is that Obama can also outrun a speeding locomotive, walk on water, leap tall buildings in a single bound, heal the sick, raise the dead, make the little girls go out of their….oh wait that's Superman, Jesus and the Seventh Son…nevermind.

tired of politics   January 1st, 2009 8:43 pm ET

Didn't this article say that the Blair House is for the President-elect to move into "5″ days before occupying the White House? That should not be until the 15th. I, for one would be majorly upset if I were bumped from my stay at the Blair House. This early move to Washington is for their convenience only. It doesn't bother me if they have to stay in a hotel. Personally, I think they should stay somewhere that we don't have to pick up the tab for their childrens sake.

Godluvr   January 1st, 2009 8:43 pm ET

I guess I'm being a little petty and somewhat partial, but I do think that the Bush people should have handled the situation more presidential-like and more professionally. It seems more like a final snub than a full house at the Blair House. Who could be more important in relation to staying there in that time frame than the Obamas? In fact, it would have been a great gesture, and a positive note to exit on, if he had asked the Obamas what their intentions were in relation to moving in. Courtesy goes a long way,

tired of it all   January 1st, 2009 8:42 pm ET

Why is this in the news again? Traditionally, the incoming President gets the Blair House on January 15th. (I may be off by a day or two.) Barak Obama is getting the same treatment as any incoming President. No more, no less.

I just wish the name calling would stop. The President of the US deserves respect. After 8 years of "he's not my President", it's time to stop. Whoever wins the election is my President. I may not agree with anything the President does, but he is the leader of the country and we all lose if any President is not successful. Dissent is one thing, but the past eight years have gone far beyond dissent. The same can be said of the misguided Clinton impeachement effort.

No Hillary = No Obama   January 1st, 2009 8:41 pm ET

Whoopie-do. A year from now people will be wondering how they got duped.

aware   January 1st, 2009 8:34 pm ET

Enjoy yourself while it lasts PEBO & Co! You will soon be hated more than Bush! It goes with the territory! :)

Chris from Missouri   January 1st, 2009 8:32 pm ET

When talking about the Blair House the story itself says that " president-elects traditionally occupy five days before moving into the White House." President Bush has every right to schedule whomever he would like to be in the Blair House up until the 5-day traditional period. President-Elect Obama can respectfully wait his turn just like every President before him.

Denise....Boardman, Ohio   January 1st, 2009 8:31 pm ET

PE Obama and his family will be just fine…they are not trying to create any waves during this time of transition…let President Bush enjoy his last few weeks in Blair House….It will take a few more weeks for President Bush to pack up his stuff and move…packing up his copy of "MY PET GOAT", a bag of pretzels and his Rumsfeld "dolls" is hard work…give the man a break….

Geri   January 1st, 2009 8:31 pm ET

According to protocol, Blair House has always been available to the president elect after January 15th. It's Obama's choice to stay at the hotel so his kids can start school. No special privileges for him just because his name is Obama.

chuck   January 1st, 2009 8:31 pm ET

GEORGE BUSH AND HIS HINCHMEN NEED TO VACATE THE WHITE HOUSE AND BLAIR HOUSE NOW.THEY ARE DOING NOTHING GOOD FOR THE COUNTRY NOW AND NEVER DID.

Chana   January 1st, 2009 8:31 pm ET

Who is paying the bill on the Blair House for the Bush guests during the time that the Obama family wanted to move in so that their kids could go to school? Is Bush paying or the taxpayers? If the taxpayers are paying, then Bush should have made other arrangements and displaced his guests….. I am in the 75% that just wants to "get out the Bushes"….

Timezone   January 1st, 2009 8:30 pm ET

How childish is this! It is sad that he has to check into a hotel.

crazygirl   January 1st, 2009 8:26 pm ET

Yea! Bush is even informing the NEW PRESIDENT where he is allowed to stay! Can not wait till that freak is out of office! He has destroyed every one's life & still thinks he is arrogantly in control! Way to go Mr. Bush! ( Hey! I have an idea)…. go ahead and let the Obama family have the White House since you're not using it to better our country anyway. Frankly– I think Bush & Cheney should Both be tried on WAR CRIMES. Costing the American taxpayer billions of dollars on lies. Taking thousands of lives to finish what his Daddy started.

GuyInVA   January 1st, 2009 8:23 pm ET

Tell 'em Proud American! That crazy little thing called the Constitution gets in the Left's way again.

Bombino   January 1st, 2009 8:22 pm ET

I think George Bush needs to get out earlier than the scheduled Jan 20th. He si now a distraction. He spend his 8 years thanks to the American people. Let's see what history has for the bushes. Thanks.

ED. Adjapong   January 1st, 2009 8:22 pm ET

They should consider this a vacation before moving into the big house. Let the Bush's finish their last enjoyment.

John G   January 1st, 2009 8:18 pm ET

Ok great. Barack Obama is living in a hotel.

Hey CNN don't forget to let us know what the Obama's order from room service and how much time Barack spends in the hotel gym everyday-it's news it really is.

Carole   January 1st, 2009 8:09 pm ET

Bush Senior is in the residence that a President Elect normally stays in prior to inaugaration.

Makes me wonder if President Obama were in office now and Dubya wanted that residence would they make his dadda move out? You BETCHA, wink wink.

mlw   January 1st, 2009 7:58 pm ET

Leave the idiot alone. At least he gave me some good laughs with his dancing. That's about all i will miss him for.

Yours Truly   January 1st, 2009 7:53 pm ET

You do not understand that it takes time to move out all those comic books.

Sherrol in Canada   January 1st, 2009 7:50 pm ET

This comment pertains to another topic in the Ticker, but I missed the window to post……….'Celebs give bis bucks to Obama inauguration'

What's the big deal folks? These guys can afford it and they do have the right to do what they want with THEIR money. It may seem alot to many, but to someone that make the kind of money they do, it's simply pocket change.

You need to put things into perspective – the more we earn is the more we spend, and then some. I bet $50, 000 to these folks is like $50 to someone making $50,000 a year.

As per Chris Rock – "don't hate the player, hate the game".

Happy New Year!!!

Proud American   January 1st, 2009 7:46 pm ET

BUSH BEGONE AND NOW 75% OF AMERICA AGREES, FINALLY! Well Said, I couldn't have said it better myself. Happy New Year!!!

once upon a horse   January 1st, 2009 7:46 pm ET

19 days and counting

John   January 1st, 2009 7:44 pm ET

"But the Bush administration said the house, which is used as a guest house for visiting dignitaries, already had events scheduled there and guests who could not be displaced."

Who on earth could have possibly anticipated that there'd be a president-elect who needed the house on these dates? Yet another example of how Bush has been tortured by events that he couldn't possibly predict ;-)

Sherrol in Canada   January 1st, 2009 7:43 pm ET

The guests at Blair House must be mighty important….Yeah, right!

Cigaal4biden   January 1st, 2009 7:26 pm ET

If we allow Bush to stay, he may demand to stay power after jan 20. The way Blair want before they kick him out.

Armet   January 1st, 2009 7:20 pm ET

This actually upsets me. How many of the last President Elects have stayed in the Blair House. Didn't the Bush Administration know that the election was this year? Why didn't they find other accomodations for dignitaries to accomodate our incoming President? This is a slap in the face. I can not wait to this administration to get out of D.C. We are so over him.

long islander   January 1st, 2009 7:18 pm ET

i think they should have displaced the guest I think Bush is being very rude good riddens to him

Irving, TX - Loves President Obama   January 1st, 2009 7:16 pm ET

I am sure the Obama's just want to make sure their kids are ready for the new school. Remember this is temporary….

Joyce   January 1st, 2009 7:15 pm ET

I would be interested in knowing who the guests are that prevent the Obamas from moving into Blair House. Are they really important or country cousins of some political figure?

can't move in yet   January 1st, 2009 7:12 pm ET

Bush hasn't pardoned Manson

Sylvia   January 1st, 2009 7:05 pm ET

I think the Bush Administration is being mean-spirited. The Blair house is supposed to be used by the President so if he and his family are not using it, who is more important than the President-elect and his family? As a taxpayer I would like to know.

Donna   January 1st, 2009 7:02 pm ET

I really don't understand comments like the one above and I am a big Obama fan. I know George Bush made decisions that have cost much and may never have really been fit for the office, but calling him an idiot is just mean. I am not chastising the previous poster only saying we can do better than that.

Patty Pal   January 1st, 2009 6:53 pm ET

Need help?

Meka   January 1st, 2009 6:51 pm ET

It's understandable that the Blair House, "Booked-Up" for months . . . A lot of "Thanking" is in order!

carol   January 1st, 2009 6:47 pm ET

I wish the Obama family a very Happy New Year and hope they enjoy their stay in this hotel……so looking foward to having them as our new First Family.

BUSH BEGONE AND NOW 75% OF AMERICA AGREES, FINALLY!   January 1st, 2009 6:44 pm ET

It is better to be across the street from the White House rather than next door to it.

It has not been fumigated yet.

Proud American   January 1st, 2009 6:35 pm ET

This laughable, I see no reason why they can't move into the White House now. It's not like the Idiot who lives there now need it. What is he doing? NOTHING I would drive the U-haul truck and move the Idiot myself.

Sam   January 1st, 2009 6:35 pm ET

Oh Way is this being revealed. Shame on the Media…..

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