CHICAGO (CNN) - In a sign of just how close he is to formally taking the reigns of power, President-elect Barack Obama is no longer flying commercial.
Reporters arriving at Midway Airport for Mr. Obama's afternoon flight to Washington were greeted by an Air Force 757 with a crew wearing jackets that say "Air Force One" in script on the front.
Obama aides say this is the first time as President-elect that he is flying a military jet that is in the rotation to be used as Air Force One, though it is technically never called "Air Force One" unless the current president is flying on it.
The transition team chartered a plane from United Airlines for the President-elect's recent holiday vacation to Hawaii, so Sunday's flight marks yet another sign of the transfer of power.
Layne Hoppman, an Air Force security official, said the plane Mr. Obama is flying Sunday is used as Air Force One when one of the two planes currently at President Bush's disposal is in service.
He noted that the plane, which was rolled out around 1998, is also occasionally used by the sitting Vice President, First Lady, Members of Congress or military officials using Andrews Air Force Base.
"It's the workhorse of Andrews," said Hoppman.
Now it has another distinction: carrying the President-elect for his official move to Washington just over two weeks before his historic swearing-in.
As for Mr. Obama, from here on out he doesn't have to worry about taking off his shoes at security lines or missing his connections - at least for the next four years.
From CNN Politics
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The closer Barack is to being the President, the better our country is. If he is taking AF One ... that is a step closer in my mind.
The way Obama has been acting since Nov. 4, you think he was already the president 100%. Barack is obviously very keen since the election, and we will see what he can and cannot do, as time goes on. I am lukewarm optimistic about him.
The way that Bush is acting at this time, there is no President in charge. On second thought he never had us as first in his mind ever. Prosecution is in order.
America, needs to protect President-elect Obama. And America needs to Pray, Support, and truly wish him well . . . as he takes on the Worlds Issue's !
And be THANKFUL, that President-elect Obama--Has the "Experience", of one being a "COMMUNITY ORGANIZER" !
It's about time, he is the next President , and bush should show a little more respect then he has. I can't wait untill he is gone for good, and we don't have to hear from again.
President elect Obama could not take over soon enough as far as I am concerned. The current president and his utter hatred for fellow Americans that don't side with his radical agenda and ideology will be what he is truly remembered for. Tearing the country in two and saying a win for the democrats is a win for the terrorists along with Dick Cheney saying all democrats are cowards are what I will remember these evil men for.
Now America can begin again.
Best of luck Barack
All the best from Australia
JH
Good for him. I hope they show every thing live as it happens.
He he he – Probably the same plane that will take Bushie and wife to Dallas in just 16 days.
SIXTEEN DAYS !!!!
Hurry up JANUARY 20th LOL still plenty of time to start more illegaly wars and make terriost become the strongest organization in history. All those millions of people dead (women and CHILDREN) recuited millions to hate us down the road.
Long live the President Elect! lol
Bush should do America a favor and resign; since he's doing nothing of worth at home or abroad.
But not the wild bush; he's intent on ruin America to the last day in Office.
And worse of all, Americans seem willing to let this bull run wild in the china shop! Tsk Tsk.
I am very prourd of President George Bush in providing this plane for the President-Elect, Barack H. Obama. This is America at it's best.
J. Wayne Johnson
Harry Reid is the worst man who ever breathed.
And why was the plane not available when he flew to washington to meet Bush at the WH?
Yo Hommie!!!
Gettin down like a big dog on a flying hawg
No more small time in a little jet
Instead it's the big jet, it's the President!
I think it's a crime that Bush is allowed to use air force one. He should be made to walk, or take grayhound. Why does Bush need AIR Force 1? know has invited him anywhere.
As the country lays bleeding from the Republican Rape of the Nation.... our hope for the future is on his way to DC. Praise God.... take over before it is completely too late, Mr. PE Obama!
God bless Barack Obama and the United States of America!
Repubs.... get back in your caves... your reign of terror is over!
I hardly consider his campaign's chartered plane "commercial." From what I saw, I don't think he had to go through security to board it during the campaign and was only flying with his advisors and press pool.
I think the transition team might want to have someone check this plane out. I do not trust Idiot republicans.
January 4th, 2009 4:57 pm ET
I am very prourd of President George Bush in providing this plane for the President-Elect, Barack H. Obama. This is America at it's best.
J. Wayne Johnson
---------------
I doubt seriously that he had anything to do with it! This is probably protocol as ususal. Just like the PE cannot use Blair House until Bush and cronies are done with it! Protocol! Ah, well... only a little over 2 weeks!
I hear that Cheney is giving Bush a piggy back ride back to Texas.
I'm just thrilled! President Elect Obama is one step closer to the real thing, and it's almost too good to be true! What a way to make his move to Washington! SES
I'm waiting to see if Dick Cheney even shows up at the Inauguration on Jan. 20th. The creep has totally disappeared from sight... but he still draws a nice fat paycheck (and will for the rest of his miserable life). He is just disgusting enough that he would probably skip the inauguration to show us he can thumb his nose one more time.
Or who knows, maybe he's been six feet under the last couple of months and it was kept a secret.....
Hmm wonder if there will be any -problems- with this plane,
Hey, Proud American,,,, as usual your input you immature sattire and senseless comments. Whether you like it or not, Bush will get many perks after he leaves office. Just lke every other living president. He will have his retirment, secret service protection, health care. All provided by you and every other taxpayer. I may be worng, but I am willing to bet they all get travel costs paid for if they are doing any sort of diplomatic work,or official business, even after they leave office.
Now here is the big question,,, why does this CNN ticker only have issue that are pretty much irrelavant to todays problems. Why does this ticker not have issues like what is going on in Gaza, the homeless. We hear about Obama having to move into a motel, SO WHAT? What about all those folks who have no where to move? They live in cars, on streets. Why does this ticker not use this forum as a place to maybe get input on these problems. NOOOO, we hear about how Obama will get to lfy ont he big jet. We all knew he would,, so where is the news here?????
President Bush attacked a country with false evidence. the un inspectors were still conducting the search for WMD when Mr Bush and Mr Cheney decided to attack the country. the completely destroyed the countries infrastructure and left it at the brink of civil war. all of our allies have quit the region and now it left for the US to clean up the mess they created with our tax money. and we know how good we are at cleaning up mess. Congress man Charlie Wilson can answer that question very well... how we left Afghanistan in shambles after the civil war after it helped us bring USSR to its knees. we could provide billions of dollars in weapons but could not have built school for people in afghanistan because why would we want any thrid world country to raise up to our standards. we want them to keep fighting among each others so that we can sell them weapons. Who created the heaven for terrorist in Afghanistan. we did when we left the country after afghan soviet war without ever helping the people to stand up on their feet. and we are doing it again now. sending forces to that region is not the answer. send engineers build schools teach them how to live there life that should be our mission which has not been the mission of Mr Bush. he was ready to put a mission accomplished banner behind him when all of iraq was burning in fire. that is the kind of impression we have left on the whole world. and now its coming back to hurt us. when our own economy is so shattered that we now need help from countries like china and India to put food on our tables. they are giving us credit so that we can run the government the way we have been ... what happens if they don't.... our way of life will be disrupted forever the way things are going in this country... there is a cloud of fear in us .... we know what we have done to rest of the world and now we are afraid of reprecussions. but we can change all that but we cant do it with the philosophy of Mr. Bush and Seceretary of State Rice.
Sorry we have left you such a mess Obama, if you can pull us out of this one your name will likely go down with Churchill, Gandi, and even Kennedy will have to step aside. We know the task is overwhelming as the crooks have had 8 years to get established in the system. They have cost us trillions yet they have not had to be accountable for any of it. I hope you can see that they are. Do not become bought out like the previous crooks. Remember the crooks with money won't like you if you do things for the people so ware the vest.
The end of President Bush's time in office cannot not come soon enough. This is a man who has done his best to destroy a nation for his own political gains. Look what he failed to do for the victims of Katrina. Hired a Republican owned company to build turbines to prevent flooding in New Orleans, and not one of them works. This is what this President has done to this country.
He should be arrested and charged for crimes against the American people.
As per Ne-Yo, 'come closer, come closer'.
Anything to keep him safe, we'll need him in a few days. Here's to 1/20/2009, what a glorious day that will be!
Hey Lauren, the only perk Bush should get leaving office is PRISON and you along with him for being a bigger Idiot than he is. Your the reason why brothers and sister's should never have children together. Idiot
Lauren honey have you ever been on a airplane?
Who cares?
PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO THINK IN TALK ABOUT OBAMA BEING A REPUBLICAN ..WITH HIS APPOINTMENTS TO HIS CABINET AND HIS DECISION TO HAVE A RACIST PREACHER TALKING AT HIS SWEARING IN,ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO THINK THAT WAY
Lauren, I think your wrong, The secret service thing is now defunct,as far as protecting x pres. Pres. Clinton was the last Pres, to get it,it is no more,as far as plane rides,gone unless he wants to ride in the planes like us retired military do,and thats only if they are going the way Bush goes.At least thats what they tell us,I don't think they get a retirement either. They've changed alot of stuff regarding this
Is this the same type of 757 Air Force jet configured as a flying office with bedroom space that is used weekly by Speaker Pelosi to fly coast to coast to her home district in San Francisco? After 9-11, previous Speaker Hastert had used a small Lear type C-20 Air Force jet. Ms Pelosi says security issues requires that her longer flight be non-stop and the more reasonably-sized C-20 would have had to stop en route to refill. Would the refueling not take place at a secure Air Force base, negating any security issue? Perhaps 'size does matter' to Speaker Pelosi.
Texas Teacher, you are one of the most ignorant people in this country.
To: NO KENNEDY
You said Harry Reid was the worst man who ever breathed. I really think you are the dumbest person who ever breathed. You probably support the Hitlers, Stalins, Jack the Ripper,and Saddam Hussein, and the other terrorists, because of their efforts on population control.
I think I have some vegetables in the refrigerator that could score higher than you on an intelligence test.
GOOD MOVE. PE OBAMA HAS TO BE PROTECTED ALL THE TIME. WHEN HE WAS ON A REGULAR COMMERCIAL FLIGHT HE WAS PROTECTED. MANY PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE THREATS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE AGAINST PE OBAMA. JUST READ SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON THE BLOGS. IT IS FRIGHTENING. THERE IS SO MUCH HATRED IN THIS COUNTRY. IT IS OK TO DISAGREE BUT IT IS NOT OK TO HATE AND TRY TO DESTROY ANY HUMAN . WE CAN CHANGE WE HAVE A NEW LEADER WHO DOESN'T APPEAR TO HAVE ANY MALACE OR HATRED IN HIS HEART. LET US ALL STRIVETO PROTECT OUR NEW LEADER. HOW? BY NOT LISTENING TO RADICALS AND HATEFUL WORDS. WE CAN STOP THE HATE AND DISRESPECT BY RESPECTING OURSELVES AND NOT HATING OTHERS BECAUSE OF RELIGION, SKIN COLOR, DIFFERENT VIEWS, AND SEXUAL PREFERENCE. WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO A HIGHER POWER WHEN WE TRY TO DESTROY OTHERS W/ WORDS AND DEEDS.
PLEASE FOLKS LETS ALL TRY TO MAKE OUR AMERICA A BETTER PLACE. IT BEGINS WITH ME AND YOU. PEACE PEACE PEACE
WE . EW
Give President Bush credit for the good things he did for Africa.I hope we remember him for that.
Bush doesn't need "Air Force One" for anything but to use up costly fuel. He hasn't done anything constructive for the country or any other country in the past 8 years but use up Air Force One fuel at our expense. To think we are still and will continue for Bush's incompetence.
@ Proud American
You are irrelevant. Are you a Democrat with no job because you have a lot of time to type idiot comments. After all you are the biggest idiot on here.
GO OBAMA - OBAMA FOR THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA!!
I just started to cry when I read this article. I am moved by the idea of having President Obama as my president. Someone who represents us. Someone who is smart, articulate, and actually cares.
I can't wait until the nightmare is over.
I am overcome with emotions.
Obamas' 'haunted' hotel - legend has it from Chicago Tribune...
Well, this can be true. A few years back, my cousins were college students in CA and they both rented an apartment. Out of the blue, she saw this guy in the mirror she has never seen before, calling her name. Her sister saw the same thing too. They immediately called their DAD, who was a pastor, over to stay with them THAT day and immediately moved out.
In addition, their dad is a traveling pastor. One time he booked a hotel and someone in his room, started throwing his luggage around and there WAS not a SOUL in his room. He got down on his knees and prayed and it went away. Later, he found out, a young man DIED in the hotel room that he had rented.
indiana voter = Oh honey I'm a Democrat (proud of it) a Sr. Manager at a major defense contractor. I know my well over 6 figure income profession is no match for your job at 7-Eleven, not everyone is cut out to run the Surplee Machine. Honey I will spend everyday of the rest of my life trying to be like you and accomplish everything you have. Goodnite little Idiot.
WELCOME ABOARD! For God's sake hurry up and get to Washington!
For the life of me I cannot understand why Idiot Republican Loser continue to attack me. All I've ever tried to do was get alone with these people. I love everyone, yes including losers. Republicans please stop the hate and stop trying to place the blame on Democrats, for your being dumb, stupid and not being able to govern yourself out of a paper bag. Thank God with the rest of use for Jan. 20th at Noon. We do love you.
Who cares, he flew the campaign jet when he took family and friends on his second vacation to Hawaii. When Obama takes office and actually starts doing something for this country then this ticker will be an interesting read.
God Bless America and God Bless our President-elect.
May God forgive President George W. Bush and what he and his cronies have done to this great country of ours. How they can sleep at night is a wonder to me....
For whatever reason I've never read these postings before this afternoon. I'm amazed at the virulence and the negativity. What happened to discussion? I feel the Limbaugh effect–it's perfectly OK to trash your opponent if it helps you win points–has taken over. Sorry to interupt a good exercise in poor grammar and poor judgement, but take a deep breath and relax, as I won't be doing it again.
Guess there a smoking section in the back by the bathroom for resident select Osama.
please leave, done with you, would have liked you to have never been president, you have done a lot of damage to this country and hope you will not be heard from again, but we I'm sure are not that lucky
President Bush will soon become the next President of Africa as he did more for Africa than he did for the USA.
@ Yvonne
When the President leaves office he still carries his Secret Service Protection on a reduced scale except when he leaves the United States because of the Secret information he has had privy to over the years. He also still has his $200,000.00 a year retirement. A former President will only fly on a US Air Force Plane when the sitting President sends him to act in an official capacity of the Administration.
Time to be safe PE, There is alot of crazies out there!!!
I just heard on Foxx News that Bush and Cheney will not be allowed on Air Force Planes when they leave Washington. Instead both will be given a 2 block head start and then 4 Pit Bulls chase them out. Only pay preview will carry their departure.
@Proud American
You don't love everyone. You lie in you own posts and have the nerve to call Republicans idiots when you are the biggest.
Everybody just take a deep breath and exhale...it's almost over. I don't care what any of the Bushes do or better yet, don't do. I just don't want any of them NEAR Washington after Jan.20th!!!
To Nganga of Austin TX:
The same concept when the Blair house is not available for the Obamas. Until now, I'm still wondering who are these so-called "visitors" currently occupying the Blair house. Perhaps, the Enquirer will find out for us.
@ the reality...
Your exactly right. And, with the un-conditional support that we give Isreal, we can expect ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS. Isreal has kept the "Palistein People Oppressed" far too long. America should remember the Civil War, and the 60's . . . when my people were Oppressed.
That Region, is controlled by Isreal . . . And WHAT CLAIM did the US make, when we went into IRAQ ?
indiana voter = Your starting to really hurt my feeling. Before you crawl into your uncles bed tonight you should get on your knees and ask God to forgive you. And I do really love you, I'm having a party on Jan. 20th starting at Noon, and your invited honey just don't bring everyone in your double wide.
The hatred being shown on here is astounding me.
This man is the man that is going to lead us for the next 4 years so you people need to just bloody well deal with it instead of constantly wallowing in your loathing.
He's doing the right thing. As the first black President, never mind the Democrat President thats taken over after some of the worst 8 years in the last century, his life is a very large amount of danger. I'm glad he's taking care of it. I'm glad the gvt is paying attention.
Hahaha....Proud American, I saw done the blog where you were bragging about a 6 figure income at a defense contractor? Well, son, you aren't supposed to count the two places BEHIND the decimal point.! Silly angry lib!
It was bad enough when you voted in Bush twice. Now you vote in a man that has absoulutely no experience and expect miracles. What world do you people live in? Fantasy world? The man can't make a decision. I predict another Jimmy Carter.
To: TRYING TO B OBJECTIVE
"GOOD MOVE. PE OBAMA HAS TO BE PROTECTED ALL THE TIME..." etc. etc.
What is with people who have their #$%ing caps lock on? There's always one, and it says: "I am a stupid idiot."
Proud Americam-
If you wrew working you'll be fired by NOW go back to school your grammer SUCK
Just cant believe how bitter all the Republicans are. You have had eight yeras to set things right- it will certainly take 8 more to undo at least part of your mess. Good riddance.
Go Obama.
What else can my wife and I ask for on our birthday as we both will be celebrating on Jan 20th alonf with the whole nation. Hail to the new chief!
People, slow down!
A President of United States arrived to DC just a few minutes ago!!!!!
good luck to you mr. pe Obama, i hope all your flights will be smooth.
can I come too? that party sounds nice
very funny comment from you before:
I just heard on Foxx News that Bush and Cheney will not be allowed on Air Force Planes when they leave Washington. Instead both will be given a 2 block head start and then 4 Pit Bulls chase them out. Only pay preview will carry their departure.
I have money on Cheney as I expect him to use Bush as a sheild to keep the pit bulls at bay
Mr. President Elect
I am a Canadian and an outsider looking in. I can say as an ordinary citizen that your victory will be most welcomed all over the world. Well done and the very best in all your efforts. I am also a First Nations Person, and will ask you, with Respect: What are your views on Native Americans? Thank You in advance, GK
Proud American – Anyone who reads these blogs knows that you are full of hate and don't love anyone that thinks differently than you. Stop trying to be so pious and re-read some of your own posts.
As far as Obama getting his plane that is standard protocol. Good luck to him and America in the next 4 years. I didn't vote for him but I sure hope he knows what he is doing.
Mac
Why does President Elect Osama think that he is President already? He should have flown coach to DC like any other private citizen. And what's with him giving a weekly radio address? That's something the real President does. I glad to see that his extensive Cabinet screening process has worked so well. One down, many to go. Background checks were invented for a reason. My guess is that Rahm will be the next to go after some new tapes from Chicago come out. Here's hoping for a quick four years of socialist rule.
To Richard!
English is my second language, but, please, do you know how to spell "Grammar"?
Shame on you, not knowing your language!
It is unbelievable that this inexperienced guy from Chicago can show off. Anyway his true colors will be seen very soon. Watch out. He got elected by criticizing George Bush's 8 years term. I wonder what he will do during his term. God save the motherland.
Melissa January 4th, 2009 7:03 pm ET
The hatred being shown on here is astounding me.
This man is the man that is going to lead us for the next 4 years so you people need to just bloody well deal with it instead of constantly wallowing in your loathing.
He's doing the right thing. As the first black President, never mind the Democrat President thats taken over after some of the worst 8 years in the last century, his life is a very large amount of danger. I'm glad he's taking care of it. I'm glad the gvt is paying attention.
-----
Yep. Makes one wonder if something terrible should happen to PE Obama (God forbid), some of them would actually cheer. People, he's going to the President. If I can accept Bush (and I did) as President, I would think any sensible person would accept Obama as President.
WHATEVER!
let the countdown begin. change has come to America. 16 days to go.
"wille brown" January 4th, 2009 6:38 pm ET
Guess there a smoking section in the back by the bathroom for resident select Osama.
_____________________________________________________
Be careful bigot, your IGNORANCE is showing. Disgusting post.
Jan 20, 2009 can not come soon enough.
Goodby George Worst-Ever Bush and good DAM RIDDANCE.
Obama is the man come Jan 20th and the haters can't do jack about it. Ha Ha Ha .
I am so proud of our election that showed intelligence in decision-making when we elected Obama. Indiana even went Blue! Yeah! There are a few of us who have graduate degrees and don't live in double-wides! May God Bless Obama and his family. As a single mother, I only wish that his mother and grandparents could have lived long enough to see the fruits of their labor. I have extra pride in his accomplishments on their behalf. I don't say this as a Democrat or Republican for I am an independent as a "true" Hoosier should be if one knew and understood the history of our state. I have scheduled my business dealings "off" for January 20th. As the Europeans boldly asked 4 years ago, "How can Millions Get It So Wrong" when Bush was elected, I look forward to celebrating that intelligence won out and we got it right!!! At least in any mistakes Obama may make will be "honest" mistakes instead of "contrived greediness" that we have had to endure. May Obama succeed in leading us to more fulfilling lives.
I didn't support PE Obama, however I am hoping that he does a good job. I don't see him as the messiah but as good man trying to do a good job. With that sad I will be providing my support, it is a shame that some of you liberals couldn't have been as gracious when President Bush was in office. And, before you get all riled, I am now an independent previously a Republican but I find that the religious right has taken too strong a hold over the party. In some issues, primarily domestic, I am fairly center left; however, on foreign and international issues I am center right.
In reading all the posts above, I am concerned by the comments of both sides. Liberals and Democrats, you are now in power, in the hot seat, if I were you I would be more concerned about getting your tail ends to work since you know everything. Conservatives and Republicans, you can continue to whine and help the Russian analyst's prediction that the US would disappear come true OR you can be part of the solution and work toward making sure we (the US) come out ahead. That means we (both parties) need to work together, and it isn't going to happen with all the name calling. Bottom line, all of you need to develop more respect for the person that is the President of the US. It is very easy to Monday morning quarter back, but not easy being in their shoes. Enough with the comments about either one...Mr. Bush is NOT incompetent or a war criminal (if that were the case then so were most of our Presidents, including some of your favorites), and Mr. Obama is the President Elect, lets help him get our country back to where it needs to be..and we start by showing him the respect necessary.
Richard January 4th, 2009 7:18 pm ET
Proud Americam—
If you wrew working you'll be fired by NOW go back to school your grammer
Suck
________________________________________________
Wow, and I should go back to school? What a Idiot.
TCM = You could always share you SSI check with me. Idiot.
Judgment Day comes for America on Jan 20th. People bought the hype, the racism (voting for him because he is black is racist), the call for "change", and now it's almost time to see if Obama can walk the walk.
Personally, and even as someone who would vote Democrat, I have an awful feeling the steak isn't going to be half as good as the sizzle. I hope I am wrong, but something about the way Obama portrays himself gives me a bad feeling.
Just as an FYI to those who hate G.W.Bush (I am one, but choose to stick to fact): Bush has been very welcoming and accommodating to the president elect; stating otherwise is just naive.
Yea....it's almost over, Bush's reign that is. Hopefully, after the inauguration, the republicans won't hold things up that PE Obama wants to accomplish with their political posturing.
yesssssssssss! Welcome to the White House, Mr. President!
Has he had spinners put on the wheels yet?
HE LOOK LIKE A PRESIDENT BEFORE HE WAS ELECTED AND HE LOOK LIKE ONE NOW. OBAMA KNOW MORE THAN 41 & 43 THAT IS A SHAME.