President-elect Obama, President Bush, and the three living former presidents posed briefly for pictures before meeting privately at the White House Wednesday. (Getty Images)
(CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama, President Bush and all of the surviving past presidents got together Wednesday for a historic meeting at the White House.
"One message that I have, and I think we all share, is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country," Bush told Obama before lunch with the former presidents.
Bush and Obama were joined by Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Watch: 'We want you to succeed,' Pres. Bush tells Obama
Obama thanked the president for hosting them and said he was grateful for the opportunity to get "advice, good counsel and fellowship" from the group.
Obama's press secretary said the presidents had a "very constructive conversation" and Obama appreciated "the spirit of bipartisanship they showed" in wishing him success.
"The president and the former presidents had helpful advice on managing the office, as well as thoughts on the critical issues facing the country right now. The president-elect is anxious to stay in touch with all of them in the coming years," Robert Gibbs said.
Presidential historian Doug Brinkley said it's "very smart politics for Obama to keep a channel open" with the former presidents.
From CNN Politics
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with the carnage OBama's going to cause, he'll look like the other 4 in four years.....
Picture perfect!!!
Lovely! I admire Obama's humility and I agree with Doug Brinkley's statement.
Can we please stop butchering the English language. It's transition "of" power not "to ".
i don't know why i even bother to post in those commentary "post a comment" sections. i have NEVER had one printed. they are totally censored by cnn, so i'll post here. presidents depend on our intelligence agencies, but most spies are weak, sniveling, vouyeristic, peeping toms that get a kick out of peeking at others. they need a "normal" person to supervise them, not an insider...insider top management is the primary problem with our intelligence agencies.
I think that the President-elect should start a tradition of making this luncheon a yearly event. I think it does the country good to see all the Presidents together because they truly are the only ones who know how grueling and demanding that job is and the chance to discuss things together surely is a productive thing.
I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for this historic meeting! This is great. The five living Presidents!!!!
As an American, this picture really touches my heart – politics aside.
Love it! It's great to see them all together! To me, it's a "healing" scene – maybe that we all can get along afterall? At least, that's what I'm hoping so we can get our country back on track!!
I sure hope someone strapped little Georgie in his high chair and cut up his meat. lol what a little Idiot. 13 more days.
This is one thing that makes our country great. In many other places in the world the "next" leader is trying to jail or kill the "previous" leader.
I still think they are all corporate DNC/RNC puppets but hey, there is free speech here too! Maybe we'll see a lady in there too amoung the gentlemen, someday.
This is one thing that makes our country great. In many other places in the world the "next" leader is trying to jail or kill the "previous" leader.
I still think they are all DNC/RNC puppets but hey, there is free speech here too! Maybe we'll see a lady in there too amoung the gentlemen, someday.
Smart meeting from the president elect.
Great not seeing a Bush, Bush, Clinton, Clinton in that photo op
What else are they going to tell him, right in front of the press ?
other than....."we want you to succeed"
Yes, an annual event of this type would be good for the country....
More or less, like the do's & don'ts......what's good for the country, and what is not so good for the country, (at the time) of course....
Larry C.
Houston, Texas
Now that Is CHANGE..........BEAUTIFUL PICTURE
Roger you are correct. The American people deserve our president and former presidents to come together and discuss their ideas. Something that has been lacking for years.
THREE HAPPY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS WITH TWO MORONS.
I think this is great personally. As much as I dislike the Bush administration, I believe all of these men really do want the best for our country.
I bet the other Presidents are bummed that now they'll have to start letting minorities into the Bohemian Grove.
TCM January 7th, 2009 2:45 pm ET
with the carnage OBama's going to cause, he'll look like the other 4 in four years…..
_________________________________________________
We age gracefully
Looks as if they are having a good time together, but our new President is the cutest....he is surely a good looking guy.
Obama stands out beautifully, doesn't he?
Oh, to be a fly on that wall or even to be a member of that ver exclusive club. I wish I could be there.
Great Job President Elect but did you have to stand in the middle of the too morons you should of stood by the good Presidents Clinton and Carter!
tired of corporate politics January 7th, 2009 2:56 pm ET
This is one thing that makes our country great. In many other places in the world the "next" leader is trying to jail or kill the "previous" leader.
______________________________________________________
In this case the current leader should be jailed...
I love it.
Great picture of all presidents, and that peanut boy who thought he was a president for a day.
Great picture of three great men.
All the Republican Haters and Democrat Haters need to grow up and get a life!
That's PRESIDENT Obama to you, TCM. Get with the program and get over it.
Great picture of FIVE great men
ll the Republican Haters and Democrat Haters need to grow up and get a life!
I wish I would have been Invited for this picture. I am just as important as all of them....
Nice to see another historic gathering. It seems rare that past presidents do meet for any reason and I'm glad they could come together. Now if only the House, Senate and American people could put aside petty differences and work together to improve our lives and our country we'd really be on the road to becoming a great nation again instead of a bunch of squabbling kids. United not divided. This IS the United States of America. I'm going to do my part to work with everyone to improve our lives and the country.
@TCM January 7th, 2009 2:45 pm ET
with the carnage OBama's going to cause, he'll look like the other 4 in four years…..You look like and smell like an IDIOT!!!!
What a phoney Bush is. How could he even face Obama after what came out yesterday about the Blair House lies.
This is a true depiction of democracy! We all could learn a lesson from this, and that lesson being, "no matter how young and fresh your ideals or idealogy may be it is a true leader that listens to advice of others, especially those that have been where you are trying to go". Now whether you use that advice is clearly a test of the president -elects discernment. Time will only tell! I wish him the best as a Proud American, I want to see America succeed. Don't you?
change we can believe in!!!
obama has a very good chance of fixing the mess left by the last 4 presidents, as this meeting shows, the first of its kind mind you, he is willing to talk and listen!
Change,what change?The "Who" lyrics were right,meet the new boss,same as the old boss.
Will the fraud be able to keep those lines open, or will he allow himself to be led by the far left Congress?
My money is on Congress since they have him left where they want him.
TCM, here you are again. Do you ever have anything positive to say? What a sour negative life you must lead. Obama may age but it won't be from any carnage he will cause, it will be from the carage he tries to clean up after Bush.
Which one is Obama?
I find it interesting that Bush Senior still has a LOT of non-white hair, compared to the others...even Bush Junior. Hmmm.
jimmy carter was our greatest modern president and probably the greatest president in us history. he is an honest, modest, caring, spiritial man who refuses to conform and fit in a box...secular, religious, and otherwise. how many other presidents speak domestic & foreign policy truth while building houses for the homeless on a daily basis...none.
Being a proud and true American I think the picture is great. I saw five of our Presidents before at some opening of a Library and they stood tall in my eyes. I don't care what is said about any of them. They are ours and think of the alternative. Would you rather have a smart, cunning, good looking dictator standing there by himself because all the others are dead, in jail, or booted out of their country. No matter what we've gone through, rough times. or good, America lands on it's feet every time. And we have had many good Presidents.The old saying "America – love it or leave it". Plain and simple!
@/TCM who wrote: with the carnage OBama's going to cause, he'll look like the other 4 in four years…..
Clearly, you need a laxative; you are full of it.
I sure hope they weren't serving broccoli. Bush (the father) hates broccoli.
John –
You are stupid. Why ruin a wonderful historical picture with your racial comments.
Otherwise I love this picture.
America? A new "South Africa".... Now you know why.... Africa will...
America won't.... Africa will be a New Europe.... USA..????
Is Jimmy Carter dead? Is this a pic from some presidential weekend at Burnies? If not, the caption editor should be fired. Can't even count to 5, or maybe s/he didn't recognize Carter.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall during that luncheon !!
Abbott and Costello (the Bushes) meet educated men of accomplishment!!!
Nice to see a little color in the picture!
I wish to leave a comment, CNN.
OBAMA stands out beautifully among the other Presidents.
Thank you CNN for accepting my comment.
For those that still do not get it, the message for the American people is from this gathering of former Presidents and PE Obama.
"We are not a red america or and blue america, we are the United States of America"
The sooner the hyper partisian's understand this fact, the sooner the nation will begin to recover from the mess that we find ourselves in and begin to restore our nations greatness
These five men, gathering this day, should be a lesson to us all. United we stand, divided we fall.
Thank you past, present and future. We will unite again, and the rest of the world will see what the american spirit can endure. What does not kill us, only makes us stronger. Stand up and be counted among the many that will bring this nation to yet another pinnacle!
The picture is very Norman Rockwell, "Breaking Home Ties" with Obama looking a different direction than the past presidents. Interesting.
I wish Bush would choke on a bone.
"We want you to succeed," Bush tells Obama ... The part of the conversation they left out ... "Because I didn't do squat for eight years."
Carter....smartest and yet the dumbest president this country has ever had. Hopefully, he kept his mouth shut. Everytime he opens it publicly he sticks his foot in it.
Chuck and Angie are very uninformed and ignorant.
Shouldn't George H.W. Bush have more grey hair?!??!!
I just love those generational pictures.
DK: The caption reads "President-elect Obama, President Bush, and the three living former presidents" which would make 5...
Wow, some of the worst Presidents and PE's ever in one room. Clinton is an immoral intern molester, Carter is a liberal fart who destroyed our military and economy, both Bush's destroyed their own party from the inside out, and Obama is going to be the biggest scam artist of them all.
What a heart touching picture. I could not agree more with a few other posts, President Elect Obama is a very handsome man! Bush don't look too bad either!
I Love America!
God Bless America.
Love, Respect, Peace.
This is a great picture to show the world.
Let's cool it for 5 minutes and just enjoy the moment. Then we can go back to fighting, but for right now, this is pretty awesome.
"Obama stands out beautifully, doesn't he?"
I guess this man can do no wrong. Everything good will be attributed to him and all the bad will blamed on someone else. for the record evry president and done good and bad. just depends on which side of the fence the media is at the time.
"THREE HAPPY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS WITH TWO MORONS." and the dems call everyone else hateful for calling names. You just try being president for one day. IDIOTS!!!
What a historical picture and a memorable moment.
Kudos to all the presidents for putting party politics aside.
Great.
To Carol: "Looks as if they are having a good time together, but our new President is the cutest….he is surely a good looking guy." – this isn't about who looks the best, but who can do the best job. All of them have their good points as well as bad. We will find out MORE on 1/20 how many bad ones the new Prez has....scary!
what a handsome picture of the past, present and future!!
God Bless America!
John Galt-Maybe you should move to China?
Clearly.....B Obama looks the most Presidential of the lot.
Wishing him the very best in cleaning up the mess being left behind.
No matter what you might think of them, they're all alpha males. The most powerful men in the world. Everyone knows their names now and forever.
Obama is the best looking of the bunch!–hands down. Forget the other article about how much he'll age in 4 years.
Hey Chuck:
You are exactly what is wrong with this country.
in order:
jerk, non-jerk, biggest jerk, somewhat a jerk, humanitarian.
I like it. Very cool photo op.
They all look genuinely happy and comfortable to be in each other's presence.
Now THAT is a leader. Go Obama!!
Comment on your article about Obama aging by 2013. He's almost 50 and looks younger that many 40 year olds.
Don't be surprised by how youthful he will still look in 2013. It's not a myth and it's not just healthy living. It's in the genes.
I WONDER IF THEY TOOK ANY PICTURES WITHOUT OBAMA IN IT!!!
IF SO I WOULD LOVE A POSTER OF THEM ON MY WALL!!!!!!!!
Bush Sr. looks like he doen't even want to be in the same room with W.
Oh, TCM, why so negative all the time? If you really want this nation to succeed (And this is something I think we all want), we sort of have to all pull together, regardless of who we voted for.
A fascinating scene....and a rare one.....only twice before in our nation's history have there been as many living presidents at one time.
Why am I reminded of the wedding photo from The Godfather?
The face of organized crime often comes packaged in a smile...
TCM January 7th, 2009 2:45 pm ET
with the carnage OBama's going to cause, he'll look like the other 4 in four years…..
----------------–
With the carnage W has already caused in the past 8 years, the American people have aged 16 years already!
Hahah !!
Getting advice from "Slick Willy", eh?
Some advice on how to –[fill in the blank]– in the oval office.
Brings back memories of Monica Lewinsky, eh?
Yes he can !!
SOUTHERN HOTTIE January 7th, 2009 4:10 pm ET
in order:
jerk, non-jerk, biggest jerk, somewhat a jerk, humanitarian.
-------------–
Do you mean left-to-right, or right-to-left?
SOUTHERN HOTTIE January 7th, 2009 4:10 pm ET
in order:
jerk, non-jerk, biggest jerk, somewhat a jerk, humanitarian.
-------------–
Do you mean left-to-right, or right-to-left?
Where's Al Gore ??
Anybody remember the last page of George Orwell's "Animal Farm?" As I look at that picture, I am amazed at how much they all look alike.
Well thank god a real presidents Obama, Clinton and Carter was in the room. Not much to say about the other 2
Virginia> Enough w. the inuendos. For some reason some of you are obsessed w. the idea that Barack must have some skeletons in his closet. Isn't it possible that he's a perfectly nice guy? My goodness, I don't hear you complaining about W...a man with PROVEN skeletons.
Give the man a chance! Sheesh! And, hey, there's nothing wrong w. pointing out the obvious: Barack's a fine-looking man.
13 more days and Americans will be dancing in the streets.
I have to say I love this shot! But couldn't help sing that song: "Which of These Is Not Like The Other?!" I love it. Yay For Change!
@ John from Colorado,
There is an avalanche with your name on it in Colorado. Listen, and follow it. Moron.
we have bottomed out, there is nowhere to go but up, God Bless America and the World Over
@ mj
This has nothing to do with "you just try being president for one day..." It's the simplest thing in the world to know that things like torturing people or holding them without due process or lying to justify a war that will kill thousands upon thousands of people (ours and theirs) and WRONG. These things are no-brainers....so is Bush.
We are not a collection of blue ties and red ties....
HEY CLOSET REPUBLICAN,
GET READY YOUR CHANGE IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!
CAN YOU SAY DEPRESSION!!!!!!!!
CAN YOU SAY THE END OF THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!!
CHINA PRETTY MUCH OWNS US NOW!!!!!!!!!!
SO WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From left to right, A Liar, An admitted Cokehead, A Liar / Cokehead/ Alcoholic / Deserter, A Liar, Pothead, Adulterer, and who knows what Jimmy did with those peanuts.
Great picture !
Love them or not, this is America and this is what it is all about.
Stop the hatred and lets get on with fixing what has to be fixed in this country and hopefully add some help to the rest of the world.
Inspired American Here!! "A pictures worth 1000 words," But there is just not enough space.
First time this has happened in 40 years!
Thank you President Obama, for taking this step forward!
@WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm wide awake. Just remember that everything you just listed that is wrong with this country DID NOT happen on Obama's watch. So what's your point?
Why do people keep saying that Bush has kept our country safe? He has made it more vulnerable than ever before! Our military is stretched to the breaking point, we're bankrupt, and we have very few friends left.
It's been pure luck that we haven't been hit again.
HEY WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW:
CAN YOU SAY "FEAR MONGERING DOES NOT WORK"?
I am nearly ten years older than Mr Bush.... But if you ever need!
No I have nothing... But You were enormous.... In 2001.... Just what a Democracy needs..... Give!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was Clinton checked for missing cutlery or small pieces of furniture before he departed?
1 good man, 1 amateur, 1 decent man who made mistakes, 1 crook, and 1 boob.
What a murderer's row.
Beautiful picture and I'll bet Barack Obama has a new found respect for George W. Bush. You can see it in his face in this picture and on today's newscast. This is want the American citizens and the WORLD must see! Nicely done.
I'm Not Missing The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska January 7th, 2009 3:54 pm ET
"We want you to succeed," Bush tells Obama … The part of the conversation they left out … "Because I didn't do squat for eight years."
______________________________________________________
HOW TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, he wants him to succeed, but can't let his family use the EMPTY Blair House, easy to secure, for two weeks. Instead, let Obama waste taxpayer money by staying in a hard-to-secure hotel for 10 days, move into Blair, then into the White House. Bush, you are a piece of work.
Okay, I know this picture is the snap shot of the year for sure, however, it was also a bit revealing too. Mr. Obama, from what I've read, was the one who suggested the luncheon to Pres. Bush at their initial meeting after he won the election. I think Mr. Obama has an ambitious spirit within. It was a cunning move. It was a political move for him. Of course the other president's are going to play along. They belong to a priveleged group, so naturally they should enjoy the accolades. But don't be too awed. Mr. Obama knows what he's doing...he's in the driver's seat.
TCM and WELCOME, Give it a rest! Bush has caused all the carnage...Obama's gonna have to get a big shovel to undo all the damage. What are you so afraid of? A black man? Job creation? Ending a nonsensical war that caused far more deaths than 9-11? Honesty in the Justice Department? Accountability? No torture of anyone? A return to fiscal responsibility? Someone who says what he means instead of "So what?" Methinks you both protest too much.
Wow, that pic is amazing, how long where they together? I personally think they should put parties aside, are really put their heads TOGETHER and start thinking a way out of this mess, together as a country, again together no parties, just american public... we need all the help we can get.
This is another great moment in history and as a previous poster said; "a picture is worth a thousand words"
Can't get better than this, can it?
I agree with PY and KB. I may not agree with everything any of these men has or, in Obama's case, will do, but it it is a pretty awe-inspiring thought: Only a handful of people know what it's like to be a president of the United States. Whether you like them or not you need, to some degree, respect the office a bit.
I do not like G. W. Bush's policies and I believe his administration must be called into account, but I think the shoe-throwing incident was terrible and unfortunate. And, to his credit, G. W. Bush seemed gracious and sincere in his comments to Obama. Anyone living in this country right now has a stake in whether or not we succeed. As citizens we need to both respect the office and criticize the policies as we see fit.
Finally, enough of the polarizing rhetoric from all sides, citizens and politicians alike. Let's give each other the space to discuss and disagree respectfully.
I have nothing but hatte in my heart. I can't stand the thought of Obama becoming president so I have to spend my day slinging venom whenever I can.
My father was a Band of Brothers. No, really he was. I have led men in battle, too. No, really I have!!!
Pathetic!!!
was that god with the others,, looking away.. i hope so
Pray for Obama because he is gonna need it. He is just a man no matter what some of you think! There is only one Messiah and Obama is not Him.
Lovely picture, you can tell who is actually "real" Clinton and Obama, go Democrats!!!!!!
Funny that W has the grey hair and Daddy doesn't.
Why is Obama wearing a blue tie and not red?
Obama looks the best and considering he's worked harder in the past year than all of the others put together.
Looking forward to the hope and future of the USA!
Thanks to all who were good and smart enough to vote for Obama.
proud amerikan,, get real,, dancing in the streets of washington dc,,, more likely hiding from bullets from oh can you say,, the black thugs there to rob the ones that are stupid enuff to go,, go one people ,, lite the town up...
linda ,, when is that lobotomy ?? oh never mind
To the pople who don't like Obama -
Why didn't you run for President ???? You had your chance !
Only a handful of people wanted the job and they ran for office. Obama won the majority of the votes.
Get Over It !
TCM January 7th, 2009 5:56 pm ET
I have nothing but hatte in my heart. I can't stand the thought of Obama becoming president so I have to spend my day slinging venom whenever I can.
My father was a Band of Brothers. No, really he was. I have led men in battle, too. No, really I have!!!
___________________________________________________
Your father was not a Band on Brothers. He was in a band of brothers who were also drunks. What a Idiot, po little thang.
dumas mcgee January 7th, 2009 5:48 pm ET
you'd think even Proud American would have something nice to say about unity
nope. looks like the high-chair bound P.A. must continue to fling his poo to seek attention
___________________________________________________
I do have something to say. "Democrats around the country are United and excited about change that's going to sweep this country starting Jan 20. Dumas don't be a Idiot all of your life.
their all the same people they are following thie agenda thats all...... obama is change of face thats all
Please pray for TCM, he spent his entire life thinking his Dad was a band of brothers and it turns out he Dad was in a band with drunks. I'm sure that has to be a horrible feeling for the little Idiot, and would explain why he's so bitter and hateful.
TCM: Nice try but we know your a Democratic plant!!
TCM@ your the reason Americans want to keep abortions legal in this country. Your Mom is so selfish.
Who are those guys in the photo with President Elect Barack Obama?
Proud American: Do you have schizophrenia or are you bipolar? You trash President forever then you post that this is a" Great picture of FIVE great men"!! Then continue to trash him in the rest of your posts! I am patient with stupidity but not with those that are PROUD of it as you are! Nothing will divide this nation more than ignorance,and nothing can bring us together more than an educated population of which YOU are not!!
Let's just hope that this time Mr. "wet behind the ears" realizes that it is not polite to have loose lips after such a meeting and refrain from blabbing stuff to his staff that can't keep their mouths shut either. It is so unpresidential.
The most serious office in the land and Americans get stuck with a baby running the crib...oh why didn't Hillary or McCain or some other more qualified person get the job...
TCM you must be refering to yourself when you say "pathetic". Do you really think anyone believes anything you say. Must be the mushrooms you keep smoking screwing up your brain.
John what a racist remark I wonder what your grandfather and greatgrand-father thinks of you when what they might not be telling you that during slavery because of them sleeping around with the female slaves you also could very well be a minority through blood...Haha how do you like that one idiot think before you speak