CNN Political Ticker
532 days ago

Obama to host dinners honoring Powell, Biden and McCain

Obama will honor his former presidential rival at an inauguration week dinner.
Obama will honor his former presidential rival at an inauguration week dinner.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President-elect Obama will host a series of dinners the night before his inauguration honoring Ret. Gen. Colin Powell, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and his former presidential rival, Republican Sen. John McCain, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Saturday.

"In these times of great challenge and great change, leadership requires rising above the same old narrow partisanship," the president-elect said in a statement released by the committee.

"Each of these distinguished Americans has spent his life in service to his country, at each and every moment placing the interests of America before issues of political party. That is precisely the spirit of common purpose we need as we begin the work ahead."

The committee said the events will be held at the National Building Museum, Union Station and the Hilton Washington.


Filed under: Colin Powell • Joe Biden • John McCain • President-elect Obama
soundoff (81 Responses)
  1. Joe Terrogano

    I like John McCain a lot more since he stopped his campaign. A true hero and a maverick. May you have a long, productive life.

    January 10, 2009 12:00 pm at 12:00 pm |
  2. Mari

    That's VERY gracious of the soon-to-be-President!

    Let's contact our state representatives in Congress and let them know we are expecting them to work with the new presidents, support him and get our Nation out of the ditch Bush left it in!

    January 10, 2009 12:13 pm at 12:13 pm |
  3. SOUTHERN HOTTIE

    THAT'S THE SPIRIT!!!!

    Everybody, please let us stop our petty bickering with each other.

    It's the politicians in DC who we need to be writing to and posting comments on THEIR websites.

    We must hold them accountable. My best interests, my neighbor's, yours, our country's best interests are at stake.

    I like this renewal of friendship and fellowship. I like this alot.

    January 10, 2009 12:30 pm at 12:30 pm |
  4. Michael J,

    What about the distingushed female Americans? Where is their recognition? Pelosi, Clinton, Rice, Albright...

    January 10, 2009 12:33 pm at 12:33 pm |
  5. dallas female

    awesome.

    January 10, 2009 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |
  6. Bill in Albuquerque

    Why? What about teachers, doctors, etc.

    January 10, 2009 01:06 pm at 1:06 pm |
  7. Amber

    It is AMAZING how much ego-stroking this poor guy has to do for Washington's elite in order to get anyone to move forward...

    January 10, 2009 01:07 pm at 1:07 pm |
  8. Michael

    Obama is a true american.

    January 10, 2009 01:13 pm at 1:13 pm |
  9. Mike Dallas

    After all the things McCain and crew threw around in the election, I would never trust or give the man the time of day, but Obama is obviously a bigger man than I.

    Also, as much as I dislike McCain, I have to give credit when due and he did buck the repubs by supporting Obama's plan as opposed to being an obstructionist and yammerin about "tax cuts" being the way out of this mess. He admits there are shades of gray in life and not just black or white, right or wrong and the fact that he did on F&%k the News and left Cavuto with his mouth hanging open in disbelief was even better. For that I have to give him credit,

    I still do not trust anyone that tried to sell the half-wit as capable so I do not see McCain as honorable or gracious or trustworthy, but he appears to be more open minded than most republicans when it comes to the fate of America.

    January 10, 2009 01:13 pm at 1:13 pm |
  10. pam Eugene OR

    Sounds like a busy night for Obama.

    January 10, 2009 01:15 pm at 1:15 pm |
  11. MY FRIENDS

    President-elect Obama will host a series of dinners the night before his inauguration honoring Ret. Gen. Colin Powell, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and his former presidential rival, Republican Sen. John McCain, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced
    **This is GREAT!!!! Now if Palin Shut her Lying Mouth and move on!!!!

    January 10, 2009 01:17 pm at 1:17 pm |
  12. KB in Co.

    Trying to work together even as the partisans on both the Democrats side, and Republicans side work to undo everything with there retched stubbornness.

    January 10, 2009 01:20 pm at 1:20 pm |
  13. OBAMA IS SO FULL OF IT

    powell stinks !!

    January 10, 2009 01:21 pm at 1:21 pm |
  14. Proud American

    I can understand Biden and Powell, but why McCain? Maybe he found out "Who is the Real Obama? Joke after the trashing McCain/Palin did to Obama I would invite that Idiot to Jack-in-the-box.

    January 10, 2009 01:30 pm at 1:30 pm |
  15. Proud American

    He should be inviting Palin, it was that Idiot that got him elected. I feel he really owe her.

    January 10, 2009 01:31 pm at 1:31 pm |
  16. Kb in Co

    Graciousness is something I have not seen in long while.

    January 10, 2009 01:32 pm at 1:32 pm |
  17. California Gold

    I'm sure Sarah Palin figures she gets to attend McCain's party.

    January 10, 2009 01:33 pm at 1:33 pm |
  18. John

    I believe McCain being a great man that he is understands that it is the best interest of the American people that he work with Obama to get things done. If he took a hard line and fought Obama on things it just slows any progress down that might have happened, and continues the partisan fighting. I'm betting Obama knows and understands this too.

    January 10, 2009 01:36 pm at 1:36 pm |
  19. Ralph

    Almost every decision Obama makes suggests he could go down as one of our greatest presidents.

    He gets it – beyond partisanship, beyond past bickerings – he simply understands what the nation needs right now. It's great to have wise leadership again.

    January 10, 2009 01:36 pm at 1:36 pm |
  20. Mel of Alexandria, Virginia

    What grace !! This is claiming the high ground. We should all follow.

    January 10, 2009 01:44 pm at 1:44 pm |
  21. andrea

    What a great gesture. What a great President he will make. If anybody can pull this country together it is OBAMA. I am so proud of him!

    January 10, 2009 01:46 pm at 1:46 pm |
  22. Ken in NC

    PE Obama seems to be extending an Olive Branch across the isle. I hope it is accepted as we are not in times where there is lot of time to bicker back and forth. We all know the ideas of the failed Bush Administration did not work so it is time to break with tradition and try something different. It is time for a change. Now one thing people resist the most is change but we are at a point in our lives where we must either change or go down the drain.

    PE Obama may not be right with his ideas but two things we all know are that if we do nothing we go down the drain and if we keep doing what we have been doing, which isn't working, we go down the drain. Let's give him a chance. Consider this. Right now it appears he is being crucified by Democrats and Republicans and the man hasn't even taken office yet and yet we gave President Bush 4 years and then another 4 to correct his failures. Everyone is not going to agree with all of what he wants to do but give the man a chance. We risk nothing no greater than what is already at risk.

    January 10, 2009 01:48 pm at 1:48 pm |
  23. David

    I guess my spirit is not in the right place... but I only notice things like "how much that will cost" and "how much of my tax dollars is being spent on that."

    Seems to me with a lot less money being spent on things like train trip security, Hawaiian vacation security, and special dinners serving expensive dinners to people who ought to feel honored "just to have been nominated," we would all be better off.

    Cut the spending for all of this by staying home and doing your work.

    (I voted for Obama. I have always felt this way about every president who spends for all this stuff.)

    January 10, 2009 01:53 pm at 1:53 pm |
  24. Ken in NC

    I hope that Gov Palin does not take offense to the dinners giving honor to these men. The last thing we need is for her to be making accusations about McCain being Pals of a guy that is Pals with a terrorist.

    January 10, 2009 01:54 pm at 1:54 pm |
  25. Bill,ca

    Great gesture Obama.

    It would be scary to think where we would be right now with McCain and Palin – obviously to a road to nowhere.

    January 10, 2009 01:55 pm at 1:55 pm |
  26. RMGofCO

    Wow...what graciousness. He is amazing and has more forgiveness than I.

    January 10, 2009 01:55 pm at 1:55 pm |
  27. Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon

    How to save taxpayers money:

    Of course you and I will pay for these dinners, but why not have all of these people honored at the SAME dinner?

    Give up, folks, we will be seeing waste like this forever. Just like the inauguration.......why not a ceremony in the rotunda of the nation's capitol building?

    Then a few receptions?

    January 10, 2009 01:56 pm at 1:56 pm |
  28. Simmy

    Magnifique! C'est tres bon! What a man – a president like I have never seen! I hope that it goes well. Bon appetit!

    January 10, 2009 01:56 pm at 1:56 pm |
  29. David

    If Obama lives up to these comments, he will truly be a great leader. Being able to cut through the partisanship has been a challenge for every president. I believe Obama has the skills to do this and get our country back on track. We need to overlook the disgruntled, partisan talk from those like Mike Dallas and go to work as a country. The issue is not being "Progressive." It is getting our country back to the founding principles laid out in the Constitution that made our country great for 200 plus years. I believe Obama can do this. If he doesn't, we will have 200 years of down fall. We owe it to our future generations to get past the anger and work with our President. We need to look past the political party beliefs to come up with solutions that will put our country back on top in all areas.

    January 10, 2009 01:57 pm at 1:57 pm |
  30. Meh

    A leader leads by example.
    Obama is the MAN.

    January 10, 2009 01:58 pm at 1:58 pm |
  31. DeLiRon

    Ooooooooooooooh!!!!! I would love to be a fly on the all when Sarah finds out about this... She's NOT going to be happy she wasn't included... She'e going to be maaaaaaad!!! She's the only one who ran on the tickets who won't be there... The only thing better would be a dinner honoring Katie Couric, Tina Fey & Caroline Kennedy... :) LOL!!!!!

    January 10, 2009 01:58 pm at 1:58 pm |
  32. That One !!!!

    Senator McCain is a honorable Man .....His advisors Rick Davis and Steve Schmidt long time protege of Karl Rove screwed everything up ......and don't forget Palin

    January 10, 2009 01:59 pm at 1:59 pm |
  33. Has anyone seen Paulson?

    Under their breath they are saying "you rotten so and so".You have to laugh,cause you know its true.

    January 10, 2009 02:00 pm at 2:00 pm |
  34. Texas Teacher

    I don't know.... my feelings abour McCain are mixed.... after all, he nominated that bimbo Palin! And she is still a bimbo who refuses to go softly into the night... she will go out of the limelight kicking and screaming... I know McCain was JUST campaigning and all is fair in love and politics.. but.. *shiver all over" mmmmm....

    I am reminded of that old saying, "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer!"

    I admire this bipartisan nod............ :)

    January 10, 2009 02:02 pm at 2:02 pm |
  35. MorningStar

    What grace, my foot!

    Obama shows grace to Lieberman, Hillary, McCain, etc but what about Howard Dean and John Kerry?

    As a supporter of Obama, I beginning to wonder if Obama loves his political ennemies far more than his friends... His political ennemies will not support his agenda or vote for him in 2012...

    January 10, 2009 02:03 pm at 2:03 pm |
  36. emma emerum ojiaku austria

    god will bless obama obviously he is another kenndy chidube gi obama ga na eru go my brother i ga chi america

    January 10, 2009 02:04 pm at 2:04 pm |
  37. EZ

    Just maybe PE Obama will be the only president to realy learn from other presidents and therefore structure his presidency accordingly. Read "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin about Lincoln's presidency. Yes the whole Nation has to come together otherwise we never will recover.

    January 10, 2009 02:10 pm at 2:10 pm |
  38. Thankful Marine

    Proud American? – that "idiot" help make it possible for you and other "Proud Americans" to sound-off without censorship or imprisonment. You may not agree with his politics, but his service to this country should warrant some respect. Perhaps you’re from John Murtha’s district?

    January 10, 2009 02:12 pm at 2:12 pm |
  39. lilacs

    Obama get it! Now if the congress will just get it and start working for the real goverment of this country,WE THE PEOPLE. Congress can learn alot from this man.

    January 10, 2009 02:14 pm at 2:14 pm |
  40. joel

    president Obama make you feel that i'ts a great time to be American
    this gy is more than a president he is a leader.

    January 10, 2009 02:17 pm at 2:17 pm |
  41. Maritza B, MD

    Makes me really proud to have voted for our new President. He truly understands that we need to get over our partisan differences if we want to solve our problems that is plaguing this nation. What a great example of bipartisanship. Wish you all the best, Mr. President-elect.

    January 10, 2009 02:21 pm at 2:21 pm |
  42. tennisguypitt

    See? The idiots in Congress should start taking some notes. Because someone (Obama) is willing to put politics aside!

    January 10, 2009 02:25 pm at 2:25 pm |
  43. john from sandiego

    why would he honor joe dunderhead ? the guy is clueless and he will be have no one to talk to after the coronation..

    January 10, 2009 02:27 pm at 2:27 pm |
  44. 10 More Days

    PE Obama continues to display an ability to recognize the importance of putting country first and building on the goodness and strengths of everyone.

    As he said yesterday, there is no one who has all the right answers and the purpose of elected officials is to work together to find solutions and compromises for all Americans.

    January 10, 2009 02:37 pm at 2:37 pm |
  45. flybyshoeing

    I hope McCain will be the Obama mole in the Senate. I think McCain didn't like being the Republicans puppet during the campaign. Having Palin forced on him was probably the last straw.

    January 10, 2009 02:38 pm at 2:38 pm |
  46. nate

    'Humble in victory, gracious in defeat' . Obama and McCain are, can you be too?

    January 10, 2009 02:40 pm at 2:40 pm |
  47. Hakim Rasheed

    This is what I'm talking about! This is the kind of bi-partanship that made me and so many others vote for Barack Obama. God bless the Obamas, and God bless the United States of America!

    January 10, 2009 02:43 pm at 2:43 pm |
  48. A New Day is Coming

    This gracious gesture has left the usual haters and naysayers speechless....even CNN can't try to create controversy. "country first" ahead of petty partisan politics...the future not the past...something most of the Congress and the media can't quite get!

    January 10, 2009 02:46 pm at 2:46 pm |
  49. Janice

    This is definately a shift away from the childish vindictive behavior the Bush Admin displayed the last 8 years. Remember the whole "freedom fires" instead of french fries when France refused to send troops to Iraq?

    January 10, 2009 02:47 pm at 2:47 pm |
  50. Med Sec

    Good job! That's what a real leader does. Lay aside petty differences and give honor to whom honor is due.

    January 10, 2009 02:48 pm at 2:48 pm |
  51. Hakim Rasheed

    This is what I'm talking about! This is the kind of bi-partisanship that made me and so many others vote for Barack Obama. God bless the Obamas, and God bless the United States of America!

    January 10, 2009 02:49 pm at 2:49 pm |
  52. SOUTHERN HOTTIE

    Barack said, "...we are not as divided as our politics suggest."

    Now if the stupid old school, prima donna, old gits Democrats like Reid, Pelosi, Barney, Dodd, et. al., would get out of the way, Barack can get things done.

    January 10, 2009 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |
  53. lynn

    What about Palin??? This is sexist.....

    I am afraid she is going to cry more....

    Ha! Ha! Ha!...................

    January 10, 2009 02:52 pm at 2:52 pm |
  54. katiec

    Barack Obama is trying so hard to bring unification amoung our
    politicians. He realizes this is the survial of our country.
    The republicans must forget party, ego trips first and put the
    future of our country as top priority. Will they?

    January 10, 2009 02:52 pm at 2:52 pm |
  55. Reese

    He needs all the help he can get right now,He has to cleanup a mess that Bush is leaving behind.So far,heis starting off alright but,remember.Bush started off already to.

    January 10, 2009 02:54 pm at 2:54 pm |
  56. andrea

    Obama needs to do things like this in order to establish as many allies as he can. Its a good strategy for a man who realizes he is not really equipped with the knowledge needed to lead us out of the current mess we are in as a country. I certainly hope all of these people he is bringing in will act for the good of the county.

    January 10, 2009 02:56 pm at 2:56 pm |
  57. alam

    What a great gesture,i salute him and i think he has a big heart.He is going to be a great president and will recapture the image of this great nation.

    January 10, 2009 03:00 pm at 3:00 pm |
  58. E. Beckwith

    Decency describes President-Elect Obama.

    January 10, 2009 03:02 pm at 3:02 pm |
  59. Perusing-Through

    SMOOTH MOVE CAMELOT

    By getting "pragmatic Republicans" (not to be confused with moderate Republicans) such as Colin Powell, Chuck Hagel, Bob Gates, and John McCain direct unfettered access to the new Commander-in-Chief, PE-Obama accomplish the following things:

    (1.) He signals to both political parties and the rest of the world, that these people have Obama-Biden's ear;

    (2.) He further cements his position and power in the ever expanding political ideological middle;

    (3.) He makes his leadership team less dependent on the extreme Liberal Left.

    PE-Obama, you are truly "The Man".

    January 10, 2009 03:08 pm at 3:08 pm |
  60. lucky

    Great job Mr President Elect you are a good spirit man, thank god for you.

    January 10, 2009 03:08 pm at 3:08 pm |
  61. Don

    Proud American...its comment's like yours that continue to plauge this nation. Take some advice from Obama...and get over it. McCain was in a campaign...so of course he said some things that some did not like...Obama did likewise.. Its a competetion. However, as an Obama supporter late to the game, lets give McCain credit. He always defended Obama against many errounious charges. McCain has served this country for years and Obama is better than a proud american to be able to let political differances go and honor the work of this man. I like Obama more every day. People...stop the nasty attacks against the Clintons, the McCains and the Palins...and the other side...start trying to respect our next President.

    January 10, 2009 03:08 pm at 3:08 pm |
  62. Robin

    McCain is a good man, and loves his country. He has the potential of being one of Obama's strongest allies.

    January 10, 2009 03:10 pm at 3:10 pm |
  63. tt,lasvegas

    proud to be your supporter!!!

    January 10, 2009 03:11 pm at 3:11 pm |
  64. Robin

    Proud American,
    Even Hillary made statements not enough was known about Obama. Time to let that go.

    He is reaching across the aisle and McCain is welcoming him. We have a lot to get done. These are two men with different views but the same agenda. Getting America back on track. God bless them both.

    January 10, 2009 03:12 pm at 3:12 pm |
  65. Perusing-Through

    SMOOTH MOVE OBAMA

    By getting "pragmatic Republicans" like Colin Powell, Chuck Hagel, Bob Gates, and John McCain direct unfettered access to the new Commander-in-Chief, PE-Obama accomplish the following things:

    (1.) He signals to both political parties and the rest of the world that pragmatic Republicans NOT enslaved to "absolute political dogma" will have the Obama-Biden ear;

    (2.) He further cements his position and power in the ever expanding political ideological middle;

    (3.) He makes his leadership team less dependent on the extreme Liberal Left.

    PE-Obama, you are truly "The Man".

    January 10, 2009 03:15 pm at 3:15 pm |
  66. Anna, ATL

    McCain has given up more than most of us will ever have to in the prime of his life for his Country. This is an honor he deserves.

    OBAMA doesnt have to prove HIMSELF by honoring this former rival or by appointing Clinton as SOS. He does so because he knoes these two are also GREAT Americans.

    And he has done some pretty slick things to get elected to office in the past.

    Good for PE Obama!

    January 10, 2009 03:28 pm at 3:28 pm |
  67. Larry

    Let them eat cake.

    January 10, 2009 03:29 pm at 3:29 pm |
  68. Reggie

    One simple term to describe President-Elect Obama: Intelligent gentleman that gets it...

    January 10, 2009 03:31 pm at 3:31 pm |
  69. Shirley in Virginia

    John McCain is most deserving of this dinner. President-elect Obama is a true leader who knows that Americans need to be united if we are to survive the hard economic times ahead, much less the turmoil of worldwide problems and the nation's security. He has extraordinary grace and insight, and recognizes reconcilation is what the leaders of our country need, not more bitter partisanship.

    In addition, let's not forget that John McCain is a true, bonafide American hero who spent five long years as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton, being tortured hundred times worse than prisoners at Guantanamo Bay could ever be. So stop your griping, McCain haters. He deserves this honor by P.E. Obama, and I am proud of our new president for having the grace to honor his opponent after an extremely difficult campaing.

    I did not vote for John McCain, but he has been, and always will be, a true American hero in my eyes, and those of millions of other Americans.

    January 10, 2009 03:31 pm at 3:31 pm |
  70. Anna, ATL

    Thank you, Don. The Candidates know the Game well enough and know that once the Election is over, the Election is over.
    Obama isnt stupid enough to get his feelings hurt.
    And yes, McCain has defended Obama against many attacks about his name and heritage and has SERVED his Country and his People very admirably.
    Palin did what she was told when she was attacking in the end. She didnt have much of a choice, and it is not like there was no basis at all for it.
    Sitting in a pew cluelessly for 20 years was the lamest thing to ever come out of Obama's mouth for starters, and he is a VERY SMART man. That comment turned him into a sitting duck.
    And he knew it, so should all of you.

    January 10, 2009 03:35 pm at 3:35 pm |
  71. kay Mn

    The Obama's are such a breath of fresh air. there's just no way to discribe the good feeling. I'm just hoping the Palin's are not going to show up to darken the glow given off from the Obama's and the Biden's. That is being too big of a man! Your supporters don't want a cloud hanging over your biggest and best time (except marriage and birth of the girls) of your life and ours!! I can see giving time to McCain. He tried to tear you down, but you could see his heart wasn't in it. When he was in Mn he did say you were a good man.

    January 10, 2009 03:36 pm at 3:36 pm |
  72. bk

    Obama is a slick talker and manipulater. Thats it! Knows nothing, just wants to make you think he does. I am a democrat, but McCain was the more experienced and better man. I would have felt much safer with McCain. Obama scares the @@@ out of me. He won't stand up to anyone.

    January 10, 2009 03:41 pm at 3:41 pm |
  73. Willy Brown

    He's going to take them to Burger King so Obama can wear a paper crown and say " I'd be the king of rap now".

    January 10, 2009 03:43 pm at 3:43 pm |
  74. Proud American

    He should be inviting Palin, it was that Idiot that got him elected. I feel he really owe her.

    January 10, 2009 03:46 pm at 3:46 pm |
  75. D. Koyama

    Hosting three dinners the same night in three different locations? When's the poor fella going to have a chance to actually eat?

    January 10, 2009 03:52 pm at 3:52 pm |
  76. alvino

    This is a great move. I am more impressed with Obama every day. This is better than Bush giving the 'Medal of Freedom' to empty suits.

    January 10, 2009 03:52 pm at 3:52 pm |
  77. Winny

    These men along with many others deserve to be honored. They have served our country well. The fact that McCain was invited shows Mr. Obama is a man of character.

    January 10, 2009 03:54 pm at 3:54 pm |
  78. Meka

    AMERICA FINALLY HAS A MATURE LEADER, IN PRESIDENT OBAMA.

    CHANGE HAS FINALLY COME!

    January 10, 2009 03:54 pm at 3:54 pm |
  79. Jim Hall

    We voted for Obama but we sure hope that this dinner that he is planning to honor Powell, Biden, and McCain doesn't include aqua net hair spray Palin Jim Hall Kansas City Missouri

    January 10, 2009 03:55 pm at 3:55 pm |
  80. Bob

    I was always a big time Obama supporter.

    To tell the truth, I also like John McCain quite a bit. John is one of America's GREATS. Despite some of the differences between the parties. John McCain always had the interest of the United States on his mind. (Except of course when he picked Palin, just a Senior Moment I guess).

    Obama, Clinton, McCain, Powell. These folks will help restore America to its former Greatness.

    January 10, 2009 04:04 pm at 4:04 pm |
  81. Dave, Central Illinois

    Again, isn't it strange how Proud American is able to get so many of it's childish posts on these bloggs. How many of you have had your posts dropped if they do not contain hateful leftist rants????

    January 10, 2009 04:17 pm at 4:17 pm |

Post a comment


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.