44 arrives in Oval Office, reads note from 43

Bush followed presidential tradition, leaving a note for his successor.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Barack Obama began his first full day in office with a moment of solitude in the Oval Office, reading a note from his predecessor.

Obama arrived in the Oval Office at 8:35 a.m., according to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. The president spent 10 minutes alone in the office, reading a note left for him in the desk by outgoing President George W. Bush. The note had been placed in an envelope marked "To: .44, From: .43".

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel met with the president at 8:45 a.m. to discuss the daily schedule. First lady Michelle Obama joined her husband in the Oval Office at 9:10 a.m., shortly before the first couple departed for the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Filed under: President George W. Bush • President Obama

soundoff (4 Responses)

Randy

In the folder Bush left Obama said I need a job

January 21, 2009 02:57 pm at 2:57 pm |
Daniel

I honestly thought Bush was #1, opssss my bad!, but Bush is definitely #1 as the WORST PRESIDENT EVER

January 21, 2009 03:17 pm at 3:17 pm |
mart

in the envelope bush said "your not the first black president your half and half, so tell your people that !!! " ha

January 21, 2009 03:33 pm at 3:33 pm |
Amber

CNN, can you please make sure that user 'mart' at 3:33 is of legal age to post on line without parental permission?

January 21, 2009 03:46 pm at 3:46 pm |