January 21, 2009
Posted: January 21st, 2009 12:16 PM ET

ALT TEXT

President Obama met with his Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in the Oval Office Wednesday morning. (Photo Credit: White House photo)

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Obama began his first full day in office with a moment of solitude in the Oval Office, reading a note from his predecessor, before making phone calls to Middle East leaders.

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, reading a note left for him in the desk by outgoing President George W. Bush. The note had been placed in an envelope with a note saying: "To: # 44, From: # 43."

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel met with the president 10 minutes later to discuss the daily schedule, Gibbs said.

Obama called Middle East leaders, according to a senior administration official, including King Abdullah of Jordan, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

On Sunday, Israel and Palestinian militants declared a cease-fire after 22 days of fighting in Gaza.

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.

President Obama's faith "is a central part of his life and he will begin the first full day of his administration with a service of interfaith prayer and reflection," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Communications Director Josh Earnest.

"The National Prayer Service, which will embody the themes of tolerance, unity and understanding, is a worship service for all Americans."

Later in the day, Obama is expected to meet with his economic team and top brass from the Pentagon.

Full story

Filed under: President Obama


Greg M   January 21st, 2009 4:57 pm ET

Gerry tends to forget about the hate, venom, spitefulness, seditious,mocking,derision, intractability and overall effect of uselessness the left had toward getting anything done for the last two years. The lapse of memory is one of the finest attributes of the history rewriting left – it makes their job easier as well as greases their arguments when talking to each other.

Zozozozozozozozozo   January 21st, 2009 4:52 pm ET

this is a great article!!

Ash   January 21st, 2009 4:46 pm ET

Kirsten – Agreed. Bush fouled up, in many ways, but this constant crucifixion of his character is so trendy and stale. He's not a bad guy... Just a guy who wasn't best suited for the presidency. The "hatefulness" and disrespect that has been offered to him and his family is absolutely absurd... And no, I'm not a Republican, and yes, I LOVE Obama.

Matt   January 21st, 2009 4:43 pm ET

"See Mr. President, this is the fist I make when I knock GOP heads together..."

WTH...   January 21st, 2009 4:39 pm ET

Kirsten-
Maybe you didn't get the memo that torture, demonizing gay folks, and trashing habeas corpus are all actually hateful things to do. I, for one, have met WAY nicer people than that.
Hopefully Obama's driving skills can save us from going off the cliff.

NOVA   January 21st, 2009 4:39 pm ET

Man, the Oval Office looks pretty empty! :)

AndyL   January 21st, 2009 4:37 pm ET

@ Gerry in Va for Obama.

Obama needed a minute or two of PEACE and quiet, not PIECE and quiet. I know they sound the same, but they do not mean the same. Maybe you should watch Sesame Street instead of CNN. You people who Bush stupid and can't spell just make me laugh.

Arkansas Undertaker   January 21st, 2009 3:57 pm ET

This is truly a great time for America and the World!!!!

I am so proud of the new Obama Administration for taking all the right steps.

Kirsten   January 21st, 2009 3:51 pm ET

I love how Gerry in Va. says "the hatefulness of the Bushes". Perhaps he/she never got the memo that everybody(including the liberal media) has said about the Bushes, they're actually some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Just because you disagree wtih them doesn't make them "hateful".

Gerry in Va. for Obama.   January 21st, 2009 3:02 pm ET

He was probably trying to regain some of his hearing loss from the millions who were cheering his welcome yesterday.. Just needed a minute or two of piece and quiet.. I'm so proud of him. His openess will be so refreshing after eight years of the hatefulness of the Bushes.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@KuhnCNN: Great meeting @JackGrayCNN today and seeing @sinderbrandrcnn in NYC! AC Rock Stars! :-)
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:07:10 -0800
@KuhnCNN: Posted today: Clinton foreign trip first on Twitter. http://bit.ly/9Axuh9 /via @PoliticalTicker
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:36:14 -0800
@KuhnCNN: RT @octavianasrCNN: MUST-READ// Coaching tomorrow's world leaders, through social networking -- http://bit.ly/9tmW6x
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:32:51 -0800
@AWMooneyCNN: Metro finally comes and then stops at station for 20 minutes #snoverkill
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:46:27 -0800
@psteinhauserCNN: I just shoveled two feet of snow off the roof. That was fun!
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:14:34 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP