CNN

I think he just called to remind him who won the election as he did with the Republicans in Congress when he put together the stimulus bill. When you got it, flaunt it.

To Mike, and to Joe:

I frequently see comments coming from you two that are negative and ignorant. Grow up, guys, no matter how much you babble on, you lost this election and you're going to need to get over it, either that or get the hell out of my country. You are two of the most un-American Americans to ever open your mouths. I suggest you either shut them or stick your foot in there so we can all be done with your nonsense.

Mike, this was an unwinnable war from the get go, and we lose our boys every day, while Iraq is rebuilding with our money. Stop ranting about how the American people are going to "revolt". We aren't going to do any such thing.

And you, Joe, Obama doesn't need any advice from anyone. And are you that imbecile JOE KILOZ who hasn't shut up since before the election, or are you just a different stupid Joe?

I am so anxious to see your rantings stop when Obama has turned things around and gets America back on the right track. It will be such an immense pleasure for me to sit back, smirk, and say, "I told you so."

"Yeah, then he put on his pants, finished his 10th cigarette for the morning, and went down to have breakfast…..

So what???"

Wow Todd...This is all you got?

You Republicans have become not just a US but a World-wide JOKE.

There is nothing wrong with calling the former president for help. He probably knows the situation best. He started it.

When are you bozos in the "Bush-Cheney warcrimes" crowd going to grow up and put away your patchouly oil and tied-died t-shirts and enter the adult conversation?

5 weeks verses 8 years hummmm. ALL YOU OB HATERS MAKE ME SICK.

The Bush-hate out there is really a bit too much. Bush began the troop pull-out last fall, and cut the deal to pull them all out by 2011. So – the groundwork was laid for Obama already. It was indeed courteous of him to call Bush before the speech – but hardly a big deal.

We have run out of room for Pres. Bush.
Darn liberals.

President Obama was merely showing respect for President Bush, nothing more, nothing less. Those of you making something ugly out of this really need professional help. Carrying around that much hatred and anger for no reason, rots your soul.

"This defeat, and the deaths resulting from it, is Obama's alone."

Defeat? Completing a campaign promise that the American liked (they did vote for it, after all)?

"What a fool we ahve in the White House."

I think you meant what a fool YOU are ...

Why do morons have to post "who cares"? If you don't care, why would you read more than the headline, much less post anything?!? Leave the comments to people who possess a brain stem.

Who cares if you don't care?!?

Mandatory on-topic comment: Obama just gets better and better!

Reading these comments is quite funny. Be happy you live in the United States and don't live in Myanmar where you would be beheaded for talking about your present and past leaders this way.

We live in the greatest country in the world and have the best form of government. Don't treat the people who tried do their best like dogs, even though it wasn't very good.

How would YOU feel if it were you that everybody was talking about?

I'm a republican who voted for Obama

Did Bush screw up, yes he did. but it doesn't give you the right to treat him this way. if you don't like what the President is doing you replace him, that is how our system of government works.

President Obama,

Thank you for disgracing our fallen soldiers by waving your white flag, I'm sure they appreciate it. That was nice of you to give Bush a courtesy call though, I'm sure none of your supporters would have been that nice.

oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

What were Obama and McCain arguing about again?

MIKE -– February 27th, 2009 12:57 pm ET
Obama courtesy call….
"Help me George….what do I do?"
booo hoooo boooo hoooo

You keep posting things on all these different issues, you are obviously not being very supportative of President Obama, let me repeat that PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.......mmmm I so love the sound of that.

Get a Life would you, we Americans do not need the ignorant back woods Americans displaying there ignorance to the rest of the World. by saying such crap over and over and over !!! Be supportive or STFU

Bill, Bloominton IL February 27th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

"2010? From here forward the blood is on the democrats. I am so sorry I voted for change in 06 and 08."

Same here, Bill. All i see is partisanship and eliteism. Change? Lets get real. Its going to be change for the worst.

Bush must have given some advise to Obama. It looks like Obama will be worse president ever. This socialist is increasing tax rates and giving food stamps and aids to illegal immigrants. Why should we provide food and shelter to these illegal immigrants.

Could we, please, stop with the koolaid references? I, for one, am old enough to remember Jim Jones The images of poisoned, dead children are forever seared into my memory. If that is what you all (on both sides) are referring to, - then shame on you. If not, my sincere apologies.

Bush is not in prison yet?

JOE February 27th, 2009 2:52 pm ET

BUSH IS A LEADER,,OBAMA IS NO

__________________________________________-

the villiage idiot leader ..... jajaaa. oh joe you are so funny

what a R E A L GENTLEMAN/PRESIDENT.

I PRAY AND THANK GOD FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA EVERYDAY.

"3 – Ray, what has changed so quickly? Obama PROMISED immeditae change to the economy and to troop withdrawl, I see neither happening for almost two years.."

'fraid not. He said the economy would take a long time. And he now the combat troops will be home, close to the date of his promise. A couple months difference is mostly immaterial.

Leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq, and moving another 17,000 to a war in Afghanistan / Pakistan which will see no end doesn't seem like fulfilling a promise.

To the Obamabots, keep drinking the koolaid your messiah pours you.

wonder why obama and biden have their head down and eyes closed. probably wondering how many times they need to say the word 'change' for it to happen.

The call was just to soften old Dubya up. Bush doesn't know that Eric Holder will be the next person to call him.

I only hope that an International Crimes Tribunal is put in place to try Bush and Company for WAR CRIMES and put them behind bars forever!

Thank God!!!!

You fools are so involved with Republican this, Democrat that, you don't even realize how pathetic you are. That is why Independents laugh at you morons. Independents decide the election. Oh and the Blame Bush mentality and the Obama is not prepared crap will result in you losing, so grow up kids

To Obama Victim, if anything W needs to apologized to him he's keeping his promises we're getting out so please read the article again.

JOY:

Are you saying Iraq would be better with Saddam Hussein still in power? The "mess" Bush created liberated millions of Iraqis from a madman that brutally ruled his citizens. Maybe you'd like it if he were still in charge?

Thanks to Bush finally, Obama now has a situation on the ground in Iraq that he CAN pull out of successfully.

As usual, the majority of people that read CNN have bad clues.

Did he really call to tell him that he is withdrawing troops from Iraq?--or did he really call to thank him for the mess he left-–only the President's knows.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM:

Bush kept you and your family safe for 7 years after the deadliest attack on US soil since Pearl Harbor. Without his resolve, you'd be much more vulnerable today.

Why don't you tried gratitude rather than bitterness, you'd be a little more happy.

I think it is very interesting that Barack Obama is basically just following George Bush's war plan, even withdrawing the troops at the deadline of December 2011 that Bush and the leaders of Iraq agreed upon which is 17 months after Obama promised he would. Seems these elected officials have three things in common...big promises, big lies, and big egos.

Today was the first time I shed tears for our war hero's. President Obama's statements were very powerful and his statement to the Iraqi people was also necessary to begin their healing. I love to watch and hear our president address America, I just wish the conservatives would give him more credit for how much has been accomplished in such a short period of time. GOD BLESS AND KEEP OUR PRESIDENT SAFE FROM HARM.

With the election of Obama I was hoping for some healing of the extreme bitterness and anger that has become an almost permenant and repugnant feature of these blogs and comments. So much for hope!

Is it really to much of a stretch for most of you to accept that GWB may have some advice for Obama or interest in what Obama is proposing for US troop levels in Iraq?

It's a credit to Obama that he is willing to appear to solicit comment or advice from the ex-president and political rival.

It would be really great if the great majority of you who are Obama supporters and admirers could pay attention to the good example the President is setting and try to emulate his apparent attitude of humility, grace, forgiveness and pragmatism.

I'm not interested in reading any more of the mindless and endless blathering on about the failures of GWB. Neither am I interested in reading about how Obama may be setting himself up to fail nor am I interested in constantly reading about how it is a given that Republicans can not forgive, et. cetera.

Nice typo, it is president not "preident". Who is editing for CNN these days?

Looks like a meeting of the 'Skull andBones" cult.Wonder what they did with Geronimos skull?

Lush, I guess your name shows your Liberal IQ. wish I could grow up and be an intelligent adult too. They should ban you just for the profanity of you name.

To those of you who dislike Obama (OBVIOUSLY REPUBLICANS WHO JUST WON'T THINK ABOUT THE LAST 8 YEARS) Please Please Please do all of America a f avor......................Move to Mexico.

The people spoke on November 4th regarding our involvement in Iraq. A Status of Forces Agreement between the Bush Administration and the Iraqi government also called for a withdrawal of American troops according to a timetable. President Obama is not only carrying out a campaign promise, but carrying out an agreement with the Iraqi government and the will of the Iraqi people. The uniformed American men and women who served, or are serving, in Iraq can come home with their heads held high for all they accomplished. And to the families who lost a loved one, and to those veterans who have suffered the wounds of war, our thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Wow, the Republicans who've suggested that Obama called Bush for advice are suffering serious delusions. Virtually everything Obama has done has been aimed at undoing the damage the Bush administration has done to this country. So now Obama is supposedly seeking Bush's counsel on Iraq?! Get real!

Ed, in NM, yet another kidergarten Bush Basher. No real thoughts to contribute? Grow up, or leave the concersations to the grown ups.

I just wish Nobama would give the same opportunity to the defenseless 600,000-750,000 unborn babies slaughtered in the United States each year. Bravo for bringing home our troops, but quit murdering innocent children.

WOW Someone that acts Preidential in the office.......Hadn't seen that in 8 LONG years

Obama Victim February 27th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

I hope he apologized to W……………now he know this stuff is not all that easy
_____________________________________________________

You got that right!!!

MIke of Houston , you have lost your entire, ever lovin' mind. I can't begin to fathom your thought process.

Are you even from this country, this planet?

President Obama is courteous as well as intelligent. Look at all the ways in which Obama has already brought change in a little over 30 days. He is awesome - I couldn't admire him more.

And for clarification, I thought combat operations were over. Last I knew we were in a support role training the Defense Forces of the new DEMOCRATIC Iraqi Government. And, since Mr Obama was head of the Senate Committee on Afghanistan, why are we losing there? Oh, because he made fewer trips there than Mrs Bush did, because he was to busy campaigning to do his job. I wish Mr Obama gets things going but, he has not made too many great decisions as of yet.

Mr Bush, this is president Obama, I know I said a lot of bad things about you, but any chance you can help me out. I already in too deep with the economy and now I realy don't want to screw up any one elses country.

Now Bush will have to hope the the Iraqui troops can keep his cash cow (Halliburton) safe. Look on the bright side lil bush, at least you got a heads up.

So he called Bush to say "You were right. We will be out by 12/31/2011 just like you said."

I dont having problem with our new President calling anyone.

However, me and others like me are just a bit tired of the media.
Let see how long has Mr President been in office? And how long was the last President in office? How long has housing, war and banks been a problem??

Come on what we need here is to take a deep breath.... and think before judge.

Iam neither Republican or Democrat I am now an independent BUT I have to admit I am really impressed with President Obama. Finally someone with an once of brains. We only invaded Iraq because of Bush's appointed intelligence heads who either gave him what he wanted or they were out of a job. Then after invading a country WE STAY....and then WE paid for everything for years while they have BILLIONS in profits from their oil and we lose thousands of American troops. Mr. Obama you are finally a releive from STUPID politicans over the last many many many years.

BUSH SHOULD ROT IN HELL

This was an incredible gesture. People shouldn't make a federal case about it, its just a common courtesy. I don't see why people's comments need to be so vindictive toward either man, no matter who's side you support. Its just a common decency that we have gotten away way too much in this country. So stop insulting either of them so we can move on and go about the business of repairing our democracy by working together.

Funny how CNN always seems to close the comments when the Patriots get to singin'

Thank you Mr. President for doing the right thing. Continued success.

Why would the President want to apologized to a republicans crook like W.

Thank you Mr. President for doing the right thing. You definitely are the right man for the right time.

Continued success.

the republican party is the american version of the taliban.. be afraid

Well Obama victim, maybe you'll understand now.

President Obama, I hope you informed the shrub it truly was the "end of an error".

BUSH IS A LEADER,,OBAMA IS NOT

1 – Mick grow up you sound like your in kindergarten
2 – Ben, you get that from Republicans? I thought Bush asked Congress for support, and guess what, they gave it to him
3 – Ray, what has changed so quickly? Obama PROMISED immeditae change to the economy and to troop withdrawl, I see neither happening for almost two years..
4 – Dem in Az, I guess in the first three weeks, EVRYBODY takes opff from work to go to Camp David? Hard working? He's left most everything up to Congress and the Senate...

I am not particularly against Mr Obama, but oyu people are putting so hig on a pedestal he is going to fall hard. I am sure his intentions are right, but is not making too many smart moves. And all of you need to get of the Party shill list and start being Americans first.

"Hey President Bush, I'm about to yank out the only thing keeping Iraq together. 3 years from now, when Iraq is a stronghold for terrorists and in the middle of a civil war, I'll call you back!"

As a courtesy? Is this Obama's way of 'flipping the bird' to Bush thus dis-respecting ALL of our efforts to create stability 'smack dab' in the Middle East? We're so close in creating a strong ally, let's not jump too quickly because the President campaigned using rhetoric to satisfy his base. Do what's right and let's preserve the liberty we've created to a people who've never experienced it before.

Who Ever Blogged as REF: With Words like Cool Aid Drinking Obama Enthusiasts.. Is So Politically Incorrect. Your racial Klu Klux Klan Epithets do not go by unnoticed. It is people like you who cannot see the forest through the trees. We as Americans have a right to our opinion but as Free Americans we must regards everyones national origin as being American, based upon the precepts of our Constitution levied by our founding fathers, We are a pluralistic society. Your lack of finess shows your poor education as well as your scewed political bias. Perhaps with some of the programs being brought to light through this administration, your children may have an opportunity to broaden their understanding of Politics and the world around them. It's not about color, its about knowledge and furthering our political standard in the Arena of world politics, and bettering our individual standards at home as Americans.

the republican party is the american version of the taliban ... watch out

Actually, MICK, a war crime, thus committed by a war criminal, is (by definition) any action conducted in direct violation of international law- by most standards this would be the protocols of the Geneva Convention. While I certainly admit that the War in Iraq has been a waste of both lives and resources, Bush is not a war criminal, simply because the War in Iraq is actually not a "war" by definition. To achieve the latter, Congress would have had to officially declare war, which if my memory serves me correctly, has only been officially done five times in U.S. history. I just though you should know in lieu of your comment.

Mick: I'm sorry you feel the way you do about President Bush. He had our country's best interest at heart and kept us safe after 9/1/1. What President Obama is doing will cause a great collapse in the Mideast and possible global war. He thinks he's the "Great Uniter," but with his radical background (which the Dems didn't even question), I'm afraid our country will be in great trouble.

I'll bet Barry still didn't utter the word "victory".

To idiots like Ben and Mick...... would a war criminal so easily step aside and provide a smooth transition to a new administration??????

You better hope and pray that the new regime doesnt send our former leaders to the Hague..... or Obama, Pelosi, and Reed will be sure to follow.

Mick,

Since you know everything, maybe you should become our next ignorant president...Bush did what he did...America is safe, I have no issues with that.

If it was wrong, it was wrong. At least he stood up for what he thought was right...Unlike this new joker in the white house.

i would like to hear just 1 of you gutless libs say that iraq was better off with sadam in power. you wont, because they aren't. so even if the premis of why we went was a little sketchy ( eventhough bill clinton said they has WMD's ) the fact is sadam was a murdering tyrant ( like slobadan malocivich in serbia ) and needed removed,

No enough explanation about how this war was set up in motion. The real reasons to go into Irak. A real investigation about it. Then we'll see
. So many kills, so may deaths, so much suffering. For what?

Hey Tim, so you are one of those Libs who was hoping for the US Military to fail in Iraq, eh chump. Disappointed??? Moron!!!

If anyone should be apologizing it should be W. I hope he can never be in public again. He disgraced this country and his only supporters are uneducated twits that digest whatever crap limbaugh spews from his hateful mouth. Republicans and their Anti-jesus agenda's....

i do not like Obama's politics, but I respect him as President. Why does the left continue to react as MICK in MESA does. You sir are beneath contempt. President Obama calling Bush was the right thing to do.

"Just lettin' ya' know that I'm ending that war that you foolishly started. Nice going there, George. Anyway... Gotta go. This economy you destroyed is keeping me pretty busy."

He probably was clearing brush in his ranch, since that what he mostly did anyways when he was president

You know... as a courtesy? To freaking....What?

I really don't get any of this.

Hope Bush called Obama a liar.

Whatever their differences, and they are too many to count, these two man have been very decent to each other. A lesson to be taken by those on this board.

To bad the troops will be coming home to join the unemployment line.

Hope he called Bush a leader. History will be much better to President Bush than any of the left-winged main street media. The MSM shoved BO down our throats. They are to blame for many of the problems we are seeing today.

I sometimes read the comments in this blog and it never stops amazing me that somebody ALWAYS says some thing negative. I did not vote for President Obama BUT he is our president and I will support him with a open mind, to bad Mick from Mesa can't get over the past and move on. From your comments I suppose you voted for him so why don't you let the the past go and MOVE ON! I am.

Callled Bush for what? apparntly he is learning fast as the president of the free world he still has masters in TelAviv and other places. I am sure the former Prez would give him his blessing providing he remembers why we went to Iraq in the first place. Witdrawl must be now. When we invaded Iraq, we did it right away. That;s when planning was needed. I see no need to postpone and captulate.

I know he's not inclined to do so, but he could have told him he was beginning to clean up the mess he made of the last 8 years, and hoped Bush would wish him well. Or is that beneath a Republican's dignity to admit they were wrong?

Obama should have called Cheney. Bush was Cheney's puppet – real information sits with Cheney.

A war criminal? Really? Why? It's more honorable to kill Taliban than it is to kill Iraqis? If Obama goes to war in Afghanistan isn't he a war-monger too?

HOW IRONIC!!
We kick the brutal butcher Sadam HUSSAIN and his henchmen out of Iraq......
and then........wait for it.......our new superhero fix everything commander in chief...HUSSAIN Obama IS GOING TO GIVE IT RIGHT BACK TO THE HENCHMEN...but with a gift.....he will reduce our forces and leave just enough to get butchered by the ones he gives the country to....I thought Carter was the worst liberal ever....man he is far right compared to this super hero...

Why waste your time in calling Bush? He and his cronies have nothing good to say about you or your policies. You are just cleaning up another one of his messes. Mr. President, you are leader and a gentleman. Maybe the donothing party people will learn how to do both.

i know this won't get posted but – isnt it funn after 90 minutes of taking comments, the ONLY one CNN has released thus far is "hope he called Bush a War Criminal"

I hope he calls him for advice before he jacks up our taxes and robs us blind.

Obama is being way too nice to the former administration and the Republicans in Congress. Bush doesn't need a courtesy call – he needs a subpoena to show up at a war crimes trial at The Hague.

why so angry mick

About time...

2010? From here forward the blood is on the democrats. I am so sorry I voted for change in 06 and 08.

I just read the article on Jim DeMint saying Obama is Socialist salesman. Lot of the comments said, well what is your plan for the future then?
Are you too blind to see? The plan is clear. Civil war. And our side isn't ready. Just today I had to go ALONE to be the only counter protestor against a extremist right-wing protest in my own town. What are we one month in? Wake up people. Prepare. They are gonna fire the first shot. If obamA dies, they did it.

Was that a collect call?

Where is the mention of the "residual force" that will be left behind? Get them all out, stop wasting lives and money and bleeding our economy dry.

You can call Dick Cheney while you are at it and tell him we don't torture anymore either.

Hopefully, Pres Obama asked the former president for some advise, too. Obama has his inexperienced hands FULL.

"Courtesy"..... nice. Good example, blah, blah, blah.

Hope he also told Bush that we'd be investigating his phony war, torture, wiretapping American citizens, etc.

The American people demand it. The world requires it.

I guess the Bush family can't say they "forgot to watch Obama's speech"

Probably called and told the Shrub to sell his Haliburton stock...

A new meaning to decency even though the president did not have to be sweet to the ex-president.

um, why?

Former President Bush .... has a glorious ring to it!

Not only is Barack an excellent president, but we have other candidates waiting in the wings when he leaves office in 2016.

Yes, the era of the Democrats is finally back, thanks to the 7th worst president ever- George-daddy-and-mommies-boy-Worst-president-Bush.

Obama continues to show his respect for the office of President........ more than zi can say for the hate filled slurs, of the GOP........... keep marching Mr. President, we the people are behind you!!

Just one question. What have the Republicans done for you lately? I'll wait, this should take awhile. Just as I thought NOTHING. End of story, moving on.

A clueless boy walking among men and a monkey grinning in the background. Courtesy call? Inexperience that taliban just love and other strongmen around the world. I hope the president likes football.

spelled president wrong

This president is a truly decent person. Good luck to him.

Too bad Obama didn't jest that Jen and Barb were first for the new draft. I can just see those two useless creatures in fatigues and helmets! LOL!

And I hope Bush called him an idiot like he should have and I'd like to do. Sad to see a great president like Bush walking out of the White House next to the most unexperienced, underqualified and ignorant person that I've ever had to call my president.

Hopefully he asked Bush why he had America attack a country that posed no threat to us, was contained by UN sanctions and weapons inspectors, had no WMDs, and, despite his and Cheney's mantras to the contrary, had NOTHING to do with 9-11. Then ask him how could he live with the deaths of almost 4,300 US troops and 1.2 MILLION Iraqis on his conscience as a self-described "Christian". Then ask him to surrender himself as a war criminal to the Hague. What a monstrous man and President Bush was. And America will pay the price for decades to come.

Don't you guys even spell-check before publishing news articles any more?

Way to go Mr. President. For some reason, I truly believe our former President agrees with our current president on a lot of issues. George Bush is not a bad person, he just had bad, terrible, stupid, uniformed, uncaring, unscrupulous, party driven, and downright dumb people surrounding him. I really think republicans are all about republicans, not their constituents, simply themselves. Anyway, back to what I was saying, Former President Bush seems to have had no voice whatsoever in his administration, other than to stand out front and tell us what the dummies in his administration told him to say. As the republican party goes through the search for a leader, we, the Democratic party, need to come together to unseat as many of those airheads as possible... Please my fellow democrats, start campaigning now if a republican seat in your district, your state, your county, your town, or your are is up for re-election. WE NEED TO UNSEAT AS MANY REPUBLICANS AS POSSIBLE.

What? The President is breaking another campaign promise? It’s going to take more than 16 months to get our troops out of Iraq? Man you can't believe anything this guy says...

Just kidding. Way to go Mr. President, you have done what you said you would do. You listened to the men and women on the front fighting this thoughtless, meaningless and wasteful war, and although you can’t get all of our men and women out safely in 16 months I think the 60+% of Americans who voted for you will be more than happy with 18.

What combat operations??

George told Obama to make sure he finds the WMDs before they withdrawal.

Hope he called Bush a "war criminal"...

Maybe W should charge you a consulting fee...

GEORGE BUSH MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE 4254 AMERICAN MILITARY HEROES WHO DIED IN IRAQ. IF GEORGE BUSH CALLED THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ A """""NOBLE CAUSE""""" THEN HE SHOULD EXPLAIN TO THE NATION ABOUT THIS NOBLE CAUSE THAT WASTED BILLION OF DOLLARS AND CAUSED THE DEATH OF 4254, OUR BEST AND YOUNGEST MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN. FATHER AND MOTHERS, HUSBANDS AND WIFES, SONS AND DAUGHTERS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM GEORGE BUSH ""WHY WE HAD TO SACRIFICE OUR BRAVEST 4254 BELOVED ONES""". THEIR SOULS WILL NOT REST IN PEACE UNTIL THIS IDIOT NAMED GEORGE BUSH TELLS TO THE NATION """"""""""WHY"""""""""".

Now that is the action of a statesman. President Obama, as far as I am concerned is doing things the right way. I don't always agree with his decisions, but I admire his honesty, his ability to think and to speak, and to act with honor.

Called GWB as a "courtesy"? I can't fathom why such a courtesy would be warranted. More likely our brand-spankin' new President was looking for advice.

Ok, as long as he did not call asking for input.

Then...Frm. President Bush Called Dick Cheney to ask for permission to which Obama reminded him that he no longer was President, to which Bush breathe a sigh of relief....muhahaha

Was this kind of coutesy maintained by W to Bill Clinton

Why call Bush? Thought the almighty Obama could handle things on his own....Oh wait he is,

All that is good, did he ask him to turn himself in to the nearest police station for war crimes?
If not then the phone call was not necessary.....they should have had a plan to start pulling troops out by the thousands on January 21st, 2009 at a rate of two thousand a day. That was the whole idea of choosing Obama over Clinton....that was the only signifant difference between him and her.

It sounds as if this was a courtesy measure; nothing of real importance. But it’s a nice gesture.

How two face can one be. Just shows you Obama is playing all sides. He is calling as a courteousy one moment and then on National television bashing Bush for every problem that goes on. At least Bush was a decent man and didn't blame others for problems and he could have!! This just makes me sick that our country is going down the tubes and you LIberals are loving every minute of it!

It is quite refreshing to witness the beginning of a new period of diplomacy. Enough Said.

let the Bush bashing begin

...and Bush said "listen, I got this nifty "Mission Accomplished" banner y'all can borrow. Only used once! Heh, heh, heh!"

It is a cheap opportunity for Obama to make fun of Bush and allow all of the robo-bloggers to say "Bush is so stupid, he cannot read this is the media".

I got so tired of Obama doing this during the campaign. I wish he would just man up and call someone names to their face instead of letting bloggers and surrogates do it for him.

Any of those GOP war hawks that insist we stay in Iraq have just debunked reason #2 why we invaded Iraq, to liberate them. They would now be admitting that we're occupiers not liberators by staying in Iraq against the will of their free and sovereign government.

Pres. Obama gets an "A" for good manners. I can't say that I'd make a courtesy call to the person who wrecked everything he touched.

On a recent trip to Dallas I was amused at the "Welcome Home George and Laura" signs on the front lawns of some University Park and Highland Park mansions.

Thank you so much for the start of the end of this senseless war!!!

Senator McConnell "The Obama Administration needs to answer a question: Where exactly do they expect to send these guys next January? They have no answer. Well I do: these terrorists are right where they belong"

Update from CPAC: "The GITMO riff inspired an enthusiastic standing ovation."

Tools!

Agree or disagree he's doing what he said in all areas. What a change. We now have somebody in there that do what is needed not what's politically correct. He's probably going to drop in the polls but he's doing what he think is right.

Gee, I hope he used his blackberry to also notify bin Ladin. That would at least save the taxpayers some money?

I am sorry, how is this Obama’s plan?

Bush already signed an agreement with the Iraqi government before he left the office.
Bush’s policy is the only reason 2010 pull out is possible.
Obama followed through with exactly what Bush was doing but he called his own plan.

I am tired of the democrats and the media insulting our intelligence.

Really Obama...or more like to rub it in "I'm tearing you down Bush"

Getting out means that that all or nothing not I'm sort of getting out

Of Iraq while keeping on e foot in....+++++++++++++++++++-------–===========================ppppppppp=======

Bring the war home !!!! YES WE CAN !!! What a great leader,8/10 is just before 9/11,coincidence--I don't think so !!!!

Smartest thing he has done since he became prez!!

Obama exteneded Bush's withdral date by 14 months. Why are we not hearing about that?

He had to call Bush for advice. It 's because he doesn't know what to do.

It was a courtesy to inform Bush of what actions he would take. That is all! For the leftist on here if you do not beleive we are turning to socialism then thsi is my description that fits even better and that is a future total welfare state where government takes care and controls your life form craddle to coffin!

You Rock Barack!!

I imagine Obama's call to Bush was truly nothing more than a "courtesy". Bush largely delegated the war – and still managed to bungle it beyond belief.

Oh I'm quite sure Bush could care less about what Nobama does – as can I. Was he just trying to rub his nose in it while he flits around in his "new ride" he's so proud of, AT OUR EXPENSE. Someone needs to give him the message that we're in a recession/depression. All he can do is spend, spend, spend.

What a refreshing change from the last administration. The fact that President Obama was courteous enough to call the former president and inform him of his plans before announcing them clearly shows our new president is above politics as usual. Former President Bush was so arrogant, he didn't display courteousness at all while in office.

Not only do we have a smart and intelligent man in the White House, we have a gentleman.

Obama is bringing home about one third of the troops by late next year, not exactly what most people think of as a pull out. Spin.spin,spin, instead of action, action, action from the back peddling change you can believe in guy.

Hopefully he told the Neo Nazi "W." that he is cleaning up the rest of his messes also. I wouldn't give Bush the time of day, he is the loser that got us into every single mess we are in currently. Good ridance is all Schrub needs with the middle finger saluting him the best. Oh, same for Dicky Poo Too!

Did Shrub"as a courtesy"inform the American public how costly,both humanly or monetarily,this illegal venture was going to be.I think not.

Does anyone realize that this started back during the previous administration???

"I just wanted to call you to tell you we're surrendering in Iraq. Sorry."

Bush signed the agreement that would remove our troops along the same timeline. Obama is following Bush's plans almost exactly. If Bush had not done the surge then Obama could not be withdrawing the troops next year. He should thank Bush for having the courage to do what was right not what was popular.

Praise be to Allah I cannot wait until 9-1-2010!!!! I knew that the weak Americans would give up in time. They do not have the stomach or courage to hold true to their convictions. Praise be to Allah I mean Obama!!

Because of Kuwait now talking w/ Iraq...and the death-free elections..I will notch this as a win for the US...

Not sure I see the point in this. Since when was Bush ever courteous to anyone?

President Obama steadily amazes me........He will go down in history as the most honorable and that he was willing to work with those from other party lines.....both present and past.

He has no clue...simply no clue

Please why call former President George W. Bush for anything. Former President George W. Bush put this country in IRAQ a war of choice by the Republicans.

There is a typo in the sentence that begins with "The preident also". It should say "The president also".

I hope he asked for advice, but I don't think he did or he wouldn't have practially told our terrorist enemies the exact day they could "move in" over there. Geez, doesn't Obama have ANY common sense about military matters?

Huckabee is a good, decent, smart human being who would make an amazing and respected leader.

What moron wrote this article, can they read and spell?

Man-up and make the decision and then go with it. You didn't call Bush before you submitted the (laugh) budget...

It is my belief that it was prudent of Senator McCain to bring this issue to the attention of the President.
Much has changed in the last six months and what seemed prudent before, may no longer be now.
I feel that the President should hold the maufacturers to the original price agreed upon (not 11 Billion) or threaten cancellation with a dispose and destruct order. If this is accepted, then the US. should take delivery over a period that is in order with the presidents security requirements. The terms of payment should then be spread over 10 years with 0-2% non compounded interest.

Would someone explain to me why Hannity, Glenn Beck and others are so convinced Obama is Satan Incarnate when he has shown nothing but common sense, responsibility, respect, caring, intelligence–is that it? They can't believe a man with morals can govern this country? Are they so afraid that a Democrat will make good they have to trash his every word and deed? Bush earned his trashings...he lied, cheated, lied some more, smirked, and spent our money on an idiotic war to benefit Blackwater and Halliburton and the oil companies...all of which are doing quite well on our dime.
Obama appears to have an interest in every American, every single one of us. Why is that something to be demonized? Frankly, we could use a little more caring and sharing in this country. Greed has gotten us nowhere fast.

To CNN writers:
This is just a message informing you that you have in error in your spelling. The article on "Obama Calls Bush" which was posted on February 27, 2009 at 12:49 pm est. The word "president" has been spelled incorectly. It is right after the third sentence in this article.

It's hard to imagine W doing that for anyone - except maybe his daddy. Seriously, though... I just love my new president! Smart, thoughtful, able to pronounce nuclear, great family values, considerate, trustworthy...

180* from the past 8 years, hallelujah!

"As a courtesy".....can't imagine bush ever making such a gesture....in fact, bush's moves were all clandestine, so no one knew before or after!!

So terrorists will know to ramp back up right around the beginning of September, 2011. How appropriate.

A promise made...

...A promise kept...

...Great men keep their word...

...whenever possible...

OUT,,,,,,,,,,OF,,,,,,,,,,IRAQ,,,,,,,,,,,AND,,,,,,,,,,,AFGHANISTAN,,,,,,,,,,,,,NOW

I think I figured out why he called Bush. He wanted some advice on fear mongoring. He wanted to get Bush's input on how Obama was pushing fear about the economy. Bush told him to keep up the good work, that every time Obama opens his mouth he sends the stock market down another couple percent.

Change? Change your diapers, something smells foul.

Sounds like he called W to get advice.

"Hail to the Chief! God bless "THAT ONE" and our Brave Soldiers!

The games they play! Seems politicians aren't happy if they don't have a war going on! Is it a Macho thing? Little boys playing "bang-bang?"

Time's up NOW. Pick up your toys and go home. This is Grandma speaking.... Even another 16 months is too long.

LOOK where it got us! In the end, after all the blood is spilt, countries are in ruin, the maimed and dead get piled up and tallied up - they shake hands at the table, sign a paper and go home. End of game.

Til next time, that is. Never mind the trillions spent on clean-up.

When will they learn? I thought Obama was above this stuff. Guess not.

I don't believe bush deserves any courtesies. The long distance call was a waste of tax-payer money. Obama should not be talking to bush in case he has to testify at bush's war crimes trial.

LOL... he called Bush as a courtesy??

Sounds like Obama is operating above his pay-grade and needs a little help with the big decisions.

I mean, the comment below.

That is great to let everyone in the loop to know what is going on. This is a positive way of thinking and the American People agreed with you all the way. Continue the good work President Obama. You are the Man.

Oops, I filed the comment above under the wrong story. It should go with: "World's Best Salesman of Socialism."

Why does he owe Bush a courtesy? It's Obama's war now, Bush left it to him in pretty good shape. If things go bad, it's Obama, not Bush, who will be judged.

As for most troops, anyone who thinks leaving 30 or 50 thousand troops in Iraq means we have pullled out most troops is a tool. Most troops would mean that at most we have a few thousand troops left.

Good thing Obama wasn't in charge two years ago, we would have snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory.

I love how Obama just told the world when we will pull out... should have been kept on the downlow.

Well ... on the basis that he is leaving 30,000 – 50,000 troups in Iraq afer 2010 I think he was probably calling to say ... "you were right" .

Well, if you put it that way, socialism started with FDR and look how history regards him. A "blue blood" who brought about social-istic programs to get us out of the depression. The Republican who preceded FDR, Herbert Hoover, did nothing to stem the downward spiral. His Republican stance was, "Business will 'right' itself. " Well, it just got worse and worse. FDR put America on the road to recovery with his programs (starting with Social Security).
LBJ advanced that thinking with establishing Medicare and Medicaid.
If the Republicans REALLY want to be true to their rhetoric of Obama's creeping socialism, maybe they should take it a step farther and abolish SOCIAL Security and Medicare. Otherwise SHUT UP!!

I hope Obama thanked Bush for the troop surge that has made it possible for Obama to bring all but 50,000 of the troops home by August 2010. Without the surge Iraq would be a total mess and would have been lost. How many Obama supporters will admit that Obama said the surge would not work and make things worse?

This only further proves that regarless of whether or not you agree with President Obama's policies/politics, he is a man who treats everyone with a great deal of respect. For that, we should be proud to have him as our President, and he deserves respect.

Can someone please check the sentence structure and spelling in this article? Hint: start with the first sentence.

Hmmmm, now lets see.....where is the part about leaving tens of thousands of troops there for an indefinite amount of time? You know, the same thing that McCain was going to do. There is just not enough difference here. Bring in the new regime, just like the old regime. The two-party scam continues.

What an amazing man !

The USA and the world now have a real capable leader.

I thought it was going to say, "President Calls Bush 'Out' on Iraq"

Obama is a fantastic diplomat, I can't even imagin Bush having the sense or courtey to do this. I would love to know Bush's comments.

Republicans – What is the difference in sending billions of taxpayer dollars to other countries or spending billions of our dollars in America?

That is the question: Intelligent responses only.

We have no say at all in the billions of dollars we send to other countries taxpayers, but we can have a say in spending billions in America. You make the choice.

Why does he feel that he needs to tell Bush anything? Bush doesn't care! He just did whatever Cheney told him to do.
Yeeeesh!

So why are we leaving 50,000 troops there? Aren't we in a recession? Should we really be funding that many troops?

We got rid of a chimp in the WH last year, we put another chimp to take his place. This plan of Obama will backfire, Bush already signed and agreement with PM of Iraq to withdraw all troops by 2012. NObama don't have to rehash it, the agreement was already signed, whatever he's saying now don't have an ounce of credibility, he's a copycat, no more no less.

Did Bush know what the telephone was for?

Hopefully he called him to apologize for bashing W for 2 years about his Iraq policy. I hope he thanked him for getting us to the point where the troops can come home with victory. Hope is never a method and Obama might have gotten his first thing right.

Who cares?

"ALSO, MR BUSH,

I WILL BLAME YOU FOR ALL THIS BECAUSE IM NOT A REAL MAN"

OBAMA ~ 2/27/229

WHY CALL? IM SURE BUSH WOULD FIND OUT SOONER OR LATER

WOULD BUSH GET A CALL FOR HIS TAX CUTS NOT BEING EXTENDED

It is now officially Obama's war to win or to lose.

I doubt Bush even cared. I'm sure he's through with working for a country that didn't appreciate his service for 8 years. This is all Obama's problem now.

I was correct the Repub moderator does not post anything about the Rethugs.

I am sure they will be posting their rude comments whereas President Obama is being forthcoming. Meanwhile, the Rethugs like Huckabee call the new president a communist. Is that the best they can do?

For all our sakes don't take any advice from Fuhrer Bush.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT A LEADER. HE IS A PERSON WHO SHOWS RESPECT FOR ALL EVEN IF THEY DISRESPECT HIM. I CAN SEE WHY WHY MOST AMERICANS AND THE REST OF THE WORLD LIKE AND SUPPORT HIM.

THIS IS THE KIND OF LEADERSHIP WE NEED HERE AND ABROAD.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, PRES. OBAMA AND FAMILY.

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL.

I think this was very honorable of the President to call Bush, it show a since of respect that has long been missing in DC.

I do want to say one thing to all the Republicans making comments and disagreements and disaproval of the Presidents Stimulus Bill and his new Budget and every thing he says and does........WE DON"T CARE WHAT YOU THINK......if we did care about your views your beliefs your policies we would have voted for McCain, we would have voted Republican.....we didn't.......so like I tell my Grandkids – TALK TO THE HAND........we ain't listening to you.........especially when you have Limbaugh speaking for you, what a junkie........Steele thinks he can bring everyone over or back to the party with a little HIP HOP talk – he ain't da-man! Mr. Rogers (Jindal) and Palin (Bimbo) you call them rising stars – I call them as I call the whole of the GOP CLUELESS.....

"As a courtesy". Wow a president that has courtesy now that is new. i

wow! another campaign promise kept.... what a weird feeling...

Good job,

Why did President Obama call W. to inform him of the 8/31/10 Iraq troop withdrawal? Because Barack is what in Yiddish is called a mensch,a genuinely good and thoughtful human being!

hello from Canada..

sorry to be picky but you should really use "spellcheck" and "grammarcheck" when you are writing your article ..case in point.."preident" ..

Kudos to Obama though... us Canadians are in Afghanistan and any help we can get is greatly appreciated...

He will be withdrawing just over half the troops–that's not a pullout! I noticed this week on all the networks that there has been an optimism offensive, does Obama think optimism propaganda is going to turn the markets around ? No matter what people say it's not a lack of confidence in the market, it's the reality out on the streets, that make people not want to part with thier cash. These Congress people are so far removed from reality that they don't "get it". The markets can't restore the economy-the economy has to restore the markets, and there is just nothing indicating that there will be an uptick in the real world.Too bad the stimulus is filled with pork and efforts to change social issues, instead of hardcore projects that create an economy.

why ? It's kinda like calling the restaurant that gave a whole town food poisoning to let them know that the stomachs are being pumped.
Maybe I'm missing something.

Too bad Bush didn't call anyone before invading Iraq but whatever.

A man of his word. I like him.

Obama 2012

Barack "Hey George, I'm cleaning up your mess again today."
George "What mess?"

We have started to see and feel the gains of a thoughtful, capable and efficient, and good leadership. Goodness, am a witness to this, and many more to come from President Barack Obama.

HA HA HA YEAH RIGHT if i was bush i would put him on hold and foirget about it

Obama is such a sweatheart to call Bush about the war.

Great plan... NOT.. give Alcaida and Iran a date to plan for so they can mount an uprising after a year and a half of intense training. Then Panetta tells the media that CIA agents will be infiltrating Iraq after the pull out. This is like giving an opposing football team your play book. Pure stupidity. I am for an end date, and a withdrawal when the conditions warrant that. I beleive the adminstration should have an internal date set, not a publicly known date.

Bush does not deserve a courtesy call with details concerning anything inherited from his administration.

Plus, Bush is now a private citizens, which means he deserves no information before any other private citizen.

He had NO reason to call bush. As far as most the country is concerned, bush is completely to blame for the state of this country. I am sure bush does NOT care about Iraq anymore, he and his buddies made millions from the blood of soldiers sent to iraq for oil. Bush needs to be the ONLY prisoner on gitmo...What a JOKE he and his worshippers are.

You know, it's nothing short of amazing that the last administration NEVER even came CLOSE to telling America that there was any indication of a light at the end of the tunnel in regards to Iraq... but in less than 60 days, this administration lays out and announces a plan with a date on the calendar.

But then again, Iraq was never about big oil or Halliburton, right?

Right???

At least he's showing some sense in talking to someone who had at least a clue as to what was going on, which is more than I can say for BO

I hope he used the phrase, "clean up your huge, tragic mess."

President Obama leaving troops in Iraq for longer than expected ? Consulting George W. on the plan ?
I BET THIS ALL HAS NANCY PELOSI JUMPING OUT OF HER SEAT !!!!!!

Another optimistic article, Obama is withdrawing just over half the troops, I wouldn't call that a pullout.I noticed this week on all the networks that there has been an optimism offensive, does Obama think optimism propaganda is going to turn the markets around ? No matter what people say it's not a lack of confidence in the market, it's the reality out on the streets, that make people not want to part with thier cash. These Congress people are so far removed from reality that they don't "get it". The markets can't restore the economy-the economy has to restore the markets, and there is just nothing indicating that there will be an uptick in the real world.Too bad the stimulus is filled with pork and efforts to change social issues, instead of hardcore projects that create an economy.

This is showing true leadership qualities. We have a new title. Reagen was "The Great Commnuicator" Obama is "The Greatest Communicator"

Well that was nice of him

WHO EVER IS CRITISIZING OBAMA ODF BEING A SOCILIST MUST SEE MICHEL MOOR'S MOVIE SICKO.
WE NEED HEALTH CARE NO MATTER WHAT THIS ALL STUPID REPUBLICAN PROTEST.
THEY WANTED TO SAVE DRUG AND INSURANCE CO. AND THEIR BUDDY WHO IS RUNNING IT.

President Obama: Hello, Mr. President.
President Bush: Hello, Mr. President.
President Obama: I just wanted you to know I'm cleaning up your screw up in Iraq.
President Bush: .............

President Obama, thank you for beginning to bring our troops home. As an American, I understand how complicated it will be and give you my trust, for a rapid save withdrawal of our brave men and woman. I also want to thank you for being the first American President to admit that PTSD exists and for connecting it to traumatic brain injury for treatment purposes. This was long over due. As Americans we must except responsibility for the damage done to those who answer the call to duty, whether we agreed with the war or not.

Also, I am pleased with your budget plan and the transparency of the true cost we have had and will face to rebuild America.

Over all, GOOD JOB!

!

This defeat, and the deaths resulting from it, is Obama's alone.

What a fool we ahve in the White House.

Courtesy calls do make someone feel so special, and we believe that BHO's call to W was perhaps unexpected, but a pleasnt surprise, more or less. Our take is that W may have offered a pointer or two to tackle the terrain in Iraq, since he ordered the attack in 2003. It only made sense to us.

President Obama is not only a brilliant man but a gentleman.

Heads up everybody, President Obama is in control.

How quickly we forget the billions spent in Iraq each day and money given to Haliburton to operate all the food services,etc. I am sure Dick Cheney and George Bush are weathly off the government with that 8year contract and free housing. If you are going list the billions start with the Bush administration first. Who did not tell America how many billions per day they were spending. Now all of sudden everyone wants to account for the money. They should have thought of that when they re-elected the Bush administration. Now we have to get out of the mess. Also, don't forget the bailout billions to corporate America. Also, if you want to talk about illegals, again go to the Bush Administration because they allowed them to stay and paid for the services. Keep your facts straight!!!
Hey,
I don't believe our media anymore!

Finally! An end to the war that shouldn't have started. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 - and neither did Afghanistan (if you're looking for Osama bin Laden, try Saudi Arabia). And with the end of the war will be the end of paying billions of American dollars to the Iraqis, as well as to pay for this very expensive war - which will mean more money available here, in America, where we need it now.

Thank you, President Obama, for ending this war. let our troops come home and protect our own boarders!

Mr President.
A man of supreme integrity

I'd call him – but you all wouldn't print what I'D CALL HIM.

Planan sure will get a CHARGE outa this.
50000 troops, whata gas

President Obama has all the right stuff and I just can't wait to vote for him and others like him in the coming years.Oh Yes We Did.

Obama doesn't owe Bush any courtesy call. I hope he goes after him for war crimes.

Yeah, then he put on his pants, finished his 10th cigarette for the morning, and went down to have breakfast.....

So what???

This would be what we call "playing nice".

I would prefer a courtesy phone call about an impending war crimes tribunal...

I think Obama is a stand up guy. It must have been difficult for Obama to tell Bush that he was undoing everything the former President had set in place. It is long overdue for the troops to come home and I'm so glad Obama kept his word on this promise. I just hope when the troops leave some peace will be maintained in Iraq especially for the U.S.'s sake. I just wonder how former President Bush reacted to Obama's call and plan.

Hello, hello President Bush, this is President Obama. YOur cowboy war is about to end on august 31st 2010!

Well it is nice to see common courtesy trying to make a comeback. I do want the troops to be zero not 50K. Iraq needs to stand on its own even though we were the ones who knocked them off course.

Our President was very kind to George Bush in his remarks today.

He didn't poke at the shortcomings and failures in Iraq while he did seek to acknowledge the removal of Saddam Hussien and his administrations committment towards making sure we build a lasting diplomatically based foundation to fill that void.

Basically, he disagreed with the war and the claim of WMD but since our troops were committed and their blood was shed, President Obama will make sure they did not die for nothing.

Y? Talk about a completely useless phone call!

wow, what breath of fresh air.....President Obama is not a decider/dictactor for that matter!

courtesy call? haha – that's pretty funny...he called him after everyone else already saw it in the news...bottom line – obama was calling up asking for advice...too funny!

I hope Obama was not expecting any truthful statement from Bush.

Obama courtesy call....

"Help me George....what do I do?"

booo hoooo boooo hoooo

You will never get that from republicans. Never.

Thanx My President!

Our new era of progress continues thanks to our new President. Who would have thought a year ago, things would change this quickly???

President Obama is a hard working President. I know it is just alittle over a month into it but this guy is doing a great job. Lots of challenges ahead but Americans will rise up to the occasion.

This is a gentlemen; considerate and thoughtful!!

I think that was a very good thing to do, I'm sure Bush would'nt have done that for clinton, or for anyone else, for that matter, if the tables were turned.....That's the way it is with the republicans, they've got a sense of arrogance about them, and a lot of them think that they are better than most people.

I hope he apologized to W...............now he know this stuff is not all that easy