Early Blair House check-in for Obamas unavailable
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/12/art.obamafamily.gi.jpg caption="The Obamas had been hoping for an early Blair House check-in."]CHICAGO (CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama will not be moving his family across the street from the White House early, despite his request to do so. Blair House, which incoming presidents traditionally occupy 5 days before inauguration day on January 15, is apparently booked in the early part of January.
An Obama transition spokesperson says the family initially "explored the idea" of moving into Blair House early so that daughters Sasha and Malia could start school on schedule. But the family was told there were previously-scheduled events and guests that could not be displaced.
"The Blair House, the President's guest house for visiting dignitaries, is available to President-elect Obama and his family starting January 15, as is historically the case," said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for First Lady Laura Bush.
"As for any conversation, I don't comment on specific conversations about transition details."
The Obama transition spokesperson emphasized the White House has been "extremely accommodating" to the Obama family, adding that the entire process has been "smooth and friendly."
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People, room you heads from your rear ends. The Obamas made a request to be able to move in early for the children to start school. Not for President-elect to begin his presidential duties a head of schedule. They were told, "sorry its already has guests booked." The Bushes did not do this to be mean and the Obamas did not throw a fit. It was a request and the request was unable to be fulfilled. END OF STORY. No conspiracy. No need to make something out of nothing. I am sure the Obamas will work out other arrangements and I sure if the Bushes think of an alternative it will be offered.
I wish the media did not think we needed to know everything. To those who think Obama is acting like President already, do you want him to wait until the day before to become informed about what is going on in this nation?? You are complaining to complain. Face it, it wouldn't matter how he handled things, you want to *****.
Rebekah and Bertha: please learn to educate yourselves properly before posting anything on here: "Ain't" ? "Changes we can believed in" ??!! Oh lord, I guess it's not right to discriminate against you trashy folks. After all, not ALL of us can be well-educated with a post-graduate degree, just like 70% of Obama voters were :p
(Check the facts, CNN posted this statistic election night; And by the way, please don't respond and lie by saying you are highly educated. We've read your post. Enough said. ) – Dr. S
Meg. Did you read the entire article. They have been supportive of the transistion according to Obama's people. Spewing trash is not cool. Next read the entire article please or else just keep your opinions to yourself.
By the way, the worst Bush we could see is visible elsewhere; in particular where he has loosened controls safeguarding endangered animals. Not to mention the threats of unilateral pardons. Let's keep some perspective, here.
Maybe I missed something here. The artical says that an early move in is not possible correct? It does not say that the house will not be available on Jan 15th like it has been for every other in coming president. Where is the insult??
I do not think the Obama's are elitist. They simply made a reasonable inquiry per their situation.
They seem like very decent people, who would not be arrogant enough to try to force out other people who made their reservations long ago, before anybody knew a president elect might want to use it early than the traditional 1/15.
I am sure they are not feeling affronted by this as most of you seem to be. They are not being treated differently than any other incoming pres. Neither side is at fault here–no polarizing insults are neccessary and no travesty has occurred. Calm yourselves and put your energy into worrying about real problems.
I want to know who in the hell could be more important than the president-elect that can't be moved? Who are these guest? Did God come to town?
bush is not actually doing the job of president anymore. He joked about it himself today. He said today "39 days left – but who's counting?" We all are Mr bush, we all are counting.
Wow, such outrage over something so simple. It is amazing to me how may commentors here didn't even read the whole article. The Obamas are getting Blair house, just not before the 15th. To me there is an easy solution too: Check into a hotel for a couple of days so the kids can start school. Done
Just Bush being Bush! Butt until the end!
bush is not actually doing the job of president anymore. He joked about it himself today. He said today "39 days left – but who's counting?" We all are Mr bush, we all are counting.
Well so nice of the Bushs but surely someone else can loan a place to them to go to school;;???
Gerda Edwards December 12th, 2008 11:03 am ET
That's on par with his repeated actions as an elitist, despite his attempts to make people think he's one of us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What according to ‘You’ makes a person an ‘Elitist’? What would qualify a person to be one of ‘You’?
Obama is making history in everything. I guess dealing with BUSH IS MORE WORK THAN WE THOUGHT.....Obama doesn't need that house. I know he will make the necessary arrangements for his family and the girls will still make it to school on schedule. God bless you Obama family.
Good grief! So you expect President Bush to tell those who already have reservations to say sorry you'll have to change your plans for the Obamas. Give me a break! That would be the rude and inconsiderate thing to do. You obama lovers think the world should revolve around him.
Guests that cannot be displaced??
What??
And the Obamas i.e. future First Family are what? illegal immigrants??
Gosh darn it!
What a smack in the face from the Bush admin. Sickening!
Rebekah,
Get over it lady....he is your president for the next eight years and I advise you to take a deep breath!
Gaud, I am so tired of all these clowns and their "elitist" comments. Did they say that about the RNC spending $180K on Sarah Palin's campaign wardrobe? Spending an avg. workers 3 yr salary on clothes so they can parade their Caribou Barbie around like she's some of the "common folk"! Or how about McCain's wife wearing earrings costing $250K at his acceptance speech and him talking about the common person's "values".
Give me a friggin break ok Repugs.!!!
What a cheapskate! Hey Obama, you're making a good buck, just move into some posh hotel for a week so your kids can attend a private $25,000 per year school. Do as I say, not as I do, says the prez....
Oh, Rebekah, my goodness, give it a rest. He was born in Hawaii. Last time I checked Hawaii was full-fledged member of the United States. Do you honestly believe he could have gotten this far in the process without being a natural citizen? And, just from personal point of view, you negate your arguement and make yourself look like an idiot when you use the English language incorrectly. Ain't? Seriously?
Guys, get a grip. Obama requested to move early because of his young daughters, he just wanted them to start the the new school right after the Holiday break... please understand, that it's a lot to take from these two girls, and he was trying to make it a little more steady for them (new city, new school, new house, new everything).
He was just being a good dad, not an elitist... please!
It's unfortunate that some of the posters didn't take the time to actually read the story. Obama and his family will have Blair House as of January 15, which is normal protocol. The Obamas wanted earlier access, but Balir House, which is the POTUS' guest house, was already going to be used prior to the 15th. Since Blair House is for the President's guests, it probably has extensive security, which would likely not be available at most other option. This may be the reason Blair House couldn't be made available for Obama prior to the 15th. Obama and his transition team have said numerous times that President Bush and his admin have been very accomodating to the Obamas. Therefore, all of you "haters" should stop reading into every little thing out there. Get a life!
Whether they like it or not Americans have spoken on Nov 4. There is no going back. Sorry Bush!
First of all, this article is not saying that they can't move in 5 day before the inauguration. What it is saying is that before Jan. 15, the Blair house is booked. So they will have to make other accomadations. You liberals, what are you going to do on Jan. 22nd when you don't have a republican in the white house to blame all the problems of the world on.
Rebekah-
The PE Obama IS a U.S. citizen – he was born in Hawaii.
And who are Republicans to talk about unfair elections?
2000, Florida...