[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."
No worries, the house they are moving into across the street is even bigger!!!
This is such a stupid non-story. The place was already booked.
Why is this newsworthy?
Perhaps there are other options for the Obamas? After all, it's not like the government can't pick up the tab for a couple of weeks at a nice location...
Well Laverne, he's not the President so your argument of "POTUS being denied such a request does not make sense" makes no sense. He will not be the President until January 20th and until then, he (and you) should remember that.
THIS IS CRAZY, THIS MAN IS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT. THEY CAN MAKE ROOM FOR HIM.
I'm sorry. The Bush Administration knew ahead of time that Obama was moving in. They simply wanted to make it a bit difficult for Obama to enjoy this moment with less stress. Well, go figure.
No room at the Inn? Sounds appropriate to me, since Obama is our Presidential Savior.
Whatever, for all the good they are doing they should have been out 4 years ago.
Oviously this is a country of rules and laws, and no one is above the laws.
I'm sorry. The Bush Administration knew ahead of time that Obama was moving in. They simply wanted to make it a bit difficult for Obama to enjoy this moment with less stress. Well, go figure.
If it's traditional for the family-elect to occupy the house, why was it booked for others? This is typical of the slights the Obama's have endured. As always, you can expect them to rise above which is not difficult given the current occupants.
Together we rise!!!
The Bush's could move back to Texas anytime now. Today is too late in my book.
W, hand in your keys NOW!!!! its not like your doing anything else.
Bush. Gracious to the end.
Why is this a story? Shouldn't reporters use their time to be uncovering (and in the case of Jackson Jr., scrutinizing) the Roddy 5?
Hmmmmm, that's interesting and a first......
That is a slap in the face.
Laverne, it is PEOTUS not POTUS and no, it's not crazy since there are previously scheduled events that proceeded Obama's inquiry.
Seems like a reasonable enough request to me. Obviously it makes sense for the girls to start back to school right on schedule.
Guess W can't tell his frat buddies that they have to find another place to stay.
What!! Who is more important that the President-Elect. BUMP the other people scheduled to be there. The girls starting school on schedule is reason enough!!!!
Obama isn't yet and if things go right for the Country, IL will make it where his not (POTUS). The true Obama will show with Blagojevich!!!!!!!! Obama is trieing to wash his hands of alot of people unsavery people still!!!! Why is it takeing Obama Team so long to come with an story!!!! Lets make it a good one.
Haven't we had enough of the Bushes, apparently, they want to just keep holding on! Let them, meaning the Bushes, make other arrangements!
Move them he is the next President of the United States are you kidding me? Put those people up somewhere else if that is the tradition how did they not expect them to request that house in January?
Obama will be impeached right after he takes office anyway for the role he played in attempting to sell his Senate seat!
Who could be occupying the the government property, the Blair House, that can't move out, so that the President of the United States can move in to begin working for the American people? This makes no sense at all.