[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."
1) He can move in there 5 days before as others have done historically. 2) It was previously booked, if you could comprehend the article as written. 3) The house belongs to the United States government, not Obama, and is used accordingly to bookings.
Gezz...Obama thinks he can have everything. He needs to understand that he isnt the only person in this world. Others have plans at that house!
This is CRAZY. This could never happen to John McCain. Everybody knows the reason. Funny..funny...and funny!
What are the Bush's thinking? Visitors to the inuaguration more important that the man of the hour – the President-elect? This has been typical of this president since eight years in office – ARROGANT!
Maybe they can evict the Dick from the Veep house and the Bidens can offer the Obama's space.
Seriously, is Bush using Blair House for one last international guest?
Give the Obama's a break and let the girls start school on time. Maybe Hillary could host them as well?
there will a continuous group of folk who dont care about family and organized love. Just stupid for them to deny access to the President.
They are the ones who will look stupid. Oh well, happy history.
Outrageous – WHO could be more important to use Blair House than the President-elect and his family. Let the other people who booked it find a hotel!
That kind of sucks, but I am sure Obama can find someone to put him and his family up for about a week and a half so the girls can start school on time.
Rather nervy of the Obamas. Do they think their daughters are more deserving of special treatment than previous WH kids?
Oh, wait. We're talking about the Obamas – they probably do.
Come on folks let's not make a federal case out f this. If the accomodations are scheduled, they;re scheduled. While I can identify with the Obama's concens, the government cannot and should not throw everything aside for their comfort. If starting school on time is so important to them, I'm sure they can find a temporary residence somewhere in the city. They don't seem to be the type of people who expect special consideration. I'm sure they understand the situation.
Perhaps Mr. Bush should just let Mr. Obama move into his new residence early. I know the country would appreciate it!
So my President Elect can not move into the Blair House as they have others occupying the house..... give me a break! who is more important in the USA then my President Elect.... I love himi so because he is so humble and not force the issue ..... you know come on January 20th it is time to move out the old and move in the new....
Who is visting Bush after Jan 1?
He's not the POTUS until January 20. The current POTUS still has obligations to fill which include the previously arranged guests at the Blair House. There are plenty of other homes in Washington that the Obama family may reside in before the offical move in day. Aren't there lots of homes for sale that have been sitting on the market??
Oh well, Obama,
You the man but hey, you cant get everything you want in life, go rent a penthouse, you can afford it...
This isn't political and the Obama's don't own the world just because he is president elect. They asked for the accommodation for understandable reasons, but apparently other people have already been scheduled to stay there and it would not be right to make them leave. I'm sure the Obama's can find and afford another place to stay. This shouldn't even be in the news in the first place, unless the media or Dems are trying to stir up trouble. The article said that the White House has been "extremely accommodating" and someone wants to make a stink over one small thing. Give me a break.
His moving in should override any one who was going to be there. The other guests should be put up in a hotel or the White House w/Bush if they are his guests. This is just another way to keep Obama under control while Bush is still POTUS. That's okay Obama, you'll be calling the shots soon enough and unlike Bush, you'll be making the RIGHT DECISIONS for the American people.
Hey, I live in the area. They can stay with me for a couple of weeks until Blair House is ready. I even have a dog! 🙂
I think that the Bush's just don't want them around yet....ole' George is running his last race and want's the competition on the other track. I personally think it stinks.
Guess they'll have to get a room at Super 8
So, what's the big deal. The Obama's can move in 5 days before the election just like every other President. I'm sure the Blair House has been booked since long before November.
I see the ignornant are up early today. Ernie you need to get a life.
I'm surprised you're surprised.
"Captain! You're taking us into the rocks! Let go of the wheel!"
"But my shift isn't over yet."
Why would they even consider using the Blair House for parties during a transition of power year? I think this is the Republican's last jab at President-Elect Obama because their sore for losing the election by the largest margin in 30 years! THAT"S OKAY BARACK! You can stay with me until you move in to the White House.
AMAZING!!!!!!!! THIS REALLY IS THE OBAMA SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!