[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."
Who is Obama to break tradition and feel that he can do as he pleases? He still has to follow the same guidelines and tradiditons as our forefathers. Obama is the president-elect, not the president so until he is sworn into office he need to relax and wait his turn.
I mean ignorant
It does seem silly to think that ANY GUESTS could be more important than the incoming First Family. Geez...way to go out Bushes.
Is he even eligible? I know he has some birth certificate issues they are still working out.
This is another sad day for this country. Who in the Hell is more important then the Obama's family. Someone give me a break. The White House know that histrically this is the case so who in there in the first place.
I am just waiting on the negativity of the Republicans., and the so called nuts on what they have to say on a simple request
Oh please, it's fair. He's not scheduled in until the 15th. Just because it wasn't available sooner, doesn't mean it is personal. And, just because Obama is in a position of authority, does not mean that everyone has to give him anything. He's a big boy and I'm sure will figure something out.
The world is about to end.. the guy who thinks hes God, didnt get what he wants!!
Its just another tatic to try and bring him down. He is only trying to help the U.S citizens. Bush should be ashamed of himself. He will not do another surplus package or anything for struggling familes during this holiday season.
The Bushes are jerks to the end.
Imagine that, wonder if ole Georgie had to wait.
We just spent 8 yrs having the democrats try to smear and attack Bush and his crew. Before that, there was 8 yrs of the Republicans attacking Clinton, now we'll have 4-8 yrs of attacking Obama. Media projects 2012 Presidential candiates, this allows people to continue to project even more hate. It is bad enough that the political election process is almost 2 yrs in length and cost several billion dollars (when you add it all together). No wonder nothing gets done, people are too busy fighting each other and being closeminded vs just finding out what the root of the problems are, then addressing that.
Here we are again, someone has looked and said something that could be taken as mean towards your candidate of choice, everyone now scream and run and tell mommy that someone doesn't like your buddy. Talk about pathetic.
SORE REPUB LOOSERS.
They should not be given any special treatment! They are no different than any other president coming into office.
Move Bush out early . . .
I can see why they were denied,
The house is designated to hold dignitaries and such, these plans were made months in advance, and they are key. I understand that the Obama's want theyre children to start school on time. Shows that they are concerned moreso with theyre childrens education and needs than theyre own. Noble yes, but that doesnt mean they get to kick out those dignitaries, not right now. So they find an entirely new place for a few days, get the kids in school early, then do the traditional stuff.
A president must be able to adjust with the flow and pick good battles to fight,
Our great president has the house untill January! Until then, stay out.
No big deal ..... After January 20th President Obama will be calling the shots.... It's All Good..
I feel sorry for the girls. So much for "smooth and friendly".....
He can wait in his corrupt city for a few more weeks. Why do they always demand special treatment. He is not the president yet...get over it.
Why would anybody make reservations for Blair House knowing that the new 1st Family traditionally moves in five days prior to the inauguration. That makes no sense
Get a grip .. the Blair House is available to the Obama's the same amount of time as for every other President-ELECT. Don't start the 'How dare they deny the all and mighty 'O' ... and I'm not talking Oz or Oprah!
He is the Honorable President Elect. It is to be respected. HOWEVER, the nation comes first! Foreign dignitaries need the house. Due to security we can't have a leader stay in a hotel. President Elect Obama understands and supports this (according to the article). Hopefully the people reading this will too. STOP with the Bush bashing it's old, and in about a month it will all be over. Obama has said that President Bush has been accomadating. Do you believe your new President? OK...Than let it go!
Who is more important than the President- Elect and his family? How rude.
Umm, he's not the POTUS. Today, he is the popular vote winner, next week AFTER the electoral college vote, he will be president elect, and on Jan 20 he will be Prez.
That darn pesky constituition.................