Pres. Obama and Trump let their guards down at White House
buzzz worthy. . .
By Mona Austin
President Obama and Donald Trump met for the first time on Thursday to begin talks about the official transfer of power to the newly elected leader. Obama was expected to hold the meeting with his nemesis for 10 minutes; it ran 90. The two men had never met. Their conversation centered on making a smooth transition into the White House and staffing needs. Afterwards Trump said he looked forward to receiving future "council" from Obama. They shook on it. Trump and his wife, who also got her initial introduction into the White House, headed to the Capitol to meet with GOP leaders where he had lunch with House Speaker Paul Ryan. And so began the political novice's foray as a Washington insider.
"I have been very encouraged by the, I think, interest in President-elect Trump's wanting to work with my team around many of the issues that this great country faces. And I believe that it is important for all of us, regardless of party and regardless of political preferences, to now come together, work together, to deal with the many challenges that we face," remarked Obama.
Trump was also pleased with the meeting calling Mr. President a "good man."
No staff attended and the press was prohibited from taking photos, other than White House press. Trump also denied a press pool from traveling with his motorcade as is customary, raising concerns about future press access to the White House. Members of the press waited in vain for hours to get any footage or photos of Trump after the historic meeting, but neither leader emerged casting a shadow on an already gloomy mood among press and White House staff.
Monday, the day before the election Obama said Trump was uniquely unqualified to be President. Trump for famously instigated the birther movement saying Obama was not qualified to lead the country because he was not an American, and pushed speculation about the president's birth place until well within his candidacy.
In a press briefing following the meeting Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Obamas views on Trump have not changed. "POTUS did not get to choose his successor, the American people did," said Earnest. They did not "re-litigate" the campaign but focused on moving forward despite those differences he offered.
Vice President Biden met with Pence separately. Frist Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden met with future First Lady Melania Trump privately over tea.
By Mona Austin
President Obama and Donald Trump met for the first time on Thursday to begin talks about the official transfer of power to the newly elected leader. Obama was expected to hold the meeting with his nemesis for 10 minutes; it ran 90. The two men had never met. Their conversation centered on making a smooth transition into the White House and staffing needs. Afterwards Trump said he looked forward to receiving future "council" from Obama. They shook on it. Trump and his wife, who also got her initial introduction into the White House, headed to the Capitol to meet with GOP leaders where he had lunch with House Speaker Paul Ryan. And so began the political novice's foray as a Washington insider.
"I have been very encouraged by the, I think, interest in President-elect Trump's wanting to work with my team around many of the issues that this great country faces. And I believe that it is important for all of us, regardless of party and regardless of political preferences, to now come together, work together, to deal with the many challenges that we face," remarked Obama.
Trump was also pleased with the meeting calling Mr. President a "good man."
Monday, the day before the election Obama said Trump was uniquely unqualified to be President. Trump for famously instigated the birther movement saying Obama was not qualified to lead the country because he was not an American, and pushed speculation about the president's birth place until well within his candidacy.
In a press briefing following the meeting Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Obamas views on Trump have not changed. "POTUS did not get to choose his successor, the American people did," said Earnest. They did not "re-litigate" the campaign but focused on moving forward despite those differences he offered.
Vice President Biden met with Pence separately. Frist Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden met with future First Lady Melania Trump privately over tea.
