While Bush gives final address, Obama goes out to dinner
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WASHINGTON – U.S. President-elect Barack Obama skipped his soon-to-be predecessor’s final address to the nation on Thursday in favor of dining out.
At roughly 8 p.m. in Washington, about the time President George W. Bush began his televised speech, Obama left his new temporary residence across from the White House to go out for dinner in a restaurant a few blocks away.
The ride in his motorcade lasted about a minute and an aide said his wife, Michelle, accompanied him for the meal.
Bush, who was speaking for the final time to the country, reflected on his eight years in office and opened by wishing his successor well.
“This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation,” Bush said. “And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.”
Obama spent the day working at his transition office in downtown Washington, then came to the Blair House — the residence where his family will stay from now until the inauguration — at around 7:15 p.m.
He left the house about 45 minutes later and entered the restaurant while Bush was speaking.
Maybe he’ll read the transcript?
Obama goes to Ohio on Friday to visit a factory. The trip is designed to highlight his proposals to create jobs and boost the economy. On Saturday Obama returns to Washington on a train ride that kicks off several days of inauguration festivities.
Obama routinely criticized Bush over domestic and foreign policy during the 2008 election, but the transition of power between the two leaders has proceeded smoothly.
Last week Obama had lunch with Bush and the three other living former U.S. presidents at the White House.
Photo Credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque. Secret Service agents stand in front of the security canopy after Obama arrived at his temporary residence at Blair House across the street from the White House in Washington January 15, 2009.
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God help us all!! Obama doesn’t even have the common courtesy to listen to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES????????? Remember Obama what you have been saying all along: “Only one president at a time” Well, President Bush IS the president AT THIS TIME and you missed his speech. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!! We are in for sommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeee ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am quite disappointed in the President Elect. I did not vote for him, however I thought he had class and certainly enough decency to show proper respect to our President. It frightens me actually.
Obama was smart, then. I, like an idiot, watched the farewell address thinking that he might give us SOME new insights with regards to his policies, and unfortunately it was just the same thing we’ve been hearing for the last 7-8 years.
It’s time George W. Bush leaves office.
His revolution for the rich is over.
Let’s face it.
Gail and Kathryn, I watched The Kids in the Hall on DVD, so what? If I thought Bush was going to say something new or admit to the mistakes he made while President I would have watched the speech. I find it hard to even look at the lying SOB. Respect is something earned and I as I see it Bush has a respect deficit as big as the national one he has left Obama with. Besides, Bush spoke for less than 15 minutes, Obama probably watched it on his Blackberry while waiting for the appetizers. All the attention the speech deserved, bring on 1/20/09.
I watched Futurama. I wanted a bit bit more reality.
I did not vote for Obama, but I still planned on watching the inauguration out of common courtesy and respect. Too bad the President-elect does not have the same class.
I’m not surprised by anything that Obama does. I think that he is in for a rude awakening when he gets into office anyway.
Although I don’t agree with everything that President Bush has done while he is in office, he was right on the money with the war on terror, and he has kept us safe. Too many people forget that. Since Obama has gotten elected, more guns have been bought than any other time since 9/11.
He won’t keep us safe, he won’t keep out the illegals, he will put us more deeply in debt, and his administration will have more scandals, including the question of his citizenship than any other administration in history.
You reap what you sow, and the harvest Obama will get won’t be what he had in mind.
Sincerely,
Jinger Jarrett
Anybody who thinks that was a speech worth listening to needs to get out more often.
The Christian faith demands the faithful respect those whom God has placed into authority. What does Obama’s behavior last night say about the quality of his Christian faith?
I’m not going to judge though. I’ll give Obama the benefit of the doubt. He was probably Tivo-ing it and didn’t want to miss his previously arranged dinner appointment with his wife.
Also, I will happily extend to Obama the same courtesy he showed Bush last night – and find something else to do when he has a big speech. My blood pressure will be lower for it.
One more example of this man-child, Obama, who would be King. Borne to the Presidency, with no sense of common decency. Of course, now he doesn’t have to give an opinion on the parting words of President Bush. Once again, voting “Present”, as he did in Chicago politics. Obama has NO class and will not get it by osmosis when he gets to Washington on Tuesday. The good days of this Country are truly over, now that the “left” is in charge. May God Bless America and keep the United States safe, from the “Messiah” and his fellow travellers.
The Magic Malato must have already seen the farewell speech while smoking a blunt before going out for some grub. Class is as class does.
Why should PEBO bother listening to Bush rant and rave about how he was “misinformed” and make excuses for inexcusable crimes against humanity. I for one was curious enough to tune in and to my credit, Bush proved me right. His whole speech was a sad attempt at convincing us his legacy as a president was to keep us safe (which I give him) from terrorist. But he tried linking the wars to 9/11, and seemed disconnected. I found myself feeling something akin to pity for the outgoing president…and justified knowing he will never again darken the doors of the White House while in power after 01/20. Oh who loved how all of the “honorees” for the night were minorities? Ummm too little to late Bush, where were you when Katrina was going on?!? I wonder what President-Elect Obama had for dinner? That’s news I want to hear about…ta!
Typical attitude of someone from the liberal left. Obama is really showing his true colors. He shows he has no respect for the office of the presidency.
I noticed someone said they were hoping Bush would admit to “mistakes”. What kind of arrogant attitude is that? It is a fact of human nature everyone makes mistakes, but who are you to decide what those mistakes are? That is going to be decided by history through the test of time.
Tell us what some of your mistakes are if that is so important to you.
Unbelievable left wing idiocy.
Why is this even a news story?
President Bust has been overly polite and respectful of BHO. Invitations to the White House, luncheons. speeches, you name it.
All the time I thought “if the shoe was on the other foot”.
Now BHO has shown how he really feels.
I think president g.w.b should make 1 o 2 law req. that American industry at least 30 % plastic imported or nationaly prodct. mat. from recyclabe materials.
Why must all Reuters stories be so servile and sniveling? It’s almost a religious thing, like this writer is some of Obama disciple. It’s easy to see why Obama is ridiculed as “The One”.
For heaven’s sake. First, I wonder if Blair House has this wacky new technology called DVR. Second, how many opportunities do you think Mr. and Mrs. Obama will have in the next eight (yes,eight) years to go to a restaurant? They should seize those opportunities while they reasonably can. I think people are being a little hyper sensitive on President Bush’s behalf.
may god protect and enlighten our new president…. and good riddance to the bum who preceded him!
mTw
Ya gotta admit the Bush speech was a nothing and Bush looked hungover as hell. All those offended Conservatives can emigrate to Canada. Yes you can.
By ignoring Bush’s speech, Obama forgot to pretend that he has class.
That was very rude and I am very surprised by this action. I would not have expected it from him at all.
Stop hating people, there’s a New Sheriff in town and he’s here to clean up this country anyboby have a problem move to IRAQ, or move in with GWB the real biggest loser!! with his drunk and dumb butt…
“Since Obama has gotten elected, more guns have been bought than any other time since 9/11.” – And what is your point? Obama isn’t “in charge” yet, so this wouldn’t be HIS fault.
I bet there will be a lot more shocking thing to come out of Obama that people are not expecting. Busted! I’m sure he thought no one would notice.
Obama has no class & is rude & disrespecful. Bush’s farewell speech was exemplary. I dread the next 4 long years ahead, hopefully, it will only be 4 years. Obama has shown his true colors. pathetic.
I wonder how many other Americans had the audacity to do something else during the farewell address? Good grief, we went to a wrestling dual! In this age of technology I would never have even thought of it being disrespectful to miss the speech while it was live. I have never been overly enthused to see any of our presidents take office, but I really have hope that Obama means what he says. Go Obama!
Sometimes it is the subtle things that give you an insight to the character of a man. Despite severe criticism, President Bush continued on his path of doing what he felt is best for the country. I am certain that he was aware that some of his decisions would be unpopular but necessary for the health and future of our country. He has never become bitter or defensive despite unprecedented criticism and disrespectful treatment that he endured. Unfortunatedly Barac Obama lacks this character. Instead he projects arrogance and disrespect, and apparently made a point of making his attitude clear to the world by being out dining in public place while essentially ignoring the Farewell address. This does not bode well for us as americans. We are a nation divided and the rest of the world is aware of this weakness. This level of disrespect for an outgoing president who kept us safe after 9/11, and has shown strength in character when our nation needed it the most is unbelievable to me. In protest, I will not watch the presidential inauguration as I am quickly losing respect for the presumed “messiah” who is to take the office. God help us get back to the days where respect for the presidency, decency of character, and unity as americans becomes more important than personal aggrandisement and political partisanship.