HarpBlaster.com wire reports

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2008 — President George Bush and President-elect Barack Obama held their first formal meeting at the White House today.

“I would say the president and the president-elect have both set a tone of cooperation, one of a spirit of partnership to be able to move forward,” White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino said. “Of course, they have differences on policies. But they both love their country equally. And their love of country they are going to put first, and then they will work together to make sure they have everything that they need going forward.”

Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley says the change in tone may be a reflection of the historic outcome of the election — the selection of a mixed race president with an agenda of “change.”

“I think it will become known as a famous transition for the friendliness of it,” Brinkley told Voice of America. “I say this because of the early signs that they see this as a historic moment.”

A spokesman for the incoming administration says this is the first time Obama has set foot in the Oval Office.

President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama meet in the Oval Office of the White House Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. White House photo by Eric Draper