Bush, Obama gather with former presidents for lunch

President George W. Bush hosted a White House luncheon today that brought together President-elect Barack Obama and three former Oval Office occupants.

Obama, who will take office Jan. 20, and Bush were joined at the lunch by former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

"We want you to succeed," Bush told Obama as the group gathered for pictures in the Oval Office. "Whether we're a Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country."

Obama thanked the president for playing host and the former presidents for sharing their knowledge.

"All the gentlemen here understand the pressures and possibilities of this office," Obama said. "For me to have the opportunity to get the advice, good counsel and fellowship of these individuals is extraordinary and I'm very grateful."

It was the first time all of the living presidents have gathered at the White House since Oct. 8, 1981, according to Dana Perino, Bushs press secretary. Their ages ranged from Obama, 47, to Carter, 84, with a combined total of 24 years of presidential experience.

The luncheon was suggested by Obama and Bush readily agreed, Perino said. The president thought it was a great idea to get everybody together, she said.

They will have a chance today to have a rare opportunity of being together in one room to share ideas and viewpoints, war stories and experiences here at the White House, Perino said.

Same Team

Obama will soon be a member of this small group. And although they may disagree on some policy prescriptions in order to solve problems in America, theyre obviously all rooting for the same team, Perino said.

In addition to visiting the White House shortly after Election Day, Obama has spoken periodically with Bush by telephone. Bush and Obama also had a private one-on-one meeting before the lunch.

Earlier today, Obama announced the appointment of management consultant Nancy Killefer to a new post that aims to set a new standard of accountability for the incoming administration, starting with oversight of the president-elects economic recovery plan.

He is pressing Congress to act quickly on an economic stimulus plan of about $775 billion over two years to prod the U.S. economy and avoid a prolonged recession. Obama has set a goal of creating or saving 3 million jobs and is also pushing for tax cuts that may be worth about $300 billion.