Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

White House coffee for the incomers

Wesley Johnson,Press Association
Tuesday 20 January 2009 16:29 GMT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrived at the White House for coffee with President George Bush and his wife Laura just two hours before his history-making inauguration.

The two leaders and their wives posed for photos as the world waited eagerly for Mr Obama to take over as America's first black president at noon.

The meeting came after Mr Obama and his family attended a private service at St John's Episcopal Church, a tradition for those about to become president.

A smiling Mr Obama seemed calm and relaxed just hours before becoming America's 44th president while Mrs Obama showed slight signs of nerves as she initially went to shake hands with Mr Bush first, instead of with his wife.

She also handed Mrs Bush a present in a cream box, wrapped in red ribbon.

Inside the White House, the two couples were expected to drink coffee together before travelling the short distance, under intense security and scrutiny, to the Capitol for the transfer of power.

Just beyond the White House fence, huge crowds braved freezing temperatures of minus 6C and jostled for the best positions ahead of the inauguration.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in