President Bush calls Barack Obama and John McCain

President Bush, who kept a public silence on the race to succeed him in the closing days of the campaign, called Barack Obama seven minutes after the Associated Press projected that the Democratic senator would win the presidency.

The president called John McCain 26 minutes later, after McCain conceded defeat.

In a brief e-mailed statement, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said Bush spoke with Obama at 11:12 p.m. EST.

According to Perino's message, Bush said:

Mr. President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters. Laura and I called to congratulate you and your good bride.

I promise to make this a smooth transition.  You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself.

She said Bush invited Obama and his family "to visit the White House soon, at their convenience."

Perino said Bush told McCain:

John, you gave it your all. I'm proud of you, and I'm sorry it didn't work out. You didn't leave anything on the playing field.

Your statement was fabulous and very classy.  Please give our love to Cindy.

Both calls were made from the Treaty Room, the president's office in the White House residence, Perino said.

She said Bush would speak in the Rose Garden at 7:40 a.m. PST on Wednesday.

— James Gerstenzang

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Comments

[Rajesh]

Obama will have the toughest time of his life after he inherits the two wars, $11 trillion debt and this recession.
I guess Bush has always been enjoying the presidency - no doubt we are in a such a big mess.

[DorothyT]

As a full-fledged Bush hater, I agree that he was a spoiler for other Republicans. But McCain lost the Presidency himself - too much talk of Fight, Fight, Fight. The nation is suffering & tired of war and a weak economy. I'm so pleased to see a change of parties in the White House.

HOORAY - OBAMA/BIDEN!!!

[Sam]

GW, thanks you Texas moron, you alone put Oboma in office. You help made history as one of largest defeats in Reupublican history. Go back to Crowford and count cows here you belong. Oboma made history last night and so will you as the the worse president in America's history and I am a conservative.

[David]

Is it just me, or does 'enjoy' read like a euphemism here? I'm glad McCaine has some class; Bush just comes off like an ***hole here.