by John McCormick, updated
Less than two weeks after the presidential election, former rivals Barack Obama and John McCain met today in Chicago for their first extended conversation since one was elevated to the White House and the other returned to the Senate.
The two men released a joint statement following their meeting that stressed the need for unity.
"At this defining moment in history, we believe that Americans of all parties want and need their leaders to come together and change the bad habits of Washington so that we can solve the common and urgent challenges of our time," the statement started.
"It is in this spirit that we had a productive conversation today about the need to launch a new era of reform where we take on government waste and bitter partisanship in Washington in order to restore trust in government, and bring back prosperity and opportunity for every hardworking American family," the statement continued. "We hope to work together in the days and months ahead on critical challenges like solving our financial crisis, creating a new energy economy, and protecting our nation's security."
Before the meeting started, Obama had offered a few words about his goals for the session.
"We're going to have a good conversation about how we can do some work together to fix up the country," he said. "And also to offer thanks to Senator McCain for the outstanding service he's already rendered."
Seated in a small room on the 38th floor of the Kluczynski Federal Building in the Loop, the men were expected to discuss how they can work together on the problems facing the nation.
The meeting, which was expected to last about 90 minutes, comes as Obama is trying to fill out his Cabinet and show he can reach across party lines.
When asked whether he was hoping to help an Obama administration, a smiling McCain responded, "Obviously."
Reporters and photographers were allowed in the room for about 90 seconds. As reporters continued to shout questions, the president-elect responded, "You're incorrigible."
As camera shutters clicked away, Obama and McCain could also be heard making some small talk about the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals. The two former rivals were joined by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close McCain friend, and Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Democrat named as Obama's chief of staff.
Obama aides have said the president-elect is expected to focus on common ground issues, like climate change and ethics reform. They were not expected to talk about any role for McCain on the Cabinet.
By meeting with McCain so quickly after the election, Obama is seeking to demonstrate both magnanimity as well as practicality. Despite strong gains by Democrats in Congress, he will still need Republican support for many of his initiatives.
But a McCain role in the new administration seems unlikely, given a remark Obama made in August, when he was asked whether the Arizona Republican might play a part in a then-hypothetical Obama administration.
"Senator McCain, I would have him serve in the role of loyal opposition - in the minority," Obama said then.
Comments
Obama is obviously smart and made a very strategic move here that will definitely benefit him in the long run when forming the Obama administration and will need the opposite sides support.
Posted by: Obama for Mankind | November 17, 2008 3:35 PM
A very gracious scenario on BOTH THEIR PARTS. As someone who was very disgusted by the way McCain acted during the debates, it's still nice to see them WORKING TOGETHER,and in the end, I do realize that McCain has our country's best interest at heart as well.
Posted by: Dawson | November 17, 2008 3:48 PM
Hats off to Sen McCain. His willingness to come to Chigaco goes a long way toward making up for his behavior during the campaign.
Posted by: David V | November 17, 2008 4:31 PM
I, for one, was disgusted at the Obama campaign and the way Obama acted during the debates. Which debates were you watching David V and Dawson???
Posted by: Obama Nanny State | November 17, 2008 4:40 PM
To start with, the way he (McCain) refused to even LOOK AT Obama...come on, don't say you didn't see it...EVERYBODY DID!!!! And don't forget "that one." Also, while McCain was talking Obama sat and respectfully listened, but while Obama was talking McCain was wandering all over the place and making gestures to who-knows-who in the audience!!!
Posted by: Dawson | November 17, 2008 5:20 PM
I voted for Obama, but I still think McCain is a good person (as evidenced in his touching and gracious concession speech) and as great an American as it is possible to be. I'm very glad to see this meeting take place. I hope this is early evidence that Obama means business about bringing the country together. Personally, I think McCain would make a great advisor to the president.
Posted by: Jessica | November 17, 2008 5:56 PM
Funny, I recalled Obama snickering while McCain was speaking. Oh well, perhaps selective viewing on both of our parts. However, what's important now is the forward looking stance by both of these leaders for the common good of our nation!
Posted by: S Hammer | November 17, 2008 6:00 PM
You must have seen some super secret debate between McCain and Obama, Obama Nanny State, if what you saw was negative for Barack. The ones that were televised showed a knowledgeable, serene Obama and an angry, attacking McCain.
Posted by: Gus | November 17, 2008 6:09 PM
The past and continued polarization of the posts to these and other forums is what alarms me.
Ultimately, those opposing pols with the public's best interest at heart seek common ground and work together to further that interest.
Folks: We're all in this together. Let's work together. Ideally, and, perhaps, optimistically, we'll be able to respect differences of opinion; to thoughtfully consider and learn from those differences; to learn, grow, and adjust; and to seek commonality.
Someday, I hope that both (all) parties and all candidates for office will abandon negative and destructive and distracting and personal campaigns. This is the stuff that seeks to divide us, and obviously succeeds in doing just that.
Posted by: wade | November 17, 2008 6:24 PM
McCain seems very comfortable in the loser role. He kisses up to everyone who has trashed him.
I am sorry I voted for McCain but who else was there?
Posted by: Lamar95 | November 17, 2008 7:35 PM
Obama's a real class act. We haven't had a class act for a President in a long time.
Posted by: hocus | November 17, 2008 7:37 PM
Here's a hanky for you, honey.
I, for one, was disgusted at the Obama campaign and the way Obama acted during the debates. Which debates were you watching David V and Dawson???
Posted by: Obama Nanny State | November 17, 2008 4:40 PM
Posted by: This guy needs a nanny | November 17, 2008 9:45 PM
Hocus says: [[Obama's a real class act. We haven't had a class act for a President in a long time.]]
Yes, it's classy to promise hope and change in hwo politics is done, and then immediately hire an "enforcer" (Rahm-bo) to be your hired gun. It's classy to say lobbyists won't work in your white house and then immediately hire a bunch of them, including a WH counsel who once defended the would-be assassin of another president. And it's classy indeed, to tolerate piggish behavior displayed by supporters toward a candidate (HRC) and to foster a racist, divisive atmosphere toward all, while merely pretending to be somehting you're not.
I just can't wait...
Posted by: dumbfounded by the naive | November 17, 2008 9:54 PM
After the bizarre "My fellow prisoners" comic turn that John McCain failed to correct or even to acknowledge, I wouldn't trust the superannuated bomber with the task of boiling an egg, let alone being any sort of official or unofficial collaborator with Barack Obama.
As much as at any time before, the USA now needs wits rather than witlessness.
Posted by: Leigh Oats | November 17, 2008 10:16 PM
What a load of C%@&!!!
Posted by: truthurts | November 17, 2008 11:32 PM
Obama should send McSame to Siberia. He called Obama a no good terrorist every chance he got. McSame is a disgrace. Banish him already.
Posted by: zango | November 17, 2008 11:45 PM
I am so glad to see the WASHINGTON bureau of the Trib reporting on something in Chicago. No wonder newspapers are going broke. Gee, weren't any of the in-town reporters available? This is exactly why newspaper are failing.
Beyond that, I am happy to see the rivals meeting. McCain had no choice but to accept the invitation. And to come to the winner. Obama and his people are mastering the art of the presidential power.
Posted by: Mikey Mike | November 18, 2008 12:38 AM
We haven't had a class act for a President in a long time.
Posted by: Amandafoster | November 18, 2008 1:24 AM
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Posted by: Tena | November 18, 2008 5:46 AM
Says Truthurts ("November 17, 2008 11:32 PM") about something or other:
"What a load of C%@&!!!"
Dear Truthurts, I'm going to ask you just this once, not to belabor the point: Before Katie Couric asks you to be more specific, can you be more specific?
:-)
Posted by: Leigh Oats | November 18, 2008 2:31 PM
Says Zango ("November 17, 2008 11:45 PM"): "Obama should send McSame to Siberia. [. . .]"
Not a bad idea, but only if the White House appoints a true American to keep an eye on him.
"Ah!" says That One. "Let's ask our woman in Juneau."
Posted by: Leigh Oats | November 20, 2008 1:53 AM