Obamas Denied Early Stay at Presidential Guesthouse
December 13th, 2008
. Barack Obama may be the most popular incoming president in recent memory, but it won’t help him get a bed at Blair House before mid-January. Blair House is where newly elected commanders-in-chief traditionally move in five days before inauguration to the White House. The Obama clan initially “explored the idea” of an early check-in so daughters Sasha and Malia could start school in D.C. immediately after the Christmas break, a spokesperson says. But they were told that pre-scheduled events and guests at Blair House, which also lodges visiting dignitaries, prevents a move before Jan. 15. “The Blair House, the president’s guest house for visiting dignitaries, is available to President-elect Obama and his family starting Jan. 15, as is historically the case,” says Sally McDonough, a D.C. spokesperson. “As for any conversation, I don’t comment on specific conversations about transition details.” Obama’s transition team spokesperson says the White House has been “extremely accommodating” to the Obamas, and that process has been “smooth and friendly.”
December 13th, 2008
. Barack Obama may be the most popular incoming president in recent memory, but it won’t help him get a bed at Blair House before mid-January. Blair House is where newly elected commanders-in-chief traditionally move in five days before inauguration to the White House. The Obama clan initially “explored the idea” of an early check-in so daughters Sasha and Malia could start school in D.C. immediately after the Christmas break, a spokesperson says. But they were told that pre-scheduled events and guests at Blair House, which also lodges visiting dignitaries, prevents a move before Jan. 15. “The Blair House, the president’s guest house for visiting dignitaries, is available to President-elect Obama and his family starting Jan. 15, as is historically the case,” says Sally McDonough, a D.C. spokesperson. “As for any conversation, I don’t comment on specific conversations about transition details.” Obama’s transition team spokesperson says the White House has been “extremely accommodating” to the Obamas, and that process has been “smooth and friendly.”