Quiet first day for Obama after his historic win

CHICAGO — Barack Obama began his first full day as president-elect with the simple pleasure of having breakfast with his daughters, the type of everyday family activity he often had to sacrifice during the long campaign.

Afterward, Obama left the house alone, clad in workout clothes, a ball cap and sunglasses, and spent an hour at a friend's apartment building, where he uses the gym. Then it was back home to clean up before heading to the office _ a downtown office building where he was holding a conference call to thank campaign staff around the country. The president-elect wore a suit but no tie, and carried a black satchel.

Asked how much sleep he'd gotten on the night of his historic victory, Obama told reporters: "Not as much as I'd like."

Obama planned to stay in Chicago through the week, with a quiet weekend at home. He was still trying to figure out arrangements regarding his grandmother, who died Sunday. A trip to Hawaii for the small private memorial she requested was likely by the end of the year.

Obama's staff said he would address the media by the end of the week, but Cabinet announcements were not planned that soon.

In addition to the many decisions he faces in getting the Obama administration up and running, he has personal decisions to be make, too. Such as when to move his family to Washington and where his 10- and 7-year-old daughters will go to school.

And then there was the matter of choosing the family pet. "Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House," Obama told his daughters in his victory speech.

In a congratulatory call to Obama Tuesday night, President Bush pledged to make a smooth transition and extended an invitation to the Obama family to visit their new home at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

On Wednesday afternoon, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama spoke by telephone, and the first lady also invited her successor to visit the White House with her daughters, according to Michelle Obama's spokeswoman, Katie McCormick Lelyveld.

Lelyveld said a date for the visit would be set soon.

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On the Net:

Obama campaign: http://www.barackobama.com

Comments

[chrisk81]

It is not just us Americans rejoicing, the WHOLE WORLD is celebrating. How isolated were/are we...WOW?
Think about it people...how Republicans made our country to be perceived as a third world country???

[SuzyQ08]

It is really amazing. We were extremely isolated, and the perception of America has been extremely poor. Republicans and their narrow-minded view of the world are what brought us to that point.

I think we got some redemption last night. :)

[Sangha]

We lost the respect of the rest of the world a long time ago. On election day 2004, I was standing in the lobby of a hotel in the South Pacific, watching the returns with people from many different countries around the world. As it became increasingly clear that Bush was going to remain in office, every single person standing around me shook their head and said "We cannot understand how Americans can elect this man as President. WHY do you people vote for him?" I could not explain it...I had no answer for them. I was embarrassed for and ashamed of my country.
Today, I stand with my head held high and with hope in my heart for the first time in 8 years. Now we have a strong, intelligent, and steady hand at the helm and I am filled with anticipation at the great things we, as a nation, can do in the coming weeks, months, and years. It will be hard work, it will take time, and it will require the effort of every one of us but - finally - with the election of Barack Obama, we are equipped to move towards realizing the limitless potential this great country has always had. We are no longer bound by the chains of greed, arrogance, and ignorance. Finally, we have a true LEADER.

[prejteach2]

THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE TODAY

[Biffmeister]

Please remember over half of us did not vote for Bush, and we needn't be ashamed of anything. The mystery of those who support him still perplexes me though.

Onward through the fog towards the sunshine.

[curioussoul]

It was a wonderful day.

[bammato3]

TODAY IS A DAY TO STAND UNITED AND BE PROUD !!! Sarah and John have to live with themselves.

[AwShucks]

So true. So true. I am so proud to be an American today. And I feel sorry for those two people because they sold their souls.

[cadawa]

Obama should think again about employing Emmanel. Emmanel has used almost all his energy and influence to subvert progressive candidates and change.

[OCKerouac]

I think there will be plenty of so called 'anti-progressives' in the Obama administration. This man has been about compromise and bridging the gap between people for his entire life. That is what he will bring to the White House, and why he has the promise to be the greatest President of our generation.

If the last two years of campaigning hasn't proven to you that he knows what he's doing, I'm not sure what will...

[Zofomofo]

But the good thing is he is still very liberal. his comromises are not sell -outs...

[hnealehcn]

He must think again and again before he makes a great mistake.

[BorgenProject]

The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.
$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
$540 billion: Annual U.S. Defense Budget

[kennyfasugbe]

If those figures were legit, I think the choice or path to ending world hunger is clear!

[xxmaryxx]

Good grief, Let his girls pick a puppy from where ever they want. I'm sure where or what kind of dog, the Obama's will make the proper judgment like they do with everything they do.

[dtl1218]

I hope they adopt whatever type it may be.

[Jenababy]

Maybe they can get a pit bull puppy and name her lipstick.

[mokshasha]

I want to express my appreciation for Ms. Palin & Sen. McCain.

Had it not been for unfathomably bad judgment of Sen. McCain making such an innane choice for VP, and had Ms. Palin not so completely exposed her ignorance, stupidity and step-over-­the-dead-b­odies raw ambition, this race (aaahhhh... "race") could well have been different. Racial bigotry is clearly being challenged by our intellect but i fear (45% for mccain) will not be expunged from our society in mere decades.

I am white and formed my childhood impressions of America watching the last seriously reported war- daily TV shots - bloody bodies, caskets, massacres - all watched over by the incorrigible Nixon - my cynicism has been deep and lifelong regarding America's ideals and how they are practiced.

When i was born a black person could not vote. I hope to instill in my 9 month old little very white girl a pride that i have lacked in my country, for she has been born in the year of the first black president of the US. Perhaps i even let myself be proud of what our country has just done and said to the world.

So - thanks McCain Palin for being part of this historic, and as we hope - country-changing and world-changing course of events that i have great joy in witnessing and being part of.

... and as a pre-emt for naysayers to this post - PTHHHHTTTT (Tounge out like a 4 year old :-) )

rob

[Zofomofo]

I hope Palin runs in 2012. That would be great. If the Reps actually pick her, they would have to be out of their minds.

[Tomlastliberalleft]

LOL, Bravo!

[piul05]

On a (not so frivolous) note - because promises to children are sacred - may I suggest a female yellow labrador? Mine is a 3 year-old boisterous bundle of affection; I think the girls might like that.

[latsirk]

Can you feel a brand new day!!!!!!!! Everybody Rejoice!!!!!!!

[DFL]

MORE PEOPLE ARE HAPPY THAN UN-HAPPY! REMEMBER HOW BUSH SAID THAT, IT WAS EITHER 00 OR 04, I CANT REMEMBER.

[janinius]

Mr. Bush can I help you pack up?????

[000Jade000]

I love our President elect!

[DFutureIsNow]

I second that

[hdohighdesertobserver]

And where is the president?

I can only hope that he is ashamed of himself as I am of him.

It's time to talk of the end of the GOP.

[OCKerouac]

Interviewing for CEO slots at assorted oil companies?

Securing tee times at golf courses in the greater Houston area?

Sleeping soundly, knowing he's not expected to think any more?

Deflecting blame toward Sarah Palin?

Gettin' drunk?

[rockyb26]

I miss him already.

[DFutureIsNow]

I am just speechless and very very happy

[kyjellyfish]

NOW we can measure the drapes......

[4everdem]

You betcha we can!