Sorry, Were Booked, White House Tells Obamas
By Helene Cooper
CHICAGOThe White House has turned down a request from the family of President-elect Barack Obama to move into Blair House in early January so that his daughters can start school on January 5.
The Obamas were told that Blair House, where incoming presidents usually stay in the five days before Inauguration Day, is booked in early January, a spokesperson to the Obama transition said. We explored the idea so that the girls could start school on schedule, the spokesperson said. But, there were previously scheduled events and guests that couldnt be displaced.
It remained unclear who on Bushes guest list outranked the incoming President.
Its not a public schedule, said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for First Lady Laura Bush, in refusing to disclose who was staying at Blair House. Its not a question of outranking the Obamas. Blair House will be available to them on January 15.
Ms. McDonough said theres nothing more to say other than that its not available and wont be available until January 15. She added that youre trying to make a story out of something thats not a story.
Mr. Obama has been staying in Chicago with his family since the election; the Obamas have decided to send their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, to Sidwell Friends School in Washington.
Obama transition officials said that the family is considering other housing options and are hopeful the girls will not miss the start of school. The White House has been extremely accommodating to the Obama family needs and the entire process has been smooth and friendly, the transition official said.
By Helene Cooper
CHICAGOThe White House has turned down a request from the family of President-elect Barack Obama to move into Blair House in early January so that his daughters can start school on January 5.
The Obamas were told that Blair House, where incoming presidents usually stay in the five days before Inauguration Day, is booked in early January, a spokesperson to the Obama transition said. We explored the idea so that the girls could start school on schedule, the spokesperson said. But, there were previously scheduled events and guests that couldnt be displaced.
It remained unclear who on Bushes guest list outranked the incoming President.
Its not a public schedule, said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for First Lady Laura Bush, in refusing to disclose who was staying at Blair House. Its not a question of outranking the Obamas. Blair House will be available to them on January 15.
Ms. McDonough said theres nothing more to say other than that its not available and wont be available until January 15. She added that youre trying to make a story out of something thats not a story.
Mr. Obama has been staying in Chicago with his family since the election; the Obamas have decided to send their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, to Sidwell Friends School in Washington.
Obama transition officials said that the family is considering other housing options and are hopeful the girls will not miss the start of school. The White House has been extremely accommodating to the Obama family needs and the entire process has been smooth and friendly, the transition official said.
