George Bush Says Good Bye To White House

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U.S. President George Bush will depart Washington for his ranch in Texas Tuesday, ending eight years as the nation's chief executive, and leaving a host of urgent problems for his successor. Mr. Bush will take part in a welcome-home ceremony in the town of Midland, Texas, before heading to his ranch in Crawford. The Bushes will eventually live in Dallas, but their house in that city is not yet ready.

In keeping with a White House tradition, Mr. Bush left a note for incoming President Barack Obama. A spokeswoman, Dana Perino, said Mr. Bush left the note in the top desk drawer in the Oval Office Monday night. The spokeswoman said Mr. Bush wished Mr. Obama well, but she declined to give further details.

President Bush and first lady Laura Bush hosted Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, to the White House for coffee Tuesday, ahead of the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

During the ceremony, an army of movers will be at work in the White House, moving out the belongings of the Bush family and bringing in those of the Obama family.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Bush will board a helicopter for Andrews Air Force Base outside of Washington D.C. After a departure ceremony at the base, the couple flies to Texas.

Mr. Bush leaves office with one of the lowest public approval ratings of any departing U.S. president.

By VOA News

Armen Hareyan's picture

Posted January 20th, 2009 by Armen Hareyan