A Historical Event in the White House: The Ex's Luncheon

In a meeting that is more than just business, President Elect Obama and every living president will gather today for a historical engagement. A generation has past since the White House has seen a gathering of its living US former Presidents.

For the United States, today's meeting is very important as President Elect Barack Obama will meet with staffers to discuss several items concerning our great nation. However, a historic event will transpire that hasn't graced the White House since 1981. One of the most elite clubs in the world will gather its members today for a lunch at the White House: all of the United States Presidents. The idea was said to be that of Obama, and a novel idea it was. Current President George W. Bush jumped on the idea, as explained in a news report:

Picking up on an idea from Obama, President George W. Bush on Wednesday was hosting a lunch for the incoming president and the three living former presidents: Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.

The schedule of events is said to include a private meeting between Obama and President G.W. Bush just prior to their historical luncheon, which is slotted to run for approximately 30 minutes. Communications will most likely include current issues of concern such as the US economy and the situation in Gaza. Living presidents typically come together in generalized settings such as funerals or momentous occasions, but this will be the first time in 28 years that all living presidents have gathered in a social venue at the White House. When asked about the potential conversation, President G.W. Bush told reporters that it would be "an interesting lunch" where they just may very well spend an afternoon sharing "war stories" over a fine meal. However, topics of conversation could include raising children in the white house, among other things. In 1981, Former President Ronald Reagan asked, then, former presidents Ford, Carter and Nixon to attend the funeral of slain Egyptian President Anwar Sadat which was the last time all the living former presidents were at the White House.