and the reason being…
“It’s not a question of outranking the Obamas, she said. There’s nothing more to say other than that”
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) walks on the colonnade with U.S. President elect Barack Obama at the White House November 10, 2008 in Washington DC. On January 20th Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.
By John Charles Reedburg
But what’s the real reason?
The 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 Jan. 5.
The Obamas were told that the guest house for visiting dignitaries, where incoming presidents usually stay during the five days before Inauguration Day, is booked in early January, a spokesperson to the Obama transition said. They will be allowed in on Jan. 15, and Obama will be sworn in on Jan. 20.
Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for first lady Laura Bush, would not say who is staying in Blair House in early January. “It’s not a question of outranking the Obamas,” she said. “There’s nothing more to say other than that it’s not available and won’t be available until January 15. You’re trying to make a story out of something that’s not a story.”
Obama has been staying in Chicago with his family since the election; the Obamas have decided to send their 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.
