Obamas Denied Early Access to Blair House

An Obama transition spokesperson says the family initially "explored the idea" of moving into Blair House early so that daughters Sasha and Malia could start school on schedule. President-elect Barack Obama will not be moving his family across the street from the White House early, despite his request to do so. Blair House, which incoming presidents traditionally occupy 5 days before inauguration day on January 15, is apparently booked in the early part of January.

The family was told there were previously-scheduled events and guests that could not be displaced.

Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for First Lady Laura Bush, is quoted as saying, "The Blair House, the President's guest house for visiting dignitaries, is available to President-elect Obama and his family starting January 15, as is historically the case."

A State Department official said he didn’t know of any foreign dignitaries staying at Blair House in early January. A White House official said that President Bush does not have family or friends from Texas staying at Blair House during the period which the Obamas requested. But Blair House, the official said, has been booked for “receptions and gatherings” by members of the outgoing Bush administration. Those receptions, the official said, “don’t make it suitable for full-time occupancy by the Obamas yet.”

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The Obama transition spokesperson emphasized the White House has been "extremely accommodating" to the Obama family, adding that the entire process has been "smooth and friendly."

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plez sez: i applaud the Obamas for wanting to have their girls in school at the beginning of january AND as much as plezWorld can't wait to see Obama in the Oval office AND say goodbye and good riddance to bush; this isn't a big deal. if its tradition for the new first family to move into the guest house 5 days prior to inauguration, then the bush administration has used its prerogative and has booked the house up until that time with other engagements; i don't see a problem.

now who they have booked in blair house and why so close to the end of his term when he ain't doing a damn thing is another story... and another blog post!

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Read the New York Times article about the booked Blair House.

Read the CNN.com blog article about how the Obamas cannot check in early at Blair House.

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