SOUTH CAROLINA SENATOR ARRANGED HIGH-PROFILE EVENT

Sen. John McCain met with President-elect Barack Obama for the first time since the election two weeks ago, and South Carolina’s-own Sen. Lindsey Graham, who helped arrange the event, came along to meet with the future White House Chief of Staff. According to reports, the meeting went well.

Meeting at Obama’s transition office, the former rivals sat side-by-side in identical yellow chairs, and were flanked by American flags and the confidants who arranged the sit down: incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Obama said that he and McCain were “just going have a good conversation about how we can do some work together to fix up the country. And also to offer thanks to Sen. McCain for the outstanding service he’s already rendered.”

When asked if he planned to help the Obama administration, McCain replied, “obviously.”

Reporters were allowed in the room for about 90 seconds, and shouted out additional questions, but were shut down by a smiling president elect: “You’re incorrigible.”

Obama and McCain were expected to discuss ways in which they could collaborate over the next four years, perhaps on issues including climate change, ethics reform and national service, aides said. [Politico]

During his first two weeks in “transition,” Obama has truly demonstrated the astute political tact that won him the White House. Namely, reaching out to defeated enemies. He must have read Sun Tzu while fighting the man during college.

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UPDATE: Statement from Graham:

“We had a productive discussion with President-elect Obama and I appreciate the opportunity to meet with him. I believe there will be opportunities to find common ground on the many difficult issues facing our nation. Everyone at the meeting was committed to reducing government waste, reducing bitter partisanship, and reforming our government to make it work better for the American people.

“Where possible, the American people want us to work in a bipartisan fashion to address their problems. I think today’s meeting was a positive step forward.”

(Photo: UPI)