US President George Bush and first lady Laura Bush greet President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle. Photo: Reuters
US President-elect Barack Obama and President George Bush had "good, constructive, relaxed and friendly" talks at the White House on Monday, Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said.
"They spoke about both domestic and international issues, though since it was a private meeting the White House will decline to comment on specifics," Ms Perino said.
Mr Obama and his wife, Michelle, made their first visit to the White House since last week's landslide election victory.
The Obamas stepped out of a black limousine and were welcomed by the Bushes and escorted into the Executive Mansion that they will call home in a little more than two months.
As their wives took a tour of the 132-room White House's residential areas, the 43rd president and his successor strolled along the Rose Garden and into the Oval Office, Mr Obama's first visit to the seat of power.
Mr Bush guided Mr Obama into the room for private, one-on-one talks 71 days before the Democrat formally becomes the first black US president and inherits two wars and a global economic crisis.
Unpopular Bush
The meeting came as Mr Bush's approval rating slumped to a new record low.
A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey shows Mr Bush is even less popular than Richard Nixon at the time of his resignation.
Just 24 per cent of respondents believed Mr Bush was doing a good job, against 76 per cent who disapproved of him.
Mr Bush's low popularity number was down from 28 per cent.
It was the highest disapproval rating since Harry Truman's 67 per cent in January 1952. At his lowest ebb in August 1974, Nixon's disapproval rating was 66 per cent.
The poll of 1246 adult Americans was taken from November 6-9.
Transition
Mr Bush also showed Mr Obama the living quarters at the White House, including the office the president uses, the famed Lincoln Bedroom, and the rooms for Mr Obama's two young daughters, Ms Perino said.
"The President enjoyed his visit with the President-elect, and he again pledged a smooth transition to the next administration," the spokeswoman said.
Mr Obama thanked Mr Bush "for his commitment to a smooth transition and for his and first lady Laura Bush's gracious hospitality in welcoming the Obamas to the White House", Obama transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said.
The "productive and friendly" talks focused on efforts to ensure a smooth transition given the economic and national security challenges at hand, Ms Cutter said.
The country's troubles fall to Mr Obama when he takes office on January 20.
Mr Bush, who had endorsed Republican John McCain, lauded Mr Obama's victory as a "triumph of the American story".
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