Earlier reports said there had been attempts during the meeting to link a federal bailout of the struggling auto industry or a second stimulus package to passage of a Colombia free trade deal.
![]() |
President George W. Bush walks with President-elect Barack Obama at the White House in Washington Nov. 10, 2008 |
"The president does support free trade, but did not suggest a quid pro quo (with Obama)," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.
"He did discuss the merits of free trade, but there was no linkage between Colombia free trade and a second stimulus package," she added.
Obama's transition team also said there was no "wheeling or dealing" between Obama and Bush during their private Oval Office meeting.
It said the president and the president-elect each listed his top priorities, but did not attempt to reach any agreements.
Obama is not "under any great illusion" that Bush will support a second economic stimulus plan, said the team.
The president-elect did, however, strongly urge Bush to support billions of dollars in aid for the struggling auto industry during the coming lame-duck session of Congress, according to three officials briefed on the meeting.
The team said Bush expressed skepticism about giving taxpayer money to automakers on the heels of a string of government bailouts for other industries.
In addition, it said, the president urged Obama to help push through the free trade pact with Colombia -- a key legacy item for the outgoing administration that is facing stiff resistance from Democrats on Capitol Hill.
- 欧美文化:Roundup: ASEAN+3 vow to deepen financial cooperation to sustain economic growth amid COVID-19
- 英语文摘:Japan's decision to dump nuclear wastewater "extremely irresponsible": experts
- 英语文摘:U.S. Treasury announces new hub to coordinate climate-related policies
- 英语文摘:Russian fighter intercepts U.S., Norwegian military planes over Barents Sea
- 英语文摘:All Indian adults to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from May 1