Barack and Michelle Obama visit the White House

Obama's visit to the White House, six days after his victory, was rich in symbolism as the incoming and outgoing presidents strode side by side along the colonnade. When they reached the Oval Office, Bush held the door for the man who will succeed him Jan. 20.

Neither was much impressed with the other during the election campaign.

Obama repeatedly ridiculed the Bush administration, tapping into the public's rising distress over the country's direction. Bush endorsed Obama's Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Still, the visit appeared cordial. After the couples posed for pictures, the 43rd president and the 44th president-in-waiting spent a private hour discussing foreign and domestic affairs, the economy, the ailing auto industry and national security.

Michelle Obama and Laura Bush inspected a White House residence that will soon be home to two girls -- ages 7 and 10 -- and a puppy of undetermined breed.

The president also took time to give the Illinois senator a personal tour of the White House living quarters, including the Lincoln Bedroom.

Obama has already opined on one of the room's amenities. In a campaign swing through North Dakota, he suggested he might remove the flat-screen television he spotted in the bedroom during a visit a few years ago. Guests in the Lincoln Bedroom should be reading the 16th president's writings, not watching sports on TV, Obama said at the time.

There was no word on whether he raised the matter with Bush.

Dana Perino, White House spokeswoman, said Bush described the visit as "good, constructive, relaxed and friendly."

Obama aides released a statement thanking the president and first lady for their courtesy.

"They had a broad discussion about the importance of working together throughout the transition of government in light of the nation's many critical economic and security challenges," said Stephanie Cutter, spokeswoman for the Obama transition office. "President-elect Obama thanked President 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."