WASHINGTON DC — The Bushes welcomed the Obamas to the White House on Monday, visiting for nearly two hours and offering the nation a glimpse of a new first family at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. President-elect Obama and President Bush met in the Oval Office, their first substantive one-on-one session, while first lady Laura Bush and Obama’s wife, Michelle, talked in the White House residence.

The president later escorted his successor to his limousine. Obama’s wife was leaving separately after her discussions with Laura Bush. None of the four spoke to reporters.

It was Obama’s first visit to the Oval Office. The agenda was kept private, although he and Bush were expected to discuss their transition of power and such pressing issues as the war in Iraq and the country’s economic downturn.

The president-elect’s arrival had the look of a head-of-state state visit, although there were no fife and drum bands, speeches or official pageantry. (AP) Click here to see more photos of the historic White House meeting