All the presidents’ lunch

The most exclusive dining club in the world met at the White House
yesterday: all the living presidents - George Bush Snr, George Bush Jnr, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter - plus President-elect Barack Obama, who instigated the lunch.

"All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office," Obama told reporters during a pre-lunch photo session in the Oval Office. "For me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary."

The current incumbent told Obama: "We want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican we care deeply about this country. And to the extent we can, we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual."

The five men then retreated to the president's private dining room just off the Oval Office where, according to a White House aide, they ordered a la carte from the Navy-run White House Mess.

Nobody accompanied the five men - VP Dick Cheney said he didn't mind that lunch was "just for the big dogs" - and the subjects for discussion were not revealed. Bush's spokeswoman, Dana Perino, had speculated beforehand that the conversation might include "raising children in the White House, raising children when you're a public figure, and how to protect them".

Obama and Bush Jnr will meet once more formally, for Obama's swearing-in and Bush's departure on January 20.

LAST UPDATED 9:15 AM, JANUARY 8, 2009