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Sunday July 5, 2009

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Howard making US headlines

Posted by: 3AW.com.au / Anne Davies, Fairfax | 7 January, 2009 - 3:59 PM
Blair House and John Howard / Barack Obama A day after it was reported John Howard would receive America’s highest individual honour, the former Australian Prime Minister is again in the news after The Washington Post revealed he has caused inconvenience to US President-elect, Barack Obama.

Obama had asked George Bush’s administration if he and his family could move into the Blair House – the security home next to the White House – so he could help get his daughters settled into new schools.

But the first black President was denied because foreign dignitaries were using the house, with The Washington Post saying only Mr Howard is staying overnight in the house during the period (on January 12) – the day before Mr Howard is to be awarded the ‘Medal Of freedom’ by President Bush.

Mr Howard and his wife had been invited to stay at Blair House some time ago, and 'that was the invitation', a spokesman for the former prime minister said.

"I am sure he was unaware that Mr Obama wanted to come in early, when he accepted the invitation," the spokesman said.

Sally McDonough, a spokeswoman for first lady Laura Bush also underscored that the inconvenience to the Obamas was inadvertent.

"Like many White House and Blair House events, planning occurs months in advance," Ms. McDonough said.

The Obamas are staying at the Hay-Adams Hotel at Lafayette Park while they wait to move to Blair House. President-elect Obama will be inaugurated on January 20.

RELATED ARTICLE:

John Howard gonged by Bush

Blog comments Your Say

  • With 110 rooms in Blair house is it not big enough for the former prime minister of our small country and Obama and his family?

    How many vacant rooms does Obama need for his ego!

    http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/what/blair/

    Michael Sunday 11 January, 2009 - 5:00 PM

  • If Mr Howard had any manners at all or even a tiny amount of decent respect for Mr Obama and the American people then he would step aside. But no, and what's the best that YOU and I will pay for his first class travel, transfers... to the USA for this medal, earned for sending Aussies to die in a war against people with whom we had no argument

    Samantha Numley Sunday 11 January, 2009 - 10:00 AM

  • I admire John Howard , and am amused at the negative comments of the unwashed and uneducated bogans. Give us a break and focus on Rudd the Dud.

    Josephine Goss Saturday 10 January, 2009 - 2:57 PM

  • @I AM the no1howard hater
    I feel, sir or madam that you may have stolen my title is I feel I can deserved claim to be the worlds NO1 howard hater and you have to demonstrate your depth of loathing for that worm before claiming the title. I can't even think of a comment on this as this little insignificant bugs behaviour still has me so paralysed with rage.

    I AM the no1howard hater Friday 9 January, 2009 - 2:28 PM

  • Iam not sure what to make of this.......john always wonts tobe at georges side.....do i detect a bit of a attraction?? funny things have happened johnnie was the top bureaucrat in australia for 11 years ..on his performance thats very funny.

    no 1howard hater Friday 9 January, 2009 - 10:44 AM

  • I am actually quite ashamed that our former Prime Minister is accepting an award from George W. Having said that I am actually proud that I can call him our former Prime Minister.

    Meg Thursday 8 January, 2009 - 2:15 PM

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