Meanwhile, at the White House, President Bush hosted President-elect Barack Obama and three other living US presidents for a rare meeting. Standing next to Bush, his father President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton and President Jimmy Carter, Obama thanked Bush for the gathering.

President-elect Obama: “I just want to thank the President for hosting us. This is an extraordinary gathering. All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office. And for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary, and I’m very grateful to all of them.”

The five then held a private White House lunch, but no details were revealed on their discussion. President Jimmy Carter has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration, calling President Bush “the worst president in history” on foreign policy.