USA: GEORGE W BUSH MEETS AL GORE

(20 Dec 2000) English/Nat
XFA
President-elect George W. Bush met on Tuesday with his former rival, Vice President Al Gore.

The vice president came out of his home through falling snow to greet Mr Bush with a prolonged handshake and pat on the back.

The two met for less than 20 minutes.

Earlier in the day, Bush met with President Bill Clinton at the White House.

As he met Clinton, Bush said "I'm here to listen."

The outgoing Democratic chief executive said his only advice to the Republican was "to get a good team and do what you think is right."

Although Bush had pledged in campaign speeches to restore honor and dignity to the White House - a reference to Clinton scandals - the two spoke congenially as they met for the first time since the election.

Bush and Clinton spent about 90 minutes in the Oval Office with their respective aides in what has become a White House tradition.

Clinton came out to greet Bush and the two then walked along the colonnade alongside the Rose Garden, then ducked into the Oval Office.

Clinton told Bush he will have economic challenges to deal with -- but a recession is not one of them.

In recent days, Bush has suggested a recession could be in the offing.

When asked about that by reporters, Clinton says he expects the economy to continue to grow, though not as quickly as in recent years.

Bush declined to comment on the economy, telling reporters he's at the White House to listen.

The two met with staff members present, but were also to have a one-on-one session.

Bush's first visit to Washington since the election has been met by overtures of co-operation and expressions of good will from both parties.

The President-elect returned to his home in Austin, Texas late on Wednesday.

In the coming days, he is expected to make more announcements about who will fill the top jobs in his administration.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's vastly different. It's such a huge honor to come as the President-elect. And I don't think I'll fully realize the full impact until I swear in. I suspect the president will say the same thing. I'm humbled and honored and I can't thank the president enough for his hospitality, he didn't have to do this."
SUPER CAPTION: George W. Bush, U.S. President-elect

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's interesting, when I had this meeting eight years ago with the President-elect's father, he told me that the biggest problem we were facing was the nuclear program, in North Korea. And we were able to build on the work they had done and put an end to that. And now the big problem there is the missile program. We may have a chance to put an end to it. And if we can I think we should. But this is something I want to consult with the president elect and his team about, and we'll see what the facts are and I'll try to do what's best for the country."
SUPER CAPTION: Bill Clinton, U.S. President

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