Obama, Bush deny economic policy bargaining

Source: Xinhua | 11-12-2008 07:47

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Aides of U.S. president-elect Barack Obama and President George W. Bush denied Tuesday there had been any bargaining on economic plans during the two people's Monday meeting at the White House.

L-R: U.S. President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and president-elect Barack Obama stand outside the Diplomatic entrance of the White  House in Washington. Obama, gearing up for his historic January 20 swearing-in, held his first face-to-face talks with Bush on Monday and got his first look at the Oval  Office.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Earlier reports said there had been attempts during the meeting to link a federal bailout of the struggling auto industry or a second stimulus package to passage of a Colombia free trade deal.

Those two financial packages are favored by many Democrats, including Obama, while the free trade deal remains a top priority for the outgoing administration.

"The president does support free trade, but did not suggest a quid pro quo (with Obama)," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

"He did discuss the merits of free trade, but there was no linkage between Colombia free trade and a second stimulus package," she added.

Obama's transition team also said there was no "wheeling or dealing" between Obama and Bush during their private Oval Office meeting.