WASHINGTON (AP):

President-elect Barack Obama hailed a rare Oval Office gathering of all United States presidents as an extraordinary event yesterday as the current occupant, President George W. Bush, reminded his predecessors and successor that the office "transcends the individual".

"I just want to thank the president for hosting us," the president-elect said, flanked by former president George H.W. Bush on one side and his son on the other.

Pressures and possibilities

Former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, both smiling broadly, stood with them.

"All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office," Obama said. "For me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary."

In a swift photo opportunity, the current president wished Obama well before all five men headed to a private lunch.

The office transcends the individual

"I want to thank the president-elect for joining the ex-presidents for lunch," Bush said, even though he's not quite a member of that club yet.

"One message that I have, and I think we all share, is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican we care deeply about this country," Bush said. "All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual."

He added: "We wish you all the very best, and so does the country."

Bush and Obama also met privately for roughly 30 minutes. That one-on-one meeting, coming just 13 days before Obama's inauguration, likely focused on grim current events, with war in the Gaza Strip and the economy in a recession.

Obama's idea

It had been an entire generation since the nation last saw the tableau of every US president together at the White House. The presidents have gathered at other locations over the years, most recently for the funeral of President Gerald Ford in Washington.

Obama suggested holding the gathering when he met Bush at the White House in November.