Obama, McCain meet for first time post-election

CHICAGO (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama and vanquished rival John McCain met for the first time since the November 4 election on Monday, pledging to work together to face the financial crisis and other national challenges.

"We're going to have a good conversation about how we can do some work together to fix up the country," Obama said, adding that he wanted to offer his thanks to McCain for his "outstanding service" to the country.

McCain, when asked generally whether he was hoping to help the Democratic president-elect, replied: "Obviously."

Obama has spent the period since his victory planning his transition to the White House and mulling candidates for his cabinet after he takes over from outgoing Republican President George W. Bush on January 20

He has pledged to include Republicans in his administration and has reached out to other former Democratic rivals, including New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who is said to be in consideration for secretary of state.

McCain, a Republican Arizona senator, is unlikely to want or be offered an administration post but he promised in a gracious concession speech on November 4 to work with the president-elect.

The former Vietnam war prisoner sharply criticized Obama during the campaign for his foreign policy inexperience, tax-raising economic policies and association with a former 1960s radical.

Obama, in turn, accused McCain of planning to advance the policies of the unpopular Bush.

McCain, who lost his entourage of Secret Service officers and multiple staff when he lost the election, was accompanied in his meeting by his close friend and colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Obama was joined by his chief of staff, Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois.

Source: Reuters