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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Oliver Burkeman

Ten minutes alone

Obama and Emanuel
Photograph: The White House

A White House press release captures Obama's first solitary moments at the heart of American power:

At 8:35 AM, the President arrived in the Oval Office and spent 10 minutes alone in the office. He read the note left to him by President Bush that was in an envelope marked "To: #44, From: #43". At 8:45 AM, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel came in to discuss the schedule of today's events. The First Lady came into the Oval Office at 9:10 AM. We will release a picture shortly.

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