Bush Praises Obama's Campaign

By Dan Eggen at http://voices.washingtonpost.com

President BushPresident Bush praised his successor for a "very effective campaign" in a new interview, but showed some skepticism about President-elect Barack ObamaBarack Obama's promise of change.

In an interview with a Peruvian television network released Friday, Bush said he hopes Obama "succeeds in his job." Then he was asked about Obama's campaign theme of "el cambio," or change, for the United States.

"You know, when I campaigned for office, I said I was for change," Bush said in the interview with America TV. "Everybody who campaigns is for change. And that's a very effective slogan, and he ran a very effective campaign. And the American people spoke loud and clear."

Bush added that "it will be his turn in two months to assume the great honor of being president."

"I want to help him, and help his team, transition into office," Bush continued. "And I really do wish him all the best. It's going to be very important that he be given a good start, and that's what we're going to do."

The interview was conducted at the White House on Thursday before Bush traveled to Lima, Peru, for a weekend meeting of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group. Bush is seeking additional support of an agreement issued earlier this month at the Group of 20 financial crisis summit in Washington.