The importance of today's meeting between Barack Obama and George W. Bush cannot be understated. Let's think back eight years to the White House meeting between President Bill Clinton and President-elect George W. Bush. According to James Moore's book, Bush's War for Reelection, Bill Clinton gave George W. Bush the five priorities for his administration. First was bin Laden; second was the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; the third was North Korea; the fourth was Pakistan-India and finally Saddam Hussein. Remember, this was back in 2000. Bush said, "I think you've got your priorities wrong. I'm putting Saddam at the top of the list." (I wonder where we would be if Bush actually paid attention and went after Osama Bin Laden from day one. )

I'm not saying that President Bush is as wise or insightful as President Bill Clinton was. On the other hand, President Bush is not stupid. He is driven by ideology but he is not stupid. Therefore, whatever insights he decides to give to Barack Obama should be taken into consideration. I hope that Barack Obama takes his advice into consideration. Who knows, in a fit of sanity, President Bush may actually give nonpartisan thoughtful advice.