US president-elect Barack Obama will meet with his former rival, Republican Senator John McCain, today to talk about ways they can work together, an Obama spokeswoman said on Friday.
he meeting between the former competitors will take place in Chicago at Obama's transition headquarters two weeks after the Democratic senator won a decisive victory over McCain in the November 4th election.
It will be the first time the two have spoken since McCain called Obama to concede the election. McCain gave an emotional speech after the concession in which he promised to help his former rival address the country's many challenges.
"It's well known that they share an important belief that Americans want and deserve a more effective and efficient government, and will discuss ways to work together to make that a reality," said Mr Obama's transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter.
She said the two men would be accompanied by McCain's close friend, Republican senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Mr Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
Another Obama spokeswoman said the Obama and McCain teams had been in touch "for a while" to work out a time for the men to meet.
"There are many issues they have in common," said spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
She cited climate change and ethics reform as two areas the men might work on cooperating.
Arizona senator McCain last week urged all Americans, including his supporters, to rally behind Mr Obama.
Reuters