If there was any cold blood, it was impossible to tell. This past Monday marked another step in the symbolic changing of the guard, as President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush welcomed President-Elect Barack Obama and First Lady to be Michelle Obama to the traditional tour of the White House. Although President Bush was the focus of continual criticism by Senator Obama, and despite President Bush’s publicly announced belief that Senator Clinton would be the Democratic nominee, both men were all smiles when they posed together outside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Amidst spiraling economic turmoil, a perpetual War in Iraq, and times of significant partisanship, President Bush and President-Elect Obama spent over an hour privately discussing the current and future direction of our country. It is up to imagination to wonder what topics specifically were discussed, let us examine the likely possibilities:

1) Whether a change in the name “White House” is appropriate.

Throughout its rich and prolific history, the lavish abode in which the president resides has not always carried the name, “The White House,” by which it is currently called. The name, “The White House” was actually made official by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1901. Before then, various nicknames and titles were used to describe the presidential residence, including the “Executive Mansion,” “Presidential House,” and “Presidential Palace.” As Obama is the first African American elected president, it is not unlikely that a name change is in order to reflect the newfound diversity of the office. If you don’t like “Executive Mansion,” there’s always, “The House that Washington Built.”

2) Where the secret vaults and passageways are hidden.

Being President can be a relatively demanding job, and sometimes the Executive in Chief just needs to get away. Reminiscing on the days of old — be it hiding from Dick when he went hunting, avoiding Condi when it was “that time of the month,” or simply seeking some “I” time, Bush has much wisdom to share with Obama when it comes to simply disappearing. How would one play hide and seek in a mansion with 412 doors, 132 rooms, and 28 fireplaces if there were no secret passageways and picture frame vaults? Even if Obama refrains from periodically vanishing, it is nevertheless useful to know where one can hoard and stash exorbitant sums of cash if needed, especially in such uncertain economic times.

3) What type of tail-wagger the Obama family will acquire.

In his victory speech at Chicago’s Grant Park, Obama made it nationally known that his two daughters, Sasha and Malia, will be receiving a new puppy that will accompany the family to the White House. Being an animal lover himself, President Bush may have helped President Elect Obama to address the crucial task of picking a breed for the presidential pup to be. President Bush currently has two dogs — Barney and Ms. Beazley, both Scottish terriers. His former best friend, Spot, an English springer spaniel, passed away earlier in his tour of duty. The selection process is slightly complicated by the fact that Malia is allergic to most breeds, so the Obamas are seeking a hypoallergenic dog. Rumors have it that they have narrowed it down to hypothetical hypoallergenic shelter dog or some strange, terrible beast called a golden doodle.

4) The recreational facilities available, and which to avoid.

Sarah Palin would have met staunch opposition attempting to hunt on the actual White House Grounds, but this problem was luckily averted. President Elect Barack Obama is more of a basketball fan, playing a little one-on-one each election day. The recreational facilities on the White House grounds, which include a swimming pool, tennis court, and jogging track, may soon see an addition by means of a parquet floor. One facility that President-Elect Obama is sure to avoid is an on-site bowling lane. After posting a 37 through seven frames at a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, a score lower than all scores in both the local girl scouts and senior citizens leagues, Obama laid his ball to rest. Just in case he decides to return from retirement, Tim Clark, the vice president of the Professional Bowlers Association stated that the PBA would be “pleased and anxious to send some of our top male and female professional bowlers” to give the Obama family any desired lessons.

Though many will be gleeful to see him go, there is still much wisdom that President Bush can pass along to President Elect Obama (even if it’s what not to do). This past Monday represented a historic shift in our nation’s leadership, and a significant bipartisan effort to realign our misguided country. Though much of the sentiment has likely yet to sink in, it is reassuring to see Obama visit the White House grounds. The White House most certainly is fit to house a king (though we hope Obama won’t be one), and sure as hell beats anything seen on MTV Cribs.

Shaun Werbelow is a sophomore in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Contact him at swerbelow@cornellsun.com. Second Opinion appears alternate Wednesdays.