Commanders in chief together

President George W. Bush with President-elect Barack Obama and ex-presidents, George H. W. Bush (1989-1993), Bill Clinton (1993-2001), and Jimmy Carter (1977-1981). Reuters

An entire generation has gone by since the nation last saw this tableau of American history: every living U.S. president together at the White House.

Consider it time for a reunion among the members of one of the world's most elite clubs, plus the one man about to join it — Barack Obama. Picking up on an idea from Obama, President George W. Bush on Wednesday was hosting a lunch for the incoming president and the three former presidents: Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. It will be the first time all the presidents have gathered at the White House since 1981.

“All of the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office,” Obama told reporters before the lunch. “And for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel, and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary.”

Asked what he will learn from his predecessors' mistakes, Obama smiled and said he will learn from "their successes."

All the presidents were last at the White House in 1981 were Richard Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan, who was president then. The three former presidents were there before leaving as part of the U.S. delegation to the funeral of Egypt's Anwar Sadat, who had been assassinated. On that day, all the presidents stood in a circle inside the White House, discussing news of the world. The dominant topic? The Middle East. They were joined in the conversation by one other leader — Vice President George H.W. Bush, who later went on to join their presidents' club.

Too much coincidence? It looks like hte USA has a lot to learn from its past.