President Obama and Mitt Romney will meet for a private lunch at the White House on Thursday, according to a statement released by the administration on Wednesday. It will be the first meeting between the two since the election and will be closed to the press. Romney will also meet with his vice presidential candidate, Rep. Paul Ryan (R- Wis.) on Thursday, a Ryan aide has confirmed to The Hill.
Following his overwhelming election victory, Obama said he wanted to meet with Romney to discuss how he could work with the GOP nominee and Republican Party leaders on the economic challenges facing the country.
Obama acknowledged that the two had “battled fiercely,” but said it was “only because we love this country deeply.” Romney has kept a low profile since Nov. 6, even as conservatives have clashed over the implications of his candidacy. While some say he was the best candidate in a weak GOP field, others say the party should have put forth a candidate with a cleaner conservative record.
The meeting comes amid a heated battle between Democrats and Republicans over the looming “fiscal cliff.” This week, Obama met with small-business leaders and middle- class families he says will be affected by the tax changes. On Wednesday, Obama will take his push on the road, visiting a business in Pennsylvania to promote his case.
