Perino: ‘Too soon’ to define president-elect’s G-8 role

The White House said Thursday that it is premature to say what role, if any, the president-elect would have when world leaders gather after the election but before the inauguration to discuss the global economic crisis. 

{mosads}White House press secretary Dana Perino said that, while the G-8 is planning a meeting for heads of state likely in November, she thinks it is too soon to say whether Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) or Republican rival Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) would be invited to attend.

“It’s too soon to say … if there would be any involvement at all,” Perino said.

She added that the first transition meeting between the White House and the campaigns took place Wednesday, and that President Bush adviser Keith Hennessey gave a briefing on the economy.

“And President Bush has tasked all of us with making sure that we do everything that we can so that the next president comes into the presidency with tools that he needs in order to get this economy back up and running again, and hopefully have it turned around and on a path to growth,” Perino said. “So that’s what we’re all working towards.”