It has been gratifying to watch the 43rd U.S. president welcoming the 44th.

On Monday at the White House, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush warmly greeted President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, soon to be America's first lady.

President Bush has said that he wants to do all he can to make Mr. Obama's transition to the presidency smooth. It shows.

Ben Feller of the Associated Press writes: "Outgoing presidents support the new guy. And on that front, Bush is going well beyond the minimum. He has embraced the role of statesman with such gusto that it has been hard to miss."

During the White House meeting the other day, the two American leaders discussed foreign and domestic policies, after which Mr. Bush showed Mr. Obama around the White House.

It is good for the world to see that politics and ideological differences are set aside at this time. Certainly they do not hamper the transfer of power in the United States.

Shortly after Mr. Obama's election to the presidency, Mr. Bush said of the voters: "They chose a president whose journey represents a triumph of the American story — a testament to hard work, optimism and faith in the enduring promise of our nation." He added that Mr. Obama's win was inspiring and added that it will be a "stirring sight" when the Obama family arrives at the White House.

In addition, President Bush summoned about 1,000 employees to the lawn of the White House after the election and "told them to embrace the transition earnestly," the AP reported.

"The peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy," Mr. Bush said. "And ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency."

It is true that the United States needs this transition to be as smooth as possible due to the problems — the economy and two wars — that Mr. Obama faces.

But the peaceful and even helpful transition between administrations is something that all Americans can be proud of. Let's hope it continues to go well.