Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:32 PM

Bush Says Smooth Transition Is Top Priority

By DAVID HERBERT



President Bush told staffers on the South Lawn of the White House this morning that ensuring a smooth transition is "a priority for the rest of my presidency."

Bush, already an avid jogger, said he intends to run, not walk, to the Jan. 20 finish line.

"Earlier this year, I promised I would sprint to the finish," he said. "I am keeping that promise, and I know I have given some of you a good workout along the way."

Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson is working "endless hours" to resolve the economic meltdown, said Bush, who will host an international summit Nov. 15 to address the crisis. Bush also identified ratifying free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea as his top legislative goal in his final 75 days.

The White House has already won plaudits from both sides of the aisle for its transition planning.

In his opening remarks, Bush joked that the South Lawn is "better known as Barney's playground" -- a reference to the president's Scottish terrier. Bush can already bank on a seamless canine transition: President-elect Obama noted in his acceptance speech Tuesday night that his daughters "have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House."