Citing people familiar with their discussion, the Times said Bush indicated he might support some aid for the auto industry and a broader economic stimulus package if Obama dropped his opposition to a free-trade pact with Colombia.

Obama's aides say after taking office he will likely move quickly to roll back Bush's executive orders that limit stem cell research and expand oil and gas drilling in some areas.

But members of Obama's team cautioned on Monday he had not yet decided whether to reverse executive orders.

There was no outward sign of tension, however, when the Obamas stepped from their limousine at the south portico of the White House. Earlier, they had been cheered by crowds of onlookers as their motorcade sped through the capital.

"Good morning," Laura Bush chirped, though it was well past noon.

Obama put his hand on Bush's back cordially as the two couples entered the mansion. The leaders then strolled down the colonnade side by side, chatting. Obama was the more animated of the two, gesturing with both hands. He had never set foot in the Oval Office before and was ushered in ahead of Bush.

While their husbands met, the first lady gave Michelle Obama a tour of the White House living quarters, which will soon be her family's new home and where daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, will be running the halls.

SENSE OF URGENCY

At the end of a two-hour visit, Bush and Obama had nothing to say to reporters and both camps were mostly tight-lipped.

... contd.