Bush understands why Obama prepping now

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush understands that Barack Obama must assemble a team and develop strategies before taking office, a Bush spokesman said Friday.

Bush has had "very good conversations with President-elect Obama, several over the last few weeks," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said during a news briefing. "President Bush uniquely understands the role and the job that President-elect Obama is about to take in ... 18 days and understands that he needs to put a team together and work ... for the future of the United States."

Administration officials have been assisting Obama's transition team so Obama's administration is prepared as he takes the oath of office Jan. 20, Johndroe said. In addition, Bush ordered that intelligence briefings be provided to Obama shortly after his election.