"This peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy," Bush told hundreds of Executive Mansion and White House employees who gathered on the South Lawn of the White House on a gray morning less than 48 hours after Obama claimed the presidency.

Said Bush: "Ensuring this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency."

Bush's message was in part a series of marching orders for the staff — and partly an attempt to show the nation that he is earnest about carrying out a smooth transition over the next 75 days.

Preparation for the complex transfer of power has quietly been unfolding for about a year. It accelerated with the election on Tuesday of Obama, the Democratic senator from Illinois. The Bush administration has already arranged security clearances for key Obama transition staffers and is providing working space and policy briefings as well. The White House is also helping connect the many world leaders who are calling for Obama.

Obama also on Thursday was receiving the first of what will become regular briefings on highly classified information from top intelligence officials.

"Taken together, these measure represent an unprecedented effort to ensure that the executive branch is prepared to fulfill its responsibilities at all times," Bush told White House staffers, who cheered heartily as he and his wife, Laura, emerged from the White House.

"We must keep our attention at the task at hand because the American people expect no less. ... I ask you to remain focused on the goals ahead," the president said.

Bush has invited Obama and his family to visit the White House as soon as they can. Aides could not immediately say whether Bush's statement that he would discuss issues such as war and the economy with Obama next week meant that a meeting had been scheduled, or whether the two would speak by phone.