myfox8.com
MONTREAT, N.C. (AP) - President Barack Obama made a pilgrimage Sunday to Billy Graham's mountainside home, concluding his North Carolina vacation with his first meeting with the ailing evangelist who has counseled commanders in chief since Dwight Eisenhower.
The 48-year-old president made the short drive to Montreat from Asheville, where he spent the weekend, to see the 91-year-old Graham and son Franklin, also an evangelist.
During the visit, which lasted about 30 minutes, Obama had a private prayer and conversation with Billy Graham. "He is extraordinarily gratified that he took the time to meet with him," White House spokesman Bill Burton said.
Burton described Billy Graham as "an important spiritual leader to past presidents" and "a real treasure to our country. And the president appreciates the opportunity to visit him at his home."
When Obama last spoke with Billy Graham, in a telephone call in November on Graham's birthday, they said they would try to get together as soon as possible, Burton said.
"The president wanted to meet with Rev. Graham for a while," Burton told reporters who were kept outside the Graham compound gate. "They were going to meet during the campaign when he was here for debate prep."
Graham's health prevented that October 2008 meeting from taking place while Obama's campaign holed up at a resort to practice debate answers.
Burton said Graham was in good enough health to take the meeting on Sunday, which came up when Obama phoned Graham to wish him a happy birthday last year.Asked about Graham's health, Burton said: "He's still as sharp as he ever was."
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