Chicago: Barack Obama will meet his election rival John McCain here as part of the US President - elect's efforts to reach out and work together to overcome the "worst economic challenge" confronting the nation.
The private meeting with the 72-year-old Republican Senator is scheduled to take place later today at Obama's transition headquarters here.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a McCain ally, and Congressman Rahm Emanuel, Obama's choice for White House chief of staff, will join the meeting.
"It's well known that they share an important belief that Americans want and deserve a more effective and efficient government, and will discuss ways to work together to make that a reality," said Obama transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter.
Obama and McCain spoke on phone on the election night of November 4 after the 47-year-old Democrat won the landmark presidential polls, but have not met in person since a charity fundraiser in New York on October 16.
McCain, in his concession speech, viewed as "gracious" by many, had spoken warmly about the Obama, saying "his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance."
Obama, who is scheduled to be sworn-in as the first African-American US President on January 20 next, resigned his Senate seat from Illinois yesterday.
Obama in his second radio address has indicated that his first priority would be to address the economic crisis facing the nation.
"Make no mistake: this is the greatest economic challenge of our time. And while the road ahead will be long, and the work will be hard, I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis -- because here in America we always rise to the moment, no matter how hard," he said and voiced confidence that the American economy would be revived soon.
