Departing Bush did not call Rudd

Outgoing US President George W Bush did not include Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on his
list of final calls to world leaders before handing over to President-elect Barack
Obama.
Speaking in Adelaide on Tuesday after the first leg of the cycling Tour Down Under,
Mr Rudd said he did not take a call from Mr Bush.
However, he wished Mr Bush well for his retirement and thanked him for his strong
contribution to bolstering the Australia-US alliance.
"I look forward very much to working with President Obama, the next president of the
United States," Mr Rudd said.
"Because we have a huge challenge ahead and it begins by working together on the
global financial crisis."
Later in the day, addressing a South Australian reception for pre-Australia Day
celebrations, Mr Rudd said he believed Mr Obama to be a "great man".
"Barack Obama truly is the hope of our time," he said.
"And I say this to the new president and the people of America: Australia, as
always, stands ready to work with America on the great challenges that lie ahead.
"If there is one thing we all know, it is that only when America properly regulates
its own financial institutions will Australian markets be immune to the mess we are
now managing."