Washington, Jan 11: The count down for Obama's swearing-in has started. Now US President-elect Barack Obama is set to play host to honour Senator John McCain at a dinner before his inauguration ceremony on Jan 20.

According to an announcement made by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the idea to invite the Republican, who lost out to him in the election, showed Obama’s 'commitment to bridging the bipartisan divide.'

Gen. Colin Powell and Vice President-elect Joe Biden would also attend the dinner at the National Building Museum, Union Station and the Hilton Washington, reports the Washington Post. Obama said on the PIC Web site: "In these times of great challenge and great change, leadership requires rising above the same old narrow partisanship.

“Each of these distinguished Americans has spent his life in service to his country, at each and every moment placing the interests of America before issues of political party."

ANI

Tags: barack obama, united states, senator mccain, swearing-in ceremony, colin powel, republican party, washington, vice president elect joe biden.