US News

O has Mitt for lunch (again)

WASHINGTON — Mitt Romney’s consolation prize: turkey chili with President Obama.

A few weeks after losing the presidential race, Romney slipped into Washington to lunch with Obama at the White House.

The two electoral foes — who developed a frosty relationship amid harsh campaign attacks — tried to bury the hatchet, meeting in the Oval Office (above) before dining on white turkey chili and Southwestern grilled-chicken salad for an hour, according to a statement issued by the White House.

“The focus of their discussion was on America’s leadership in the world and the importance of maintaining that leadership position in the future,” the statement said. “They pledged to stay in touch, particularly if opportunities to work together on shared interests arise in the future,” the statement said. A protester was arrested for allegedly sticking his hand inside Romney’s SUV on the way in and obstructing his motorcade.

An official White House photo — the press weren’t invited in — showed the two exchanging a cordial, if stiff, handshake.

Romney arrived at the White House in a dark SUV, quickly entering the West Wing. He left without addressing reporters.