No, if 0bama was there, he would have been the focus of attention instead of Bush. He was right to not attend, since President Bush’s last speech should focus on President Bush.
It wasn’t about Obama being there in the White House for the speech ...it’s the fact that he left the Blair House at the same moment President Bush was beginning to speak, with a load of press waiting outside for him. THAT is what was so disrespectful. He could have/should waited until after the speech before leaving for dinner. But as with everything “Obama”, and like others have said on this thread, he’s nothing better than a two-bit arrogant punk!