The White House has announced that President Bush will be hosting Presi dent-elect Obama and former Presidents Carter, Bush and Clinton at a pre-inauguration private luncheon.

It’s the latest in a series of gracious gestures from the Bush folks, who seem committed to ensuring a smooth transfer of power for Team Obama:

* Departing Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten recently had a similar sitdown with Obama counterpart Rahm Emanuel and chiefs of staff from administrations past.

* The White House has drafted contingency plans for more than a dozen different scenarios should a global crisis erupt during Obama’s first days in office – a measure far beyond what previous administrations have done.

* And Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson has been working hand-in-hand with his successor, Timothy Geithner, in managing the Treasury’s ongoing financial-rescue efforts.

Bush, a wartime president who’s seen his share of surprises, has clearly given serious thought to the sobering global situation that awaits Obama on Jan. 20.

And make no mistake: His successor – and America – could soon be grateful.