Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to have lunch Mr Obama said in his first post-election press conference earlier this month that, despite an acrimonious campaign that saw his team lambast the Republican's character, he hoped to work with Mr Romney on some issues. "There are certain aspects of Governor Romney's record and his ideas that I think could be very helpful," Mr Obama said on November 14, adding that Mr Romney had done a "terrific job" running the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002. He presented some ideas during the course of the campaign that I actually agree with. So it would be interesting to talk to him about something like that." he said. There may be ideas that he has with respect to jobs and growth that can help middle-class families that I want to hear. I'm not either prejudging what he's interested in doing, nor am I suggesting I've got some specific assignment. Mr Romney however was less conciliatory as he digested the fierce disappointment of losing the presidential election on November 6. He accused Mr Obama of following the "old playbook" by bestowing favours on key Democratic constituencies in exchange for their support. "In each case they were very generous in what they gave to those groups," he said in a phone call with his national finance committee. With regards to the young people, for instance, a forgiveness of college loan interest was a big gift. Mr Romney's post-mortem, reported by the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, echoed controversial remarks he made to donors at a private fund-raiser, denigrating the "47 per cent" of US voters whom he said pay no income tax. Mr Romney told the donors that Obama "made a big effort on small things," while his own campaign had been about "big issues."