Obama mum over 'book of secrets'

AP

ALL SMILES: Does the fabled book of secrets really exist, or is it just a Disney fabrication? Obama's keeping mum.

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Yes, US President Barack Obama has seen the fabled book of secrets from the National Treasure film sequel. And he is staying zipped on what is in it.

"I would tell you, but I'd have to kill you," Obama joked in a White House interview with talk radio show host Michael Smerconish.

Smerconish said his sons have seen National Treasure: Book of Secrets, the Disney studios sequel to its 2004 hit, and know Obama has been provided with the book of secrets to which only Oval Office occupants are privy.

"I have," Obama said, going along with the gag.

Smerconish said his sons wanted to know what secret impressed him from the book, but Obama stayed mum.

In the movie, the book contains secrets on Area 51, a secretive site in the Western United States popular in UFO lore, and John F Kennedy's assassination among others.

"I get the impression you've seen the movie, too," Smerconish said.

"Absolutely," Obama told him, smiling.

"And I don't want you messing with my Resolute desk, you know, with all the gizmos and gadgets," the president said, referring to the historic desk in the Oval Office.

The Philadelphia-based host and the president chatted before the start of Smerconish's show, but their comments ahead of the programme were televised.

"It's sort of a surreal environment for a guy like me to be seated here," Smerconish said, noting the historical surroundings of Diplomatic Reception Room.

"Me, too," Obama told him.

Obama told his guest to check out the West Wing and, in particular, a painting of Kennedy and a ramp built for Franklin D Roosevelt, who used a wheelchair. "It gives you a real sense of history," Obama said

The president said his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters Malia, 11, and Sasha, eight, were settling in sooner than he expected since taking office in January.

"The staff here is wonderful," he said. "And they made Michelle and the girls really feel at home. And the girls' adjustment to school was better than I expected. So, they're gone this week. But they seem to be doing great."

- AP