Former presidential rivals Barack Obama and John McCain are promising to work together to "change the bad habits of Washington."

They met at the president-elect's Chicago transition office Monday in their first meeting since the election.

Obama and McCain discussed a range of topics, including finding ways to improve government and to promote bipartisanship. They issued a joint statement calling this a "defining moment in history." They pledged to work together to solve the financial crisis, protect national security and create a new energy economy.

Obama and McCain were also heard briefly discussing football. And Obama warned McCain that "the national press is tame compared to the Chicago press."