If I were the American President, I'd for sure have an intermediary do the talkin. Never know when one of them Suicide bombers might decide to take out two Presidents at once if given the chance. Only talkin about Presidents of Countries whose relationship with the US isn't too stable...

Really, with only 6 months of George W. Bush's term left before a new American President is to take over. I think the intermediary is a better choice to start the talks then move on to the new President. But by all means make sure the security is 100%, and not 99%....