Obama meets with Bolden to discuss NASA

President Barack Obama met today with former astronaut Charles Bolden, who is believed to be the leading candidate to lead the space agency.

"The president and General Bolden met today in the Roosevelt Room and the two spoke about their mutual support for space exploration as well as ways to make NASA a stronger and more vibrant organization in the future," a White House official said. "The president reiterated his belief that NASA must continue to succeed and the two discussed General Bolden's vision for NASA's future."

No further details were available.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs earlier told a briefing that he didn't have any information on the outcome of the meeting. But he gave the clearest indication yet that Bolden is being considered for the job.

"I think the president ... hopes that he's the right person to lead NASA in the coming years and through its evolving role," Gibbs said.