A LONG TRADITION held by US Presidents has been the writing of a letter to their successor, usually featuring brief congratulations on the election win and good wishes for their tenure.
Today, CNN exclusively revealed the contents of Obama’s letter to Trump on Inauguration Day, which the 44th President wrote out and left in the top drawer of the desk in the Oval Office.
It begins:
Dear Mr. President
Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.
This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don’t know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past 8 years.
The handwritten letter – composed during Obama’s final moments in the Office – continued:
First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky. It’s up to us to do everything we can (to) build more ladders of success for every child and family that’s willing to work hard.
After speaking about America’s “leadership in the world” being indispensable, the outgoing President moved on to the legacy of the job – and his words and warnings could be read as prescient given what’s happened since:
Third, we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions — like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties — that our forebears fought and bled for. Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it’s up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.
And wrapped it up on a classy note:
And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches.
Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.
Good luck and Godspeed, BO
Immediately, there were those praising Obama for writing such a thoughtful letter – especially given the strained relationship between himself and Trump down the years
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Fans of Obama said that it showed the class of the man once again
And it’s got people speculating on what will happen when Trump’s successor is eventually elected
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It’s in the public eye now, but as CNN reveals, plenty have seen the letter already:
Obama, when writing the letter, didn’t disclose the content even to his closest aides. Since then, however, Trump has shown the letter to visitors in the Oval Office and his private White House residence.
Under the circumstances, it was an impressive move by Obama in his final minutes in the job.
