President Obama Addresses Nation: 'We're All on One Team'
President Barack Obama on Wednesday attempted to bring together a deeply divided nation in the wake of POTUS-elect Donald Trump’s stunning victory over Hillary Clinton.
VIDEOSHillary Clinton’s Concession Speech: ‘Our Nation Is More Deeply Divided Than We Thought’
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Obama said he is is “rooting for [Trump’s] success in uniting and leading the country.” He added that, “Everybody is sad when their side loses an election. But the day after we have to remember we’re actually all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We’re not Republicans first or Democrats first. We’re Americans.”
Obama confirmed that he spoke to Trump by phone earlier in the day and invited him to the White House on Thursday “to talk about making sure there is a successful transition of power between our presidencies.” He acknowledged that he and Trump “have some pretty significant differences,” before reminding the country that “eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences. But President Bush’s team could not have been more professional or gracious in making sure we had a smooth transition so that we could hit the ground running.”
Obama concluded by likening the job of President to a “relay run… you take the baton, you run your best race, and hopefully by the time you pass it off you’re a little further ahead.”
President Obama: “I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to make sure the next president is successful” https://t.co/AmsIdN4KZl
— CNN (@CNN) November 9, 2016
Obama’s address came on the heels of Clinton’s emotional concession speech, during which she called on her supporters to keep an “open mind” and give him the “the chance to lead.”
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