A mark of the man…
On his final day in the White House, Barack Obama had one last thing to do before leaving the Oval Office.
As is tradition, he left a handover letter in the top drawer of the his desk in the Oval Office. The letter is a nice touch from the departing Presidents, allowing them to impart some of the knowledge they’ve gained during their term to their successor.
CNN exclusively released the letter over the weekend so that people can read the last direct communication between the 44th and 45th presidents.
The letter is below in full.
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.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.Second, American leadership in this world really is indispensable. It’s up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend.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 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,BOIn the letter, Obama acknowledged and congratulated Trump on his successful run for the presidency, while offering up some pieces of wisdom for Trump’s coming years in the role.
The letter was handwritten and placed in the top drawer of the Resolute Desk, and shows Obama’s eagerness to emphasise the varying and uncertain parameters of the role of President of the United States.
When Trump first took office, he revealed that Obama had written him the letter but aside from saying it was a beautiful and complex letter, was unwilling to divulge the details of what exactly it had contained.
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