It has been a tradition of recent presidents to leave notes for their successors to read in the Oval Office on Inauguration Day.
George H.W. Bush’s letter to Bill Clinton in 1993 has made the rounds on social media in recent months, with many commending the letter for its grace and contrasting it with the highly contentious presidential election of 2016. And now, with President-elect Donald Trump poised to take office on Friday, the letters from Clinton to George W. Bush and Bush to Barack Obama have been published by ABC News, and they are of a similar nature.
The letters, which were obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration, highlight both the challenges and excitement that come with the office and end with both out-going presidents wishing success for their successors.
Both presidents also said they would pray for their successors.
“No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead,” Bush wrote to Obama.
“The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated,” Clinton advised Bush. “The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.”
JUST IN: Bill Clinton's letter to George W. Bush & George W. Bush's letter to Barack Obama made public for 1st time https://t.co/bZ4hZnbouv pic.twitter.com/4uHV5pByRs
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 19, 2017
On social media, both letters were receieved warmly by people on both sides of the political aisle.
@HuffingtonPost What I really like is that the #Obamas & Bush's remained on friendly terms despite their political differences. #Classy!
— EnthusiasticCineaste (@ILoveGoodMovies) January 20, 2017
@HuffingtonPost I am glad these letters were shared with the public. It shows the kindness the leaders have.
— Susie E (@Susie39212967) January 20, 2017
@HuffingtonPost They were a class act.
— april (@AprilAldighieri) January 20, 2017
@CNN both very classy letters made more so by the fact that they are very likely sincere. Probably neither thought they would ever be seen
— Jonathan (@Jonpatriot) January 20, 2017
The full text of both letters are below:
Dear Barack,
Congratulations on becoming our President. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life.
Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility you now feel. Very few know the excitement of the moment and the challenges you will face.
There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your “friends” will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me. No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
GW
***
Dear George,
Today you embark on the greatest venture, with the greatest honor, that can come to an American citizen.
Like me, you are especially fortunate to lead our country in a time of profound and largely positive change, when old questions, not just about the role of government, but about the very nature of our nation, must be answered anew.
You lead a proud, decent, good people. And from this day you are President of all of us. I salute you and wish you success and much happiness.
The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated. The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.
My prayers are with you and your family. Godspeed.
Sincerely, Bill
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