A
long-standing tradition among Presidents of the United States is
to write a letter to the incoming president on their Inauguration Day.
And now two such letters from the past — Bill Clinton to George W. Bush, and Bush to Barack Obama — are being made public for the first time.
Obtained by ABC News,
the letter Bush left Obama after a highly-successful and historic
presidential campaign reveals the positive thoughts the then-incumbent
president had for his successor.
“Congratulations
on becoming our President,” Bush’s letter begins. “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,” Bush continued. “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.”
Bill Clinton’s letter to Bush spoke of the thrilling moments of the presidency.
“Dear
George,” Clinton begins. “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,” he continues. “And from this day
you are President of all of us. I salute you and wish you success and
much happiness.”
Clinton
adds: “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.”
President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration day is going full-speed ahead. Trump attended a pre-inaugural concert with his family in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, just one day before he
will be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States of America.
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