On leaving office, Obama stressed importance of democracy to Trump

WASHINGTON (AFP) — It is a long-standing tradition: The outgoing American president leaves to his successor a letter, which he finds on his arrival in the Oval Office.

The letter Barack Obama wrote to Donald Trump, revealed seven months after Obama left office, focused on a central piece of advice — despite the difficulty of the political struggles and of the power battles, never lose sight of the importance of democratic institutions.

The handwritten letter of less than 300 words from the 44th to the 45th US president came after months of campaigning during which Obama stressed that Trump was not fit to hold office.

“Dear Mr. President,” read the letter, which was obtained by CNN, “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.”

During the campaign, Barack Obama often stressed that he believed the real estate tycoon posed a danger to democracy: “The fate of the nation is in your hands” he had told voters a few days before the election.

But in the aftermath of the November 8 shock result, with the Democratic party still numbed by Hillary Clinton’s surprise defeat, Obama stressed the importance of a peaceful and constructive transition with the billionaire businessman and welcomed him to the Oval Office for a direct discussion.

Acknowledging that, “This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success,” Obama nevertheless gave his successor some tips on the presidency.

Emphasizing the importance of “American leadership” in the world, he stressed the importance of the United States in the world. “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,” he wrote.

He also wrote that both men had been blessed, and that they should use their good fortune to help others.

“First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune,” he wrote. “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.”

‘Good luck’

But Barack Obama also focused on the importance of honoring democracy in the role of president.

“We are just temporary occupants of this office,” he wrote. “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,” he stressed.

The final piece of advice from the 44th president to the 45th, was of a more personal nature. “And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches.”

He ended the letter telling Trump that he should, “Know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.”

Obama signed the letter by wishing the incoming president, “Good luck and Godspeed.”

Trump, who has said publicly several times how touched he was by the letter, has never seen Obama since taking office or had direct contact with him. However, Trump has proudly shown the letter to several people who visited the White House.

CNN obtained the letter from one of those people to whom Trump showed it.