President Obama Makes First Public Remarks Since Trump’s Victory

President Obama made remarks outside the Oval Office to reporters this morning on President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the election. Vice President Joe Biden was at his side.

The President said that he had shot a video just before the election, telling Americans that regardless of the side they were on and regardless of who won or lost, the sun would come up in the morning.

“The sun is up,” the President said.

President Obama said that he had called Trump around 3:30 in the morning to congratulate him and to invite him to the White House on Thursday to ensure a successful transition between their presidencies.

While the President acknowledged that it was no secret that he has significant differences with Trump, he also had significant differences with President George W. Bush eight years ago. But he said that that President Bush could not have been more professional or more gracious in making sure there was a smooth transition.

“I have instructed my team to follow that example to make sure this is a successful transition,” President Obama said.

The President says he could not be prouder of Hillary Clinton, who he says has had an extraordinary life in public service and whose candidacy and nomination was historic.

To her supporters, he said this:

“Everybody is sad when their side loses in Washington. The day after, we have to remember we are all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We are Americans first,” he said.

To his own supporters, he offered words of encouragement:

“I told my team today to keep their heads up. The remarkable work they have done… has left the next president with a stronger, better country than the one that existed eight years ago,” he said.

“Fighting for what is right is worth it. The path this country has taken has never been a straight line. This incredible journey we’re on as Americans will go on. We’re all on the same team,” the President said.