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WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama pledged a smooth transition of power in a brief Rose Garden speech Wednesday afternoon, saying he is "rooting" for President-elect Donald Trump to succeed. A chastened Obama did not take questions from the press corps, but with Vice President Joe Biden at his side, the now-officially lame duck president promised his administration would do everything possible to ensure an orderly transition of power to a bitter political foe.
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"The presidency is bigger than any of us. ... We are all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country," Obama said.
Obama offered kind words for Hillary Clinton, who lost the race and conceded publicly in a speech less than an hour before Obama's remarks.
"I could not be prouder of her. She has led an extraordinary life of public service. I'm proud of her. A lot of Americans look up to her. Her candidacy and nomination was historic and sends a message to our daughters," he said.
Reflecting on the monumental loss for his party -- and the potential damage to his own legacy as a result -- Obama urged liberals to continue fighting for their beliefs, while also remembering to put country before politics.
"Everybody is sad when their side loses an election but the day after we have to remember we are all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We are not Democrat first or Republicans first, we are Americans first. We are patriots first. That's what I heard in Mr. Trump's remarks last night, that's what I heard when I spoke to him directly."
Obama telephoned congratulations to Trump early Wednesday on his election victory, and invited him to the White House. Trump is scheduled to meet Obama there Thursday.
