We are all rooting for Trump's success: Barack Obama

Speaking about Trump, Obama said it is no secret that the President-elect and I have some pretty significant differences

Washington, Nov 9: US President Barack Obama, in his first address after the US presidential elections, said that he will do everything he can to hand over office smoothly to President-elect Donald Trump, and added: "We're are now all rooting for his success".

Obama, speaking at the White House with Vice President Joe Biden next to him, also advised that people should not get cynical due to defeat. He said he spoke with "president-elect Trump" at 3.30 a.m.

"It is no secret that the President-elect and I have some pretty significant differences. But remember that eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences too.

"The presidency and vice presidency is bigger than any of us.

"We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading this country. The peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy."

"Ultimately, we're all on the same team," he said.

Trump is poised to take over as the 45th President of the United States.

"A lot of our fellow Americans felt exulted today. A lot are less so. But that's the nature of campaigns, that's the nature of democracy," said Obama.

"To the young people who got into politics for the first time and may be discouraged by the results, I want you to know, you have to stay encouraged... don't get cynical. Fighting for what is right is important," the outgoing President said.

"We lick our wounds, we brush ourselves off, we get back in the arena... we go forth with the presumption of good faith in our citizens which is the essential to a vibrant democracy."

On Hillary Clinton, he said "I could'nt be prouder of her... I am proud of her. A lot of Americans look up to her... Her candidacy and nomination was historic..

IANS