In 1989, outgoing President Ronald Reagan wrote a letter in his own handwriting to his successor, George HW Bush, and left it in the White House as a welcoming gesture for the next president. Since then, six presidents have followed suit, making it a tradition.
In his note, written over an illustration of an elephant surrounded by turkeys, Reagan handed over power to his fellow Republican, wishing him “all the best.” Since then, all transitions have been between presidents of opposite parties.
Donald Trump was the sixth president to continue the custom of cards. In 2021, Joe Biden stated that “the president wrote a very generous letter,” however, he did not offer many more details about its content.
Now, it will be the Democrat’s time to return the message to the Republican after his victory in the November elections which assured him a second non-consecutive term.
But what have the other letters said throughout history?
Obama to Trump
In 2016, after eight years in office, Barack Obama handed over his position to Trump after his first electoral victory. In a lengthy note, the Democrat told his successor that “regardless of party, we should expect greater prosperity and security during his term.”
Obama offered “reflections” to Trump on what he learned in his presidency, inviting him to “take time” for friends and family “in the midst of the rush of events and responsibilities.”
“We are only temporary occupants of this position. “That makes us guardians of the democratic institutions and traditions (such as the rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties) for which our ancestors fought and shed blood,” the Democrat wrote.
A week after being sworn in as president, Trump said that he had found Obama’s letter “long, complex and thoughtful,” and that he noted that “it had taken time to write it, and I appreciate it.”
Bush to Obama
During the presidential transition in 2009, George W. Bush also wrote a letter to Obama congratulating him on his election victory.
“Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility that you now feel. “Very few know the emotion of the moment and the challenges you will face,” the Republican told the incoming Democrat.
Bush warned Obama about the critics and possible disappointments he would experience along the way, but invited him to be “inspired by the character and compassion” of the people they lead.
Clinton to Bush
In January 2002, Bill Clinton handed the presidency to Bush, welcoming him to “the greatest adventure” that “an American citizen can have.”
“You lead a proud, decent and good people. And from this day you are the President of all of us. I greet you and wish you success and much happiness. The burdens you now bear are great, but often exaggerated. “The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible,” Clinton wrote.
HW Bush to Clinton
In 1993, Bush Sr. continued Reagan’s gesture toward him and wrote a letter welcoming Clinton to the White House. A decision that would have cemented the modern tradition.
“There will be very difficult times, made even more difficult by criticism that you may not consider fair. “I’m not very good at giving advice, but don’t let critics discourage you or make you stray from the path,” the outgoing president wrote.
Despite partisan differences, Bush told Clinton he was “supporting him with all my might,” and wished him the best in his term.
It is customary for the letter, written on white paper with the White House seal on the top side, to be left on the “Resolute Desk,” one of the most iconic pieces of furniture in the Oval Office from where the president conducts his business. daily tasks.
“The letters that outgoing presidents wrote to their successors serve as a reminder of the sanctity of the office of president of the United States. Regardless of partisan or personal beliefs, each letter exemplifies American democracy,” described historians at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channelsYouTube, WhatsApp and to newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, x and instagram.
Add Comment