It has been a tradition of recent presidents to leave notes for their successors to read in the Oval Office on Inauguration Day.
George H.W. Bush’s letter to Bill Clinton in 1993 has made the rounds on social media in recent months, with many commending the letter for its grace and contrasting it with the highly contentious presidential election of 2016. And now, with President-elect Donald Trump poised to take office on Friday, the letters from Clinton to George W. Bush and Bush to Barack Obama have been published by ABC News, and they are of a similar nature.
The letters, which were obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration, highlight both the challenges and excitement that come with the office and end with both out-going presidents wishing success for their successors.
Both presidents also said they would pray for their successors.
“No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead,” Bush wrote to Obama.
“The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated,” Clinton advised Bush. “The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.”