US President Barack Obama Thursday said he had an “excellent conversation” with President-elect Donald Trump Thursday as the former foes began the task of a smooth transfer of power over the next two months culminating in Trump taking oath on January 20, 2017.
Trump, whose election on Tuesday stunned the Republican as well as the Washington establishments, pollsters and TV channel forecasters with an emphatic win over Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, arrived at the White House for the meeting out of sight of media persons assembled for the coverage of the event.
At the end of about a 90-minute meeting, the two spoke to the media, with Obama saying his “number one priority” in his last two months at the White House is to facilitate the transition to the Trump administration.
Only a week ago, the president declared Trump as unfit for the Oval Office job and the businessman had called himself as Obama’s “worst nightmare.”
However, since the people’s verdict on Tuesday went in favor of Trump, political anaylsts have welcomed Clinton’s dignified concession speech, Obama’s conciliatory approach and Trump’s measured victory speech as the world intently watches Washington’s transition after a divisive election campaign.
Trump, who also led the controversy over Obama being a born American, on Thursday told reporterrs that he is “a very, very good man.”
Both men exuded a sense of calm in contrast with the divisive campaign and at a time when nervous protests from young Democrats, students, human rights and women’s rights activists across the United States that have rocked America. In this perspective, the meeting also signaled a collective will to help Americans meet the gigantic challenge of repairing political fractures.
“I have been very encouraged by the interest by the President-elect Trump’s wanting to work with my team around many of the issues that this great country faces.
“I believe that it is important for all regardless of party and regardless of political preferences to now come together, work together to deal with the many challenges we face,” Obama said.
With Republicans in charge of both the White House and the Capitol Hill, experts say, it is now up to the Grand Old Party how it goes about the massive task of uniting the nation.
“We want to do everything we can to help you succeed, because if you succeed, because if you succeed we all succeed,” Obama remarked.
For his part, Trump said he could have stayed longer.
“As far as I’m concerned, it could have lasted a lot longer,” Trump said.
“We discussed a lot of different situations, some wonderful and some difficulties. I very much look forward to dealing with the president in the future, including counsel.”
“Mr. President, it was a great honor being with you, and I look forward to being with many more time in the future.”
From the Oval Office, Trump went to Capitol Hill to meet with another key Republican leader House Speaker Paul Ryan.
First Lady Michelle Obama separately received her incoming successor Melania Trump.
