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Parting Words: Trump Leaves Biden a Note

Ken Bredemeier

   WASHINGTON - Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump has followed a
   three-decade tradition of departing American leaders by leaving his
   successor, Democrat Joe Biden, a note in the Oval Office, the White
   House said Wednesday.

   It was not immediately known what Trump wrote.

   With Trump leaving Washington before the official end of his term at
   noon Wednesday, and skipping Biden's inaugural ceremony, it was an open
   question whether Trump would adhere to the tradition started in 1989 by
   departing President Ronald Reagan.

   Trump has refused to concede the November 3 election and he and Biden
   have not spoken since before the vote. Even as Trump delivered brief
   farewell remarks at an air base outside Washington, he did not mention
   Biden by name.

   Past presidents have left their notes in the ornate Resolute Desk in
   the White House Oval Office, where the new chief executives have found
   the good wishes immediately upon starting their four-year terms.

   Reagan started the tradition, telling his former vice president and
   incoming president George H.W. Bush: "George, I treasure the memories
   we share and wish you all the very best. You'll be in my prayers."

   Four years later, Bush graciously offered good wishes to the Democrat
   who had defeated him in the November election, Bill Clinton.

   "Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you,"
   he said.

   After two terms in the White House, Clinton told his successor, George
   W. Bush -- George H.W. Bush's son -- in 2001, "You lead a proud,
   decent, good people. And from this day, you are president of all of us.
   I salute you and wish you success and much happiness."

   After eight years as president, Bush offered Democrat Barack Obama his
   good wishes in 2009.

   "There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your 'friends'
   will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you,
   a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you,
   including me."

   As he left office four years ago after two terms in office, Obama
   wished Trump well, even though he had campaigned in 2016 for Democrat
   Hillary Clinton.

   "Congratulations on a remarkable run," Obama wrote to Trump. "Millions
   have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party,
   should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.
   Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this
   great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which
   we can."

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