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Sunday 22 January 2017

These Presidential Letters Offer A Rare Insight Into The Job Of President

When a president leaves office, it's become tradition for them to leave a note for the incoming commander in chief. The letters are handwritten, and on White House stationary, but the public doesn't often get to see them. But ABC News delved deep into National Archives and Records to find the notes from Bill Clinton to George W. Bush and from Bush to Barack Obama.
And they offer an interesting insight into the office of president. This is the letter Clinton wrote to Bush:


It reads:
January 20, 2001

Dear George,

Today you embark on the greatest venture, with the greatest honor, that can come to an American citizen.

Like me, you are especially fortunate to lead our country in a time of profound and largely positive change, when old questions, not just about the role of government, but about the very nature of our nation, must be answered anew.

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.

The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated. The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.

My prayers are with you and your family. Godspeed.

Sincerely,
- Bill

And here's the letter Bush wrote to Obama:
 
  
It reads:
 
Jan 20, 2009

Dear Barack,

Congratulations on becoming our President. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life.

Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility you now feel. Very few know the excitement of the moment and the challenges you will face.

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. No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead.

God bless you.

Sincerely,

- GW
We probably won't know what Obama wrote to President Trump for quite some time, but there's no doubt that it'll certainly be an interesting look into two very different men. 

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