‘We’re Americans First’: Obama Asks the Nation Not to Grow Cynical from the Election

President Obama used his address today to congratulate Donald Trump on his successful presidential campaign, and he also used the occasion to ask Americans not become disillusioned with the political system.

While Obama noted that he and Trump have major political disagreements, the president said that he would help prepare for the transition of power, and that America must now root for it’s new leader. Obama also used the speech to salute Hillary Clinton for her lifetime of public service and her hard-fought campaign.

While he noted that many anti-Trump voters are now experiencing a major sense of dread, Obama said that it was important to remember that the nation as a whole will survive.

“We’re not Democrats first. We’re not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country. That’s what I heard in Mr. Trump’s remarks last night. That’s what I heard when I spoke to him directly, and I was heartened by that.”

Obama went on to say that politics can be uninspiring and contentious, but that that is the inherent virtue of Democracy, and people must not detach themselves from it out of disappointment. He made this argument while pointing at Clinton’s emotional concession speech earlier today.

“To the young people who got into politics for the first time and may be disappointed by the results, I just want you to know know, you have to stay encouraged,” Obama said. “Don’t get cynical. Don’t ever think you can’t make a difference.”

Watch above, via CNN.

[Image via screengrab]

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