Barack Obama and his vanquished would-be successor Hillary Clinton sought Wednesday to heal the wounds opened by the most acrimonious US election in memory, as they assured President-elect Donald Trump that Americans were "rooting" for his success. Despite the bitter rhetoric, insults and political jabs that tarnished the long campaign, the top Democrats made clear they now sought a smooth and orderly transition in the world's largest economy.
Clinton said she had congratulated the Republican overnight after the upset victory by the political novice and former reality TV star, and offered "to work with him on behalf of our country." "I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans," she told supporters in her first public remarks since the upset result dashed her chances of becoming the country's first woman president.
"We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead." While the real estate mogul pledged to unite the nation as a "president for all Americans," the entire global political order, which hinges on Washington's leadership, was cast into doubt by the election of a man who has questioned core US alliances. President Obama took to the Rose Garden to assure the world that the White House would craft a successful transition for the billionaire Trump, "because we are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country." "We are Americans first. We're patriots first. We all want what's best for this country," Obama said, as White House staff were seen wiping away tears.