Washington: Barack Obama on Wednesday addressed the media after Donald Trump was elected the President-elect and said that everyone was first an American.
The US President said, "I am proud of Hillary Clinton, confident that she will continue to do good work for people of America. We're not Democrats first, we're not Republicans first, we're Americans first. We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country."
"Had called Donald Trump to congratulate him and have invited him to White House tomorrow. Donald Trump and I have serious differences but will ensure smooth transition of powers. We are now all rooting for his (Trump) success in uniting and leading the country," he added.
"Donald Trump expressed that he wants 'what's best for this country, I was heartened by that. I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to make sure the next president is successful," Obama maintained.
He further said, "US needs a sense of unity and respect for institutions. Hope Donald Trump maintains that spirit throughout the transition."
"Everybody gets sad when their candidate loses but we must remember that we all are on the same team. Everyone in my team should be proud of the work we have done," Obama said.
In a result that stunned the world, rank outsider Trump was today elected the President crushing Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
It was a heart-break for Clinton, who was hoping to become the first woman president of the US, as Trump edged past her in a see-saw battle.
Trump reciprocated in his victory speech, saying she fought very hard and the country owes her a major debt of gratitude for her service to it.
Seeking to "bind the wounds of division" after a bitter and divisive campaign, Trump pledged to be the President for all Americans and asked Republicans, Democrats and independents across the country to come together as one united people.
The 70-year-old business tycoon's strong showing in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Texas and North Carolina helped him pull-off a win which proved most pollsters wrong.
Trump, addressing his supporters at his campaign headquarters, said, "It is time for us to come together as one united people. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president of all Americans."
"Ours was not a campaign, but a movement. It is a movement comprising from all races, background and believes. Working together, we would begin the urgent task of rebuilding the country. The country has a tremendous potential," he said.
"We are going to fix inner cities, we are going to build our infrastructure. We would put millions of people to work as we rebuild it," he told his supporters amid loud cheers.
(With PTI inputs)
