Warns Trump and GOP to Not Continue on Their Current Course
President Barack Obama Monday afternoon opened his first press conference after last week’s election by telling reporters the White House has been hard at work to help the Donald Trump transition team, and managed to get in a thinly-veiled warning to Trump and the GOP to boot.
The President stressed, “civility and tolerance,” and “reason, and facts, and analysis” are “norms that are vital to a functioning democracy,” warning Trump and the GOP should they decide to continue on their current course.Â
“This office is bigger than any one person, that’s why ensuring a smooth transition is so important. It’s not one of those things that the Constitution specifically requires, but it’s one of those norms that are vital to a functioning democracy,” Pres. Obama told reporters. “Similar to norms of civility and tolerance, and a commitment to reason, and facts, and analysis. It’s part of what makes this country work. And as long as I’m president we are going to try to uphold those norms, and cherish and uphold those ideals.”
The President also had the opportunity to note the vital importance of the a president’s chief of staff and other key advisors.Â
“Gestures matter,” Obama noted, and told reporters it’s vital for a new president to choose his staff wisely.
Later, Pres. Obama was asked about Donald Trump’s new top White House advisor, Steve Bannon, and offered this comment.Â