U.S. Presidents Leave Handwritten Letters to Successors, Transcending Party Lines
Trump Continued the Tradition Even After Refusing to Concede Election Results
Attention Focused on Biden's Handwritten Letter Amid Concerns Over 'Oligarchy'
As President Joe Biden of the United States approaches the end of his term, attention is focused on whether he will leave a handwritten letter for President-elect Donald Trump. On the 19th, Yonhap News reported that "in the United States, it is a tradition for outgoing presidents to write handwritten letters to their successors, transcending party lines." According to the report, President Biden's letter could serve as a response to the letter left by President-elect Trump four years ago when he departed the White House, drawing interest in its contents.
On the 20th (local time), President Biden, who is stepping down, expressed concerns in his farewell address to the nation on the 15th, targeting the potential second term of the Trump administration, stating, "Today, an oligarchy with excessive wealth, power, and influence is forming in America, threatening our entire democracy, our fundamental rights and freedoms, and the fair opportunities for everyone to succeed." However, the handwritten letter may contain words of encouragement rather than concern.
In 2021, shortly after his inauguration, President Biden revealed that "former President Trump left a very generous letter." According to the 2022 book by director and writer Chris Whipple, Fighting for His Life: Joe Biden's White House, President Biden reportedly said, "The letter (from President Trump) was very dignified and generous. Shockingly generous." According to American journalist Bob Woodward's book Rage, it is also said that after discovering the letter in a drawer, President Biden did not show it to his close aides but put it in his pocket.
At the time, U.S. media regarded it as surprising that President Trump left a letter upon his departure. This was because political turmoil continued after Trump refused to concede the election results, leading to his supporters storming the Capitol in the 'January 6 riot.'
Earlier, when President Trump first took office in 2017, it was revealed that he received a letter from former President Obama. At that time, President Trump took out a white letter and called it "a beautiful letter left by Obama," but did not disclose its contents.
According to what was later revealed by CNN, former President Obama described the presidency as "a unique job without a blueprint for success," and left four pieces of advice based on his experience in office. In the letter, former President Obama stated, "Regardless of the daily political push and pull, it is up to us to firmly uphold democratic institutions."
He continued, "We are merely passing through this office," advising, "This fact should make us guardians of democratic institutions and traditions such as the rule of law, separation of powers, equal rights, and human rights, which our ancestors fought for with blood."
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