PHOTO: Barack Obama speaks of a "smooth transition" with Donald Trump's team, as he gave his speech for the first time today

Obama who did all he could to help his party and Clinton win the election but failed at the end, has called on President elect, Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory, and invited him to the white house to plan for transition . 

He said while speaking out the white house, that:

“One thing you learn in this job is that the Presidency and the Vice Presidency is bigger than any of us.”

 “I said regardless of which side you are on in the election, regardless of which candidate won or lost, the sun will come up in the morning.

“And that is one bit of prognosticating that actually came true.”

 He added: “It’s no secret that the President elect and I have some pretty significant differences. But remember, eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences.

“But President Bush’s team could not have been more professional and more gracious in making sure that we had a smooth transition so we could hit the ground running.”

He said he “could not be prouder” of Hillary Clinton, who he said had spent her entire life in public service.

He said:

“Her candidacy and nomination was historic, and sends a message to our daughters across the country that they can achieve at the highest levels of politics and I’m absolutely confident that she and President [Bill] Clinton will continue to do great work for people here in the United States and all around the world.”

He told reporters everyone was sad when their side loses an election, but urged supporters to remember the country was all on the same side.

He said: “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.

“That’s what the country needs. A sense of unity. A sense of inclusion. A respect for our institutions, our way of life, rule of law, and a respect for each other.

“I hope that he maintains that spirit throughout this transition, and I certainly hope that’s how his presidency has a chance to begin.”

...more of the speech to come later...