Obama Says Donald Trump Will Be Driven by Pragmatism Not Ideology as President President warns successor not to unravel progress made on health care, climate change, Iran nuclear deal Carol Lee see note please
http://www.wsj.com/articles/obama-ready-to-accelerate-work-with-donald-trumps-team-for-smooth-transition-1479157170
Is the lame duck clucking this advice? Does he not get the fact that the election was also a repudiation of his policies?….rsk
President Barack Obama said he believes President-elect Donald Trump will be driven by pragmatism, not ideology, as he governs, but he warned the Republican businessman’s temperament could be an issue unless he shifts course once in office.
Mr. Obama, speaking at his first news conference since Election Day, said he has “concerns” about a Trump presidency, while expressing some hope that his successor may not unravel his legacy on health care, climate change and the agreement to restrain Iran’s nuclear program.
“He is coming into this office with fewer set-hard-and-fast policy prescriptions than other presidents,” Mr. Obama said.
“I don’t think he is ideological. I think ultimately he is pragmatic,” Mr. Obama said. “And that can serve him well, as long as he’s got good people around him.”
Mr. Obama had several warnings for Mr. Trump, including suggesting he not undo some of his major foreign-policy achievements, such as the Iran nuclear deal and the international climate-change agreement.
Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks declined to comment.
Before the election, Mr. Obama had campaigned more for Democrat Hillary Clinton than any modern sitting president had for his party’s nominee. He told Americans Mr. Trump would be a danger to the country if he were elected, saying he is “uniquely unqualified” for the presidency and couldn’t be trusted with the U.S.’s nuclear weapons arsenal.
He also repeatedly promised world leaders that Mr. Trump wouldn’t get elected.
Comments are closed.
