WATCH: President Obama On Trump Win, Clinton Loss

By Brian Naylor

Nov 9, 2016, 11:12am CT

President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, speaks in the election, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

WATCH: President Obama On Trump Win, Clinton Loss

By Brian Naylor

Nov 9, 2016, 11:12am CT

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President Barack Obama, saying “we are all Americans,” vowed his staff would work as hard as it can to ensure a successful transition of power to president-elect Donald Trump.

Speaking in the White House Rose Garden with Vice President Joe Biden at his side, Obama said “we are all rooting for” Trump’s success. Obama phoned Trump at 3:30 Wednesday morning to congratulate him on his upset victory over democrat Hillary Clinton, and invited Trump to the White House Thursday to discuss transition matters.

Obama said it is no secret that he and Trump have “pretty significant differences.” But Obama said he and former President George W. Bush had significant differences too, but still had a smooth transition after Obama’s election in 2008.

The president spoke minutes after Clinton formally conceded defeat to Trump after an often-bitter campaign. Obama said he “couldn’t be prouder” of Clinton.

Obama said what he heard from Trump in a private conversation and in the President-elects public remarks was that “we all want what’s best for our country.” Obama said that what the nation needs, a sense of unity, a sense of inclusion and respect. for our institutions our rule of law and “respect for each other.”