President Obama on Donald Trump Presidency: 'We Are All Rooting for His Success' (Video)

President Barack Obama promised a smooth transition to President-elect Donald Trump, calling on Americans to come together and stand behind their new leader and root for his success.

"The presidency and the vice presidency is bigger than any of us," Obama said in the White House Rose Garden, following the New York businessman's Election Day win over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Obama, with Vice President Joe Biden by his side, added: "So I have instructed my team to set the example that President Bush’s team set eight years ago and work as hard as we can to make sure this is a successful transition for the president-elect because we are all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country.”

“Everybody is sad when their side loses their election. But the day after, we have to remember we’re actually all on the same team. This is an intramural scrimmage," Obama said.

He also had a message for young people disappointed by the results: "You have to stay encouraged. Don't get cynical. Don't ever think you can't make a difference."

He added a quote from Hillary Clinton's speech: "Fighting for what's right is worth it."

Obama's comments came just after Clinton delivered her concession speech that was equally conciliatory.

Earlier on Wednesday, Obama called Trump “to congratulate him on his victory early this morning,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said, adding that Obama also invited Trump to meet with him at the White House on Thursday.

"The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy, and over the next few months we are going to show that to the world,” Obama said Wednesday.

Obama often linked his reputation with a successful Clinton White House run, saying it would be an "insult" to his legacy if Trump were to win in November.

“After we have achieved historic turnout in 2008 and 2012, especially in the African-American community, I will consider it a personal insult — an insult to my legacy — if this community lets down its guard and fails to activate itself in this election,” Obama said in September. “You want to give me a good send-off? Go vote.”

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore Flickr Commons