Obama's letter to Trump: On the need to 'leave democracy strong'

It is an elegant tradition: the outgoing U.S. president leaves a letter for his successor in the aged oaken desk in the Oval Office, to be read upon his arrival.

The letter left by Barack Obama for Donald Trump, revealed some seven months after the handover of power, revolves around one central bit of advice: beyond the bitterness and brutality of political combat and power struggles, never lose sight of the importance of democratic institutions.

Publication of the missive, just shy of 300 words, comes at a difficult and chaotic time in the Trump presidency that has seen intense criticism even from Trump's own Republican Party for his lack of clarity -- and of moral leadership -- after the racist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"Dear Mr. President," the letter begins, going on to congratulate Trump for his "remarkable run" to the White House and to offer well wishes "as you embark on this great adventure." The letter was obtained by CNN "from someone Trump showed it to," according to the channel.

"Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure," it says.

Obama had pounded Trump during the presidential campaign with a rare virulence, saying the real estate mogul was, in his eyes, a danger to American democracy. "The fate of the republic is in your hands," Obama told voters in North Carolina just days before the Nov. 8, 2016  election.

But in the aftermath of Trump's shocking victory, with Democrats still badly shaken by the surprise defeat of Hillary Clinton, Obama insisted on the importance of a peaceful and constructive transition to the billionaire populist, even receiving him in the Oval Office in a meeting...