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Obama and Trump Meet in the Oval Office, No Hands Thrown

obama trump
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

If these two can put aside their differences, can the rest of the country?

Funny story: until today in The White House, Barack Obama and Donald Trump had never met in-person. Though they've traded jabs, barbs, insults, and questioned the legitimacy of each other's birth certificates--well, that was more one-sided--Obama and Trump barely knew each other. And now, their legacies are forever entwined.

The President and president-elect were nothing but cordial during a short press conference during which they sang each other's praises and tried to put on a good show for a nation heavily divided.

"I have been very encouraged by the interest in president-elect Trump's wanting to work with my team around many of the issues that this great country faces," Obama said. "And I believe that it is important for all of us--regardless of party and regardless of political preferences--to now come together, to now work together, to deal with the many challenges we face."

He added, speaking to Trump: "I want to emphasize, to you, as president-elect, that we now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed. Because if you succeed, then the country succeeds."

Trump returned the favor, bragging about how their meeting was supposed to be 10-15 minutes long but ended up being an hour and a half. Presumably the other 75 minutes were spent being held back by their respective Secret Service teams.

"I very much look forward to dealing with the president in the future, including counsel," Trump said. "He's explained some of the difficulties, some of the high-flying assets and some of the really great things that have been achieved. So, Mr. President, it was a great honor being with you and I look forward to being with you many, many more times in the future."

And with that, 44 and 45 buried the hatchet. For now. Check out the presidential meet-cute below:

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