The Letters Presidents Leave Their Successors

http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/20/us/politics/letters-from-presidents-to-successors.html

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“The critics will rage.”

“The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.”

Those are the words of Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton in parting letters to their successors.

The notes from presidents to the person elected to replace them are part of a long tradition, one Barack Obama alluded to in his thank you message to the nation on Thursday, the eve of his stepping down as president.

Below is the full text of the letters, as well as the note from the elder President George Bush to Mr. Clinton, which was shared on social media months ago.