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Obama: 'We're All On The Same Team'

WASHINGTON DC (CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Wednesday comforted his supporters and the backers of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, saying he was "heartened" by a message of unity and inclusion when he spoke with President-elect Donald Trump on the phone.

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"I hope that he maintains that spirit throughout this transition and I certainly hope that's how his presidency will begin," Obama said from the White House Rose Garden with Vice President Joe Biden at his side.

Obama praised his staff for working relentlessly on behalf of the American people, saying the America Trump inherits is better than the one he was handed in 2008.

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"Everyone on my team should be extraordinarily proud of everything they have done," Obama said.

Obama added, "Everybody is sad when their side loses an election. The day after, we have to remember we're all on the same team."

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