“I think the fact that the three of us are here talking about a peaceful transfer of power speaks to the institutional integrity of our country,” Bush, a Republican, said in the video. “America is a generous country, people with big hearts. All three of us were lucky to be the president of this country.”
Bush added that he was rooting for Biden’s success, saying: “His success is the success of our country. God bless him.”
That message was echoed by Obama, a Democrat, who said the country must “not just listen to the people we agree with, but listen to the people we don’t agree with”.
“One of my best memories of the inauguration was the grace and generosity that President Bush showed me, and Laura Bush showed Michelle,” he said.
That was a reminder, Obama said, “that we can have fierce disagreements and still recognize each other’s common humanity and that, as Americans, we have more in common than what separates us.”
Clinton, meanwhile, said the United States is “ready to march” with Biden and considered this an “exciting time” for America, despite the immediate challenges that the Biden government faces now.
“I’m glad you’re there. And I wish you the best of luck,” said Clinton, a Democrat. “You spoke for us today. Now you are going to lead for us.”
Biden had said on Wednesday that Trump had left him a “very generous letter” but did not immediately reveal the letter’s contents.
The comment came after Trump spent months lying about the presidential election being rigged against him and spreading unfounded conspiracy theories about electoral fraud. He was impeached after the House passed a charge of inciting insurrection for his actions before a violent mob invaded the United States Capitol, leaving five people dead, including a Capitol police officer. There will be a trial in the US Senate that is due to begin soon.
Kevin Liptak of CNN contributed to this report.