the day after
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter sends memo to staff demanding peaceful transition of power
One of the most special things about American democracy is the peaceful handover of power, a tradition that President Obama's appointed Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has urged his staff to protect in an increasingly divided country. "Last night our fellow American citizens voted for a new president," Carter wrote in a memo to Department of Defense staff. "That it happened freely and peacefully is a testament to the great work of this department."
Carter added, "I am committed to overseeing the orderly transition to the next commander in chief. I know I can count on you to execute all your duties with the excellence our citizens know they can expect."
While votes are still being counted, Hillary Clinton is currently leading the popular vote, while Donald Trump has already seized the requisite number of Electoral College votes to earn him the presidency.