WASHINGTON (AP) — Ronald Reagan probably didn't realize he was starting a tradition when he wrote a note congratulating his successor and left it in the Oval Office desk drawer after two terms as ...

George H.W. Bush used his note to wish Bill Clinton ... he wrote a note congratulating his successor and left it in the Oval Office desk drawer after two terms as president.

Ronald Reagan scribbled a note in 1989 to his successor above an elephant cartoon. The tradition, started perhaps inadvertently, was continued by Joe Biden.

President Joe Biden will leave President-elect Donald Trump a letter in the Oval Office before ... a note for George H.W. Bush at the Resolute Desk before leaving office in 1989.

FILE – President George W. Bush pauses at his desk after he signed a Joint Resolution commemorating Ronald Reagan’s 90th birthday in the Oval Office of the White House, Feb. 15, 2001.

WASHINGTON — Ronald Reagan probably didn't realize he was starting a tradition when he wrote a note congratulating his successor and left it in the Oval ... president. He did that for George H.W ...

President George W. Bush pauses at his desk after he signed a Joint Resolution commemorating Ronald Reagan's 90th birthday in the Oval Office of the White House, Feb. 15, 2001. Credit: AP/Ron ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ronald Reagan probably didn't realize he was starting a tradition when he wrote a note congratulating his successor and left it in the Oval Office ... president of eight years ...