Donald Trump wasn’t the only Republican who sought the presidency to show up at the White House on Thursday.
{mosads}Ohio Gov. John Kasich was at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to attend the Cleveland Cavaliers’ victory celebration with President Obama.
The event took place just hours after Obama met with Trump in the Oval Office for the first time as president-elect.
Afterward, Kasich emerged from the West Wing to deliver a message to people who have demonstrated against Trump.
“I just want to remind everyone in our country that the office of the presidency needs to be respected,” the governor, a Trump critic, told reporters.
“Today, I said my prayers on the plane for the success of Donald Trump,” he added, standing beside his two daughters. “And I think as Americans, we all need to come together.”
Protesters have gathered outside the White House and in cities around the country since Trump won the election. Some have chanted, “not my president.”
Kasich’s appearance capped off one of the more bizarre days at the White House in recent memory.
Obama and Trump met face-to-face for the first time on Thursday after years of personal enmity. The president campaigned hard against Trump but has pledged to work together with him to ensure a smooth transition of power.
The president, an avid basketball fan, seemed to take much more joy in meeting LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
“That’s what we’re talking about when we talk about hope and change,” Obama quipped about their comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors in last year’s NBA Finals.
The Ohio governor was one of Trump’s most outspoken critics during the Republican presidential primary and afterward.
He made good on his vow not to cast a ballot for the GOP nominee, instead voting for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
Unsurprisingly, Kasich said he didn’t expect Trump to select him for a position in the administration.
“I expect to be governor of Ohio the next two years,” he said.