Despite public images of getting along and pledges of support, President Obama is raising money for a war chest to fight President-elect Donald Trump after he leaves office.

"Help Democrats fight back," said the president in an fundraising email sent a week before Christmas. "Stand with me, work with me, let's finish what we started," he adds.

The email tells Democrats that they should be "proud" of the election, even though Hillary Clinton lost. It also signals the start of the next election even before Trump is inaugurated.

"Now, across the country, there are Democrats gearing up for the fights ahead — and some for their next race. And they need your help, too," he said.

Obama has promised to stay engaged in politics, initially living just a few miles from the White House in a million-dollar neighborhood.

The memo is below:

I know how much I've asked of you this year. I really do.

But let me tell you: every dollar you chipped in, every phone call you made, and every neighbor you helped register made a difference. No matter the outcome, I hope you're as proud as I am of how you made an impact in this election.

Now, across the country, there are Democrats gearing up for the fights ahead — and some for their next race. And they need your help, too.

So I'm asking you to chip in $3 or more and help out Democrats who are out there fighting for you and me.

If you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately.

Most people only tune in to politics in the weeks before a big election. But often the most important work we do happens at times like these, when we build our organization and chart a course for the coming months and years.

This is a big deal for our party and the movement we built together. If you're able, please donate $3 or more today.

Thanks,

Barack

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com