Obama speaks to outgoing Canadian leader

President Obama made one of those tough sympathy calls this week, speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper after he lost his job following an election defeat.

Obama spoke with Harper on Thursday "to express his deep appreciation for his commitment to the United States-Canada relationship," the White House said, notably the issues of trade and international security.

"In particular, they noted the successful conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, which promises to boost economic growth and support good-paying jobs on both sides of the border," the White House said.

One unmentioned, unresolved issue: The Keystone oil pipeline, a trans-national project that Harper backed intently but which the Obama administration has not yet approved.

"The President wished Prime Minister Harper the best in his future endeavors," said the White House statement.