TIL Desk World/US/ US President Barack Obama says in his farewell address that in 10 days the world will witness the peaceful transfer of power to a new president, drawing some jeers ahead of Donald Trump’s presidency. Obama says he committed to Trump that his administration would “ensure the smoothest possible transition” just as his predecessor, President George W. Bush, did for him.
The outgoing President says in Chicago “it’s up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face”.
Yes, we can. Yes we did. Yes we can. May God continue to bless United States of America.”
In the closing stages, Obama hails the new generation, saying, “I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic than when we started.”
“You are willing to carry this democracy forward… I believe the future is in good hands.”
“It has been an honour of my life to serve you. I won’t stop, I will be there as a citizen.”
I have my final ask of you as a President. It’s the same that I asked of you when I started. I’m asking you to believe not in my ability to make change, but in yours.” Obama honours the citizen and hails the inclusiveness of democracy. “Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted… For all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title, the most important office in democracy: Citizen.”
