Outgoing President Barack Obama Asks Americans To Believe In Their Ability To Bring Out Change

The crowd chanted "four more years", but this time he had no option but to say no. "I can't do that," he said with a smile. Outgoing President Barack Obama gave his farewell speech on Tuesday evening in his adopted hometown of Chicago, Illinois. It was in Chicago that the nation's first black president was declared victorious in 2008 in Grant Park.

Back in 2008, he rode into the White House with a message of 'hope and change', a message of 'Yes We Can'. In his final address in office as the President, Obama told the Americans to believe in their ability to bring out change and encouraged them to continue taking a stand for their values after he leaves office, reports Daily Mail.

Obama stressed solidarity by saying, "Democracy does not require uniformity." While the founders of the nation quarrelled and compromised, they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity, he added. "We are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one."

"Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear," he said. "As citizens, we must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are," reports CNN.

In his farewell address, he never took name of the President-elect Donald Trump but made multiple references to him saying loud and clear that he rejects discrimination against Muslim Americans.

He even thanked his fellow Americans for making him a better President and a better man. He pointed out that there is a need for unity among Americans and recognised the contributions of immigrants, women, workers, veterans and activists.

Talking about the contribution of his wife Michelle Obama, his eyes welled up with tears as he paid a tribute to her for taking up a role that she didn't ask for. He complemented her for making the role of First Lady her own with grace, grit and style. He further thanked Michelle for making the White House a place that belongs to everybody.

Obama went on to thank his daughters Malia and Sasha by saying that of all that he has done in his life, being their dad is the most proud thing for him.

He addressed the Americans by telling that it has been the honor of his life to serve them and that he won't stop doing that. He added that he will be right there with them as a citizen.

He ended the final address by saying, "Thank you. God bless you. May God continue to bless the United States of America."