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President Obama's Farewell Speech
Topic Started: Jan 11 2017, 12:04 AM (70 Views)
Webster
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(The Guardian) Eddie Vedder performs before President Barack Obama gives his presidential farewell address at McCormick Place.

(The Guardian) Emotions are already running high at the McCormick Place convention centre in Chicago. The make up of the crowd – male and female, young and old, diverse in race and religion – is itself a statement about the outgoing president.

Sheila Baldwin, a 64-year-old African American, who got her ticket on Saturday after queuing from 5am, said: “My ancestors would appreciate and insist I see this historic event. It was thrilling for us to see my mother, who is 91, witness the first black president; now to see it come full circle is a wonderful moment.”

Reflecting on the divisive presidential election, Baldwin, a university associate professor in Chicago, added: “If anyone can heal the country and bring it together, I think President Obama can. The country is in for a huge shock with Donald Trump and hopefully he can do the right thing. It’s not going to be smooth sailing.”

The vast arena already appears full with thousands of people seated and thousands more standing at the back – some have complained about the poor view they will have of Obama. There are multiple giant TV screens, a huge stars and stripes and a giant presidential seat set against a deep blue curtain. Musicians are currently performing.

The audience includes veteran Obama campaign staffers. Daniel and Cathy Nored, both 62, have flown in from Dallas, Georgia. Daniel, a computer technician, said: “My emotions are a little sad but I know he’s tired and wants to become an ordinary citizen. It’s bittersweet.”

Cathy, who works in human resources, added: “I think he will make another great speech but this is going to come from the heart.”

Two Algerian-born Muslims, Meriem Sadoun and Hanane Bounar got tickets after queuing from 4am on Saturday. Bounar, 16, a student, said: “When I came to the US as an immigrant, he was the first president. For me to see him at the end is important.”

But Sadoun, 22, a university graduate, added: “If this was Donald Trump speaking, we probably wouldn’t be welcome in the crowd. The atmosphere would be different and not as welcoming.”
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Webster
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(The Guardian) “Politics is a battle of ideas. That’s how democracy was designed,” says Obama.

“But without some common baseline of facts. Without a willingness to admit new information and that your opponent might be making a fair point and that science and reason matter, then we’re doing to keep talking past each other. And it will make common ground and compromise impossible,” he says.

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(The Guardian) Barack Obama delivers his farewell address in Chicago, Illinois.
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Webster
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(The Guardian) Obama on climate change
--The president talks about climate change and the steps his administration has taken in the last eight years: reducing dependence on foreign oil, increasing renewable energies, signing the Paris Accord.

He calls on the nation to not ignore science.

“But without bolder action, our children won’t have time to debate the existence of climate change; they’ll be busy dealing with its effects: environmental disasters, economic disruptions, and waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary,” says Obama.

“Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations; it betrays the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our founders.”
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Webster
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(The Guardian) “No foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years,” says Obama, although he notes the issue of home-grown terrorists such as the Boston marathon bombing and San Bernandino massacre.

“To all who serve, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief,” he says, resulting in a standing ovation.

“I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans,” says Obama, to thunderous applause and cheers.
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Webster
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(The Guardian) As Senate hearings continue into Russia’s hacking of the DNC emails during the election campaign - and Trump applauds leader Vladimir Putin - Obama specifically calls Russia a “rival”.

So let’s be vigilant, but not afraid ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world – unless we give up what we stand for, and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors.
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Webster
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(The Guardian) In what he calls his “final point”, to cheers of “no!” from the audience, Obama speaks about the precarious nature of democracy.

“All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions,” says Obama.

“Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power – with our participation, and the choices we make.”
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Webster
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(The Guardian) Obama: 'run for office yourself'
--Obama talks about being an active citizen and being political as part of your every day life, particularly if you’re frustrated by politics right now.

“If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talking with one of them in real life,” says Obama. “If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.”

“Show up. Dive in. Stay at it. Sometimes you will win, sometimes you will lose.”
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Webster
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(The Guardian) Now Obama is getting onto the personal thank yous. He simply says the word “Michelle”, and the crowd erupts and gives the first lady a standing ovation. “Girl of the South Side,” he says, as Michelle raises her fist.

“For the past twenty-five years, you’ve been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend. You took on a role you didn’t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor,” says Obama, getting out a white handkerchief and wiping away tears.

Now Obama turns to the daughters (Malia is in the audience, Sasha is not).

“You have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion. You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I’ve done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad,” says Obama.
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Webster
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(The Guardian) Now Obama pays tribute to his veep Joe Biden.

“The scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware’s favorite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best,” says Obama, while the crowd gives Biden a standing ovation. He calls Biden a “brother” and “like family”.

“You changed the world,” says Obama, as he pays tribute to his staff. He thanks them, many are wiping away tears.

“I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started,” he adds.
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Webster
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(The Guardian) And now it’s final farewell time.

“My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you. I won’t stop; in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain.”
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Webster
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(The Guardian) Obama: 'yes we did'

Obama calls on citizens to have faith in the country.

“I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours,” he says.

I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written:

Yes We Can

Yes We Did

Yes We Can.


Obama thanks the crowd and is greeted by his family and the Bidens.
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