US President Barack Obama delivers his final speech

Speaking in Chicago, Mr Obama said America would “witness a hallmark of our democracy” in 10 days, referring to the Republican President-elect’s inauguration on January 20.

The mention of Mr Trump caused a wave of boos from the adoring crowd.

“No, no, no,” Mr Obama interrupted.

“The peaceful transfer of power from one freely elected president to the next, I committed to President-elect Trump my administration would ensure the smoothest transition, just as President Bush did for me.

“Because it’s up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face. We have everything we need to meet those challenges. After all, we remain the wealthiest, most powerful and most respected nation on Earth. Our youth, our drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention means that the future should be ours. But that potential will only be realised if our democracy works. Only if our politics better reflects the decency of our people.”

The 44th president, who is preparing to leave the White House, began his speech on Tuesday night, US time, by saying, “It’s good to be home.”

He was immediately overwhelmed by screams, struggling to settle down the rowdy crowd.

“You can tell that I’m a lame duck because nobody’s following instructions,” he joked.
 

“Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well wishes we’ve received over the past few weeks. But tonight it’s my turn to say thanks. Whether we’ve seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people, in living rooms and in schools, at farms, on factory floors, at diners, and on district military outposts, those conversations have kept me honest and inspired.

“You’ve made me a better president and an even better man.”

Obama came to Chicago when he was 20 years old, not knowing much about who he was.

He worked with church groups and said that was when he witnessed the dignity people had when faced with struggles.

“This is where I learnt change happens when ordinary people get involved. Come together and demand,” he said.

In his final message, the President said democracy gave people the freedom to chase their own dreams and to strive as one to achieve a common good, a greater good.

“Our progress has been uneven, but work of democracy has always been hard, it’s always been contentious, sometimes it’s been bloody. For every two steps forward it often feels like one step back,” he said.

Obama spoke of how accepting different races was important for America’s future.

“If we’re going to be serious about race going forward, we need to uphold laws against discrimination in hiring and in housing and in education and in the criminal justice system. That is what our constitution and our highest ideals require,” he said.

“But law alone won’t be enough. Hearts must change. It won’t change overnight. Social attitudes often take generations to change, but if our democracy is to work the way it should in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us needs to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction, Atticus Finch, who said, ‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’”

Obama said everybody had to try harder, and believe that every citizen loved the country and valued hard work and family.

He spoke of the dangers of Islamic State radicalisation.

He said IS would be destroyed and anybody who threatened America would never be safe.

“Our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We have taken out tens of thousands of terrorists, including Bin Laden,” he said.

“But protecting our way of life — that’s not just the job of our military. Democracy can buckle when it gives in to fear. So just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are.

“And that’s why, for the past eight years, I’ve worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firmer legal footing. That’s why we’ve ended torture, reformed our laws governing surveillance to protect privacy and civil liberties. That’s why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans who are just as patriotic as we are.

“That’s why we cannot withdraw from big global fights to expand democracy and human rights and women’s rights and LGBTI rights. No matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem, that’s part of defending America.”

Obama spoke about the proud moments he’s witnessed during his eight-year tenure.

“I’ve seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers, I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers and found grace in Charleston Church. I’ve seen our scientist help a paralysed man regain his sense of touch, I’ve seen wounded warriors who at points were given up for dead, walk again. I’ve seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us, through their actions and through their generosity, of our obligations to care for refugees or work for peace. And above all, to look out for each other,” he said.

“So that faith that I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change, that faith has been rewarded in ways I could not have possibly imagined, and I hope your faith has too. Some of you here tonight, or watching at home, you were there with us in 2004 and 2008, 2012.”

As he wrapped up his speech, the outgoing president made a touching tribute to his wife.

He said for 25 years Michelle had not only been his wife, but the mother of his children and his best friend.

“You took on a role you didn’t ask for and you made it your own, with grace and with grit and with style and good humour,” he said

“You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. So you have made me proud and you have made the country proud.”

To his daughters, he said they became amazing young women under the strangest of circumstances.

“You are smart and you are beautiful, but more importantly you are kind and you are thoughtful and full of passion,” he said.

“Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad.”

Obama also paid tribute to his staff and their heart and character.

He said he watched many of them grow up, get married and have children and start journeys of their own.

“Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you.

“The only thing that makes me prouder than all the good that we’ve done is the thought of all the amazing things that you are going to achieve from here,” he said.

He said his greatest honour was serving Americans and he would continue to serve for the rest of his days.

Obama finally had one more request as president, and that was for all Americans to believe in their own abilities to bring about change.

“Yes we can, yes we did, yes we can,” he said.