US President Barack Obama has delivered his final speech as president. He called on people to keep on respecting diversity and helping democracy function.
Obama gave his farewell speech on Tuesday in Chicago, where he has worked for many years as a lawyer and lawmaker. He was elected in 2008 as the first black president of the United States, advocating change throughout his campaign.
He said the city is where he learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and come together to demand it. He added that after 8 years as president, he still believes that.
He also said because of the American people, by almost every measure the country is a better, stronger place than it was when his first term started.
Obama stressed what his administration has achieved during his 8 years. He cited a better job market, health care reform dubbed Obamacare, the restoration of diplomatic ties with Cuba and the US’s role in the implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change.
Meanwhile, Obama’s successor, President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at reviewing the healthcare program — a sign that Obama’s legacy could be undermined.
Also, the presidential election last November highlighted a deepening social divide in the country.
The outgoing president stressed that democracy does not require uniformity but a basic sense of solidarity. He also said democracy won’t work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity.
Trump will be sworn in as US President on January 20th.
Source and image: NHK
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