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NishaGulati
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"Yes, we did. Yes, we can," was how President Barack Obama today bade goodbye to Americans in an emotional speech, warning them of the threats to democracy from growing racism, inequality and discrimination, in an oblique reference to Donald Trump's rise to power.
Refashioning his winning 2008 campaign mantra for 2017, Obama while addressing nearly, 20,000 supporters in his hometown here asked them to hold fast to their optimism and to look within for leadership. "I am asking you to believe not in my ability to bring about change, but in yours," 55-year-old Obama said.
"I am asking you to hold fast to the faith written into our founding documents: ...Yes, we can," he said in the prime time address that lasted 55 minutes. "Yes, we did. Yes, we can".
The outgoing President lamented that despite his historic election as the nation's first black President in 2008, "race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society." "After my election, there was a talk of a post-racial America. Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic," he acknowledged.
Obama's presidency will come to an end on January 20 when Republican Trump would be sworn in as US' 45th President. He promised a peaceful transfer of power to Trump. Without mentioning Trump, he used his speech to offer an implicit rebuttal to many of the contentious themes like the temporary ban on Muslim immigration that characterised the 2016 presidential campaign.
Obama said he rejects discrimination against Muslim Americans, and drew cheers for saying they are "just as patriotic as we are".
He also warned economic divisions have intensified racial divisions, particularly at a time when the growth of the nation's Hispanic population continues.
He paid an emotional tribute to First Lady Michelle Obama, addressed his children, and thanked Vice-President Joe Biden, who were all in attendance except younger daughter Sasha.