An emotional President Barack Obama with the First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughter Malia Obama at his farewell address to the nation from McCormick Place in Chicago, January 10, Obama dwelt on the challenges before America’s democracy and sought to give a message of hope to American. “Let’s be vigilant. But not afraid”, he said.

CHICAGO (TIP): President Barack Obama became nostalgic while delivering his Farewell Address in Chicago on January 10, 2017. Joined by first lady Michelle Obama, daughter Malia, and Vice President Joe Biden, the president credited Chicago for playing a crucial role in his life. “I first came to Chicago when I was in my early 20s, still trying to figure out who I was; still searching for a purpose to my life’, said Obama. “. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss. This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it.”

Noting the increasing partisanship that marked his tenure as president, Obama warned another threat to democracy was the trend of people becoming “so secure in our bubbles that we start accepting only information, whether true or not, that fits our opinions instead of basing our opinions on the evidence is out there.”

Obama mentioned the incoming president only once by name. “I committed to President-elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible 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.”

President Obama delivered his Farewell Address in Chicago on January 10, 2017. Watch it here: