The speech is expected to last about 35 minutes, after which, well talk with our panel and bring you highlights from his remarks, but we obviously will bring President Obama in full, we expect him to come out in the next minute or so. This is something George Washington we were talking about was the first president , obviously who chose to give a farewell address. Right, when he did it, he did it because there was no such thing as a twoterm president. He could have been president for years and years and years, and he wanted to make clear to america that we didnt have a king anymore. Sounds like we could be seeing the president . Oh, maybe not. [ applause ] certainly sounded like the music coming out, but that was the purpose of that is to say, look, we are a democracy, we are not a monarchy. So thats where the tradition started. Lets listen in. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the 44th president of the United States, barack obama. [cheers and applause] [cheers and applause]
hello, chicago [cheers and applause] its good to be home [cheers and applause] thank you, everybody. Thank you thank you. Thank you [cheers and applause] thank you so much. Thank you, thank you. Thank you. Its good to be home. Thank you. [cheers and applause] thank you. Thank you. [cheers and applause] thank you. Thank you. Were on live tv here, i got to move. I was in my early 20s. And i was still trying to figure out who i was. Still searching for a purpose in my life. And it was a neighborhood not far from here where i began working with Church Groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. 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. [ crowd chants four more years ] i cant do that. This is where i learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it. After eight years as your president , i still believe that. And its not just my belief. Its the Beating Heart of our american idea. Our bold experiment in selfgoverning. Its a conviction that we are all created equal. Endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, among them, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Its the insistence that these rights, while selfevident have never been selfexecuted. That we, the people, through the instrument of our democracy can form a more perfect union. What a radical idea. A great gift that our founders gave to us. The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat and toil and imagination and the imperative to strive together as well, to achieve a common good, a greater good. For 240 years, our nations call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation. Its what led patriots to choose republic over tyranny. Pioneers to trek west. Slaves to brave that makeshift railroad to freedom. Its what pulled immigrants and refugees across oceans and the rio grande. Its what pushed women to reach for the ballot. [cheers and applause] its what powered workers to organize. Its why gis gave their lives on omaha beach and iwo jima, iraq and afghanistan. And why men and women from selma
to stonewall were prepared to give theirs as well. [cheers and applause] so, so thats what we mean when we say americas exceptional. Not that our nations been flawless from the start, but that we have shown the capacity to change. And make life better for those who follow. Yes, our progress has been uneven. The work of democracy has always been hard. Its always been contentious. Sometimes its been bloody. For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back. But the long sweep of america has been defined by forward motion. A constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all, and not just some. [cheers and applause] if i had told you eight years ago that america would reverse the great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history [cheers and applause] if i had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the cuban people, shut down Irans NuclearWeapons Program without
firing a shot [cheers and applause] take out the mastermind of 9 11 [cheers and applause] if i had told you that we would win Marriage Equality and secure the right to Health Insurance [cheers and applause] for another 20 million of our fellow citizens [cheers and applause] if i had told you all that, you might have said our sights were set a little too high. But thats what we did. [cheers and applause] thats what you did. You were the change. The answer to peoples hopes, and because of you, by almost every measure, americas a better, stronger place than it was when we started. [cheers and applause]
in ten days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy. [ crowd boos ] no, no, no. The peaceful transfer of power from one freelyelected president to the next. [ applause ] i committed to President Elect trump that my administration would ensure the smoothestpossible transition, just as president bush did for me. [ applause ] because its up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face. We have what we need to do so. 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 realized if our democracy works. Only if our politics better reflects the decency of our people. [ applause ] only if all of us, regardless of Party Affiliation or particular interests help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now. Thats what i want to focus on
tonight, the state of our democracy. I understand democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders argued. They quarrelled. Eventually, they compromised. They expected us to do the same. But they knew [cheers and applause] that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity. The idea that for all our outward differences were all in this together, that we rise or fall as one. [ applause ] there have been moments throughout our history that threatened that solidarity. And the beginning of this century has been one of those times. A shrinking world, growing inequality, demographic change and the spectre of terrorism. These forces havent just tested our security and prosperity, but are testing our democracy as well. And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids and create good jobs and protect our homeland. In other words, it will determine our future. To begin with, our Democracy Wont Work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity. And the good news is that today the economy is growing again, wages, incomes, home values and retirement accounts are all rising again. Poverty is falling again. [ applause ] the wealthy are paying a fairer share of taxes, even as the stock market shatters records, the Unemployment Rate is near a tenyear low, the Uninsured Rate has never, ever been lower. [cheers and applause] Health Care Costs are rising at the slowest rate in 50 years, and ive said, and i mean it. If anyone can put together a plan that is demonstrably better than our Health Care System that covers as many people at less cost, i will publicly support it. [cheers and applause] because that, after all, is why we serve. Not to score points or take credit. But to make peoples lives better. But for all the Real Progress that weve made, we know its not enough. Our economy doesnt work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class, and ladders for those who want to get into the middle class. Thats the economic argument. But stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic idea. Well, the top 1 has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many of our families in inner cities and in Rural Counties have been left behind. The laidoff factory workers, the waitress or health care
worker whos just barely getting by and struggling to pay the bills, convinced that the game is fixed against them, that the government only serves the interest of the powerful. Thats a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics. There are no quick fixes to this longterm trend. I agree, our trade should be fair and not just free. But the next wave of economic dislocations wont come from overseas. It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes a lot of good, middle class jobs obsolete. And so were going to have to forge a new social compact to guarantee all our kids the education they need. [ applause ] to give workers the power to unionize for better wages. To update the Social Safety Net to reflect the way we live now. And make more reforms to the tax code so our corporations and individuals who reap the most in
this new economy dont avoid their obligations to the country thats made their very success possible. [cheers and applause] we can argue about how to best achieve these goals. But we cant be complacent about the goals themselves. For, if we dont create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come. Theres a second threat to our democracy, and this one is as old as our nation itself. After my election, there was talk of a postracial america. And such a vision, however well intended, was never realistic. Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. Now, ive lived long enough to know that Race Relations are better than they were ten or 20 or 30 years ago, no matter what some folks say. You can see it [ applause ] not just in statistics, you see it in the attitudes of Young Americans across the political spectrum. But were not where we need to be. And all of us have more work to do. If every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and an undeserving minority, then workers of all shades are going to be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves. [cheers and applause] if were unwilling to invest in the children of immigrants just because they dont look like us, we will diminish the prospects of our own children, because those brown kids will represent a larger and larger share of americas workforce. [cheers and applause] and we have shown that our economy doesnt have to be a zerosum game. Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups. For men and for women. So, if were 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. [ applause ] but laws alone wont be enough. Hearts must change. They wont change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes 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 need 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. From blacks and other minority
groups, that means tying our own, very real struggles for justice, to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face. Not only the refugee or the immigrant or the rural poor or the transgender american, but also the middleaged white guy, who, from the outside, may seem like hes got advantages, but has seen his world upended by economic and cultural and technological change. We have to Pay Attention and listen. [ applause ] for white americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and jim crow didnt
suddenly vanish in the 60s. [cheers and applause] that when minority groups voice discontent, theyre not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, theyre not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our founders promised. [cheers and applause] for nativeborn americans, for nativeborn americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said almost word for word about the irish. And italians and poles, who it was said were going to destroy the fundamental character of america. And as it turned out, america wasnt weakened by the presence
of these newcomers, these newcomers embraced this nations creed, and this nation was strengthened. So [ applause ] regardless of the station that we occupy, we all have to try harder. We all have to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do. That they value hard work and family, just like we do. That their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own. [ applause ] and thats not easy to do. For too many of us, its become safer to retreat into our own bubbles. Whether in our neighborhoods or on College Campuses or places of worship or especially, our social media feeds. Surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions. In the rise of naked partisanship and increasing economics, all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable. Increasingly we become so comfortable in our bubbles, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there. [ applause ]
and this trend represents a third threat to our democracy. Look, politics is a battle of ideas. Thats how our democracy was designed. In the course of a healthy debate we prioritize different goals and the different means of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts, without a willingness to admit new information and concede that your opponent might be making a fair point and that science and reason matter, then were going to keep talking past each other. [cheers and applause] and will make Common Ground and compromise impossible. And isnt that part of what so often makes politics
disspiriting . How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids but not when were cutting taxes for corporations . How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party but pounce when the other party does the same thing . Its not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts, its selfdefeating. Because, as my mom used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you. [ applause ] take the challenge of climate change. In just eight years, weve halved our dependence on foreign oil, weve led the agreement that has the promise to save this planet. [cheers and applause]
but without bolder action, our children wont have time to debate the existence of climate change. Theyll be busy dealing with its effects. More environmental disasters, more economic disruptions, waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary. And we can and should argue about the best approach to solve the problem. But to simply deny the problem, not only betrays future generations, it betrays the Essential Spirit of this country, the Essential Spirit of innovation and practical problemsolving that guided our founders. [cheers and applause] it is that spirit, it is that spirit born of the enlightenment that made us an economic powerhouse. The spirit that took flight at kitty hawk and cape canaveral, the spirit that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket. Its that spirit, a faith in reason and enterprise and the primacy of right over might that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the great depression. That allowed us to build a postworld war ii order with other democracies. An order based not just on Military Power or national affiliations but built on principles. The rule of law. Human rights. Freedom of religion and speech and assembly and an independent press. [ applause ]
that order is now being challenged. First, by violent fanatics who claim to speak for islam, more recently by autocrats and foreign capitals who see free markets and open democracies and Civil Society itself as a threat to their power. The peril each poses to our democracy is more farreaching than a car bomb or a missile. They represent the fear of change. The fear of people who look or speak or pray differently. A contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable. An intolerance of dissent and free thought. A belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or the Propaganda Machine is the ultimate arbiter of whats true and whats right. Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, because of our Intelligence Officers and Law Enforcement and diplomats who support our troops [ applause ] no Foreign Terrorist Organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years. [ applause ] and although boston and orlando and San Bernardino and ft. Hood remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our Law Enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We have taken out Tens Of Thousands of terrorists,
including bin laden. [cheers and applause] the Global Coalition were leading against isil has taken out their leaders and taken away about half their territory. Isil will be destroyed, and no one who threatens america will ever be safe. [cheers and applause] and all who serve or have served, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your commander in chief. [cheers and applause] and we all owe you a deep debt of gratitude. [cheers and applause] but protecting our way of life, thats 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. [ applause ] and thats why, for the past eight years ive worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firmer legal footing. Thats why weve ended torture, worked to close gitmo, worked to protect privacy and civil liberties. Thats why i reject discrimination against Muslim Americans [cheers and applause] who are just as patriotic as we are. [cheers and applause]
thats why, thats why we cannot withdraw, thats why we cannot withdraw from big global fights to expand democracy and human rights and Womens Rights and lgbt rights. No matter how imperfect our efforts. No matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem, thats part of defending america. For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism and chauvinism are of a piece with the night against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression. If the scope of freedom and
respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases. And our own freedoms will eventually be threatened. So lets be vigilant, but not afraid. [ applause ] isil will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat america unless we betray our constitution and our principles in the fight. [ applause ] 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. Which brings me to my final point. Our democracy, our democracy is threatened whenever we take it
for granted. [ applause ] all of us, regardless of party, should be throwing ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions. [ applause ] when voting rates in america are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should be making it easier, not harder to vote. [cheers and applause] when, when trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service. When congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our congressional districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes. [cheers and applause] but remember, none of this happens on its own. All of this depends on our participation. On each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship. Regardless of which way the pendulum of power happens to be swinging. Our constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But its really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power. [cheers and applause] we, the people, give it meaning. With our participation and with the choices that we make. And the alliances that we forge. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms, whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. Thats up to us. Americas no fragile thing. But the gains of our long Journey To Freedom are not assured. In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that selfgovernment is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity and liberty. But from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth. And so we have to preserve this truth with jealous anxiety that
we should reject the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties that make us one. [cheers and applause] america, we weaken those ties when we allow our political dialog to become so corrosive that people of good character arent even willing to enter into public service. So coarse with rancor that americans with whom we disagree are seen not just as misguided but as malevolent. We weaken the whole system when we write off the whole system as corrupt. And without examining our own role in electing them. [cheers and applause] it falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy. To embrace the joyous task weve been given. To continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because, for all our outward differences, we in fact all share the same proud title, the most important officer of
democracy, citizen. [ applause ] citizen. So, you see, thats what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when theres an election. Not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If youre tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking with one of them in real life. [cheers and applause] if something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes, and do some organizing. [cheers and applause] if youre disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. [cheers and applause] show up. Dive in. Stay at it. Sometimes youll win. Sometimes youll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in other people, that can be a risk. And there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been part of this work and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in america and in
americans will be confirmed. Mine sure has been. Over the course of these eight years, ive 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 a charleston church. Ive seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch. Ive seen Wounded Warriors who at points were given up for dead walk again. Ive seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks. Ive 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. [ applause ] 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 who are watching at home, you were there with us in 2004, in 2008. 2012. [cheers and applause] maybe you still cant believe we pulled this whole thing off. Let me tell you, youre not the only ones. Michelle [cheers and applause] michelle robinson, girl of the south side. For the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and mother of my children. You have been my best friend. You took on a role you didnt ask for. And made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor. You made the white house a place that belongs to everybody. And the 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. Malia and sasha, under the strangest of circumstances you have become two amazing young women. You are smart and beautiful, but more importantly you are kind and you are thoughtful and you are full of passion. You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that i have done in my life i am most proud to be your dad. To Joe Biden The Scrappy Kid from scranton, who became delawares favorite son. You were the first decision i made as a nominee. And it was the best. Not just because you have been a great vice president. But because in the bargain i gained a brother. And we love you and jill like family and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our lives. To my remarkable staff. For eight years and for jefferssome of you a whole lot more, i have drawn from your energy and every day i try to reflect back what you displayed. Heart, and character. And idealism. Ive watched you grow up. Get married, have kids. Start incredible new journeys of your own. Even when times got tough and frustrating you never let washington get the better of you. You guarded against cynicism. And the only thing that makes me prouder than all the good that weve done is the thought that all the Amazing Things you are going to achieve from here. And all of you out there, every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town, every kind family who welcomed them in. Every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every american who lived and breathed the hard work of change you are the best supporters and organizers anybody could ever hope for and i will be forever grateful. Because you did change the world. You did. And that is why i leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started. Because i know our work has not only helped so many americans, it has inspired so many americans. Especially so many young people out there. To believe that you can make a difference. To hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourself. Let me tell you, this generation coming up, unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic. I have seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair and just and inclusive america. You know that constant change has been americas hallmark. That its not something to fear but something to embrace. You are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You will soon outnumber all of us. And i believe as a result, the future is in good hands. My fellow americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve
you. I wont stop. In fact, i will be right there with you as a citizen for all of my remaining days. But for now, whether you are young or whether you are young at heart i do have one final ask of you as your president. The same thing i asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago. I am asking you to believe not in my ability to bring about change but in yours. I am asking you to hold fast to that faith, written into our founding documents. That idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists, and that song for those who marched by justice, and the creed
reaffirmed by those who were in battle. A Creed By Every American whose story has not yet been written. Yes, we did, yes, we can, yes, we will. May god continue to bless the United States of america. Thank you