Barack Obama breaks down in tears and takes aim at Donald Trump as he urges Americans to fight against racism in emotional farewell speech
BARACK Obama broke down in tears as he urged Americans to fight against racism and threats to democracy in his emotional farewell speech as president.
The outgoing Leader of the Free World wiped tears from his eyes as he spoke to several thousand people at the Chicago convention centre, in his adopted hometown.
He was given a standing ovation when he came to the stage, with the audience chanting "four more years"; during his speech.
He also took aim at Donald Trump - who he didn't mention by name - with pointed criticism of “discrimination against Muslim Americans” and the “selective sorting of facts”.
Obama addressed issues of racism, poverty, immigration and climate change, and not "giving into fear."
It took nearly a minute for him to quiet the cheering crowd, with Obama joking: “You can tell that I’m a lame duck because nobody is following instructions" as he tried to start his speech.
It was his last chance to offer advice to the American people as they prepare, many with some trepidation, for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
He told the crowd: that while their nation had not been "flawless from the start" but it had "shown the capacity to change, and make life better for those who follow."
Obama touched on issues of racism, immigration, climate change, and poverty and told the people it was up to them to make the change.
But it was his warnings to hold on to democracy that really hit home.
He told the crowd: . "Democracy can buckle when we give 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.
"That's why, for the past eight years, I've worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firm legal footing."
He went on to cite his work to reform laws, close Guantanamo, and his rejection of "discrimination against Muslim Americans."
Obama also talked of the moves he had made to reform laws on surveillance.
He added: "That's why we cannot withdraw from global fights -- to expand democracy, and human rights, women's rights, and LGBT rights - no matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem."
Obama also addressed the successes which had been achieved during his time in office saying: "If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history...if I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, and take out the mastermind of 9/11...if I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens -- you might have said our sights were set a little too high.
He thanked the crowd for their well wishes and support saying: "You have made me a better president and and better man."
Obama had started his speech by placing emphasis on grassroots activism, talking about starting out in Chicago as a young man: "I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was; still searching for a purpose to my life.
"It was in neighbourhood's 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."
Obama said it was where he learned about the difference people could make: "I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it.
"After eight years as your president, I still believe that."
The exiting president also took time to thank his wife Michelle for her support, and wiped away a tear and he talked of her to the cheering crowd: "Michelle -- for the past twenty-five years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend.
"You took on a role you didn't ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humour. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody.
"You've made me proud. You've made the country proud."
Obama, 55, was no doubt mindful that with just 10 days to go until Trump takes control on the country, his legacy hangs in the balance.
He appeared to make a dig at the billionaire's fondness for using the Internet to comment: "If you are tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life."
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Obama jetted in earlier in the afternoon on Air Force One with his family - wife Michelle and daughter Malia - Sasha did not appear to be at the event.
People on social media began questioning where the president’s second daughter was, and the hashtag #wheressasha started trending on Twitter.
Some joked that she was grounded, or was “busy” watching TV of playing Candy Crush on her phone.
But a White House official later revealed: “Sasha stayed back in DC tonight because she has an exam at school in the morning.”
They were joined by Vice President Joe Biden, along with Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
Some of the supporters queued for over 14 hours to get seats in the venue, while others shelled out up to $300 a ticket.
After the speech Obama was expected to return to Washington on what would be his final flight in Air Force One.
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