President Barack Obama will deliver a farewell address to Americans on Jan. 10 in Chicago, the White House announced Monday, allowing him to define his record before a national audience once more before Donald Trump takes office.
Not every U.S. president has delivered a farewell speech, but several leaders – George Washington and Dwight Eisenhower, among them – have used the forum to issue cautionary warnings even as successors with somewhat different visions were preparing to assume the presidency.
In an email to supporters, Obama wrote, “I’m just beginning to write my remarks. But I’m thinking about them as a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways you’ve changed this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here.”
Obama has devoted considerable time and attention to crafting the signature speeches of his presidency, including ones that have explored the role of race in American society, the parameters of U.S. military intervention overseas and how to respond to a wave of gun violence that has affected citizens and police officers alike.
The president held an extensive news conference last month before leaving for vacation in Hawaii, and he may yet hold another question-and-answer session with journalists before Inauguration Day. But the Chicago speech, which will probably be carried live by several media outlets, gives him an opportunity to sketch out his legacy on his own terms.
On Monday, the president suggested that he would highlight some of the economic and social progress the nation has made under his watch, saying, “Since 2009, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, and come through them stronger.”
“That’s because we have never let go of a belief that has guided us ever since our founding – our conviction that, together, we can change this country for the better,” he wrote, adding that he hoped Americans would watch online if they couldn’t attend his speech in person.
“Because, for me, it’s always been about you,” Obama concluded.
(c) 2017, The Washington Post · Juliet Eilperin
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17 Responses
THIS MAN DID NOTHING FOR THE BLACK PEOPLE IN CHICAGO , WITH CRIME SO HIGH AND OVER 750 HOMICIDES IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO . A CITY WERE HE CAME FROM , A STATE WERE HE WAS A SENATOR , HE GREW UP IN THE SLUMS OF CHICAGO , AND WHEN HE REACHED THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE COUNTRY , HE BACKSTABBED HIS OWEN PEOPLE , SO WHAT DID U EXPECT HIM TO DO FOR THE JEWS ? ZERO , BH THIS NO GOOD NIK IS GONE
I must protest the sentiment which motivates the title of this article, and so many others like it.
The POTUS, whether or not you agree with his policies and/or approach, must command respect by virtue of his position, if for nothing else (see related CR threads).
Additionally, much as I personally differ with him on most issues, I think any fairminded observer must acknowledge that he is an honest person. Even his most bitter political enemies have not been able to accuse him of a single scandal of any type.
On top of it all, most importantly, we are in Galus, people! It is completely inappropriate for us to spew unmasked dislike of governmental officials.
TONE DOWN THE RHETORIC.
I wonder if the headline writer has an editorial perspective?? So much for objectivity on the news page.
Obama, you brave man you. Don’t pay attention to the hate out there. YWN doesn’t recognize your sterling character and the incredible changes you brought to our country.
“ Because, for me, it’s always been about you,” Obama concluded.
Ha, ha, ha, ha. Just spilled my coffee all over my computer desk.
You auditioning for some tv comedy special?
How about you quit tomorrow and let Uncle Joe be president for 2 weeks.
Don’t worry, we, of the Chevra Taxpayers Assoc. founded by the working and small business stiffs, will be glad pay you up to Jan.20th. Zull es shoyn zein a kaporah.
We’re counting down until he’s gone
Obama is an anti semite
#2 above must be a walking coma patient or an escapee from a mental hospital
Not enough time to list every lie or scandal. Let’s just go with:
If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.
Berghdal served with distinction.
Benghazi happened because of a video.
I hope his brothers won’t make him dodge those flying bullets. Or is it all white man’s fault? I’m going to miss the Thought Police. I’m very disappointed he didn’t get a reparations bill passed.
It is just laughable that Obama says he has no scandals, but sad that people don’t see through his lies. There are so many one couldn’t list them.
“Not a smidgen of evidence…” – that one ring a bell?
Remember the IRS targeting Conservatives?
Gosh. Just google “list of Obama scandals”. Even if the Leftist reader will illogically pick off one or two, the rest of the list of his lies and scandals would fill volumes of novels.
This is not the end of this man. He is GOG…..
I think YWN should have an official countdown complete with hours minutes and seconds displayed prominently on the home page. If they need a sponsor I’m sure we can get that worked out too. Whataya say guys??
The sweet sound of Obama combined with Farewell….
Even for Pharoh the riboni shel oilom told Moishe Rabbanu to treat him with respect
He was a lousy president, and as #1 said, he did nothing to improve the lot of the blacks. He screwed up the middle east and now it is a terror muddle with so many countries and groups trying to kill each other, and how many innocent people dead?
I agree with the headlines: GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH.
January 20 should be a National Holiday and when every bit of his lousy executive actions is finally repealed, there should be another holiday.
Barak Obama gave the order to kill Osama bin Laden. I totally agree with #2 that people have to show respect for the office of POTUS. So, indeed, it would be smart to tone down the rhetoric. He’ll be leaving office in 2 weeks; show a little maturity.