Obama bids farewell to nation in emotional address

U.S. President Barack Obama bid farewell to the nation on Tuesday in an emotional speech that expressed hope as well as warning for the years to come.

"Tonight it's my turn to say thanks ... Everyday I learned from you. You made me a better president, and you made me a better man," Obama told a crowd of some 20,000 in an hour-long farewell speech.

He listed major feats his administration had accomplished during his eight-year tenure, including reversing a recession, opening up a new chapter with Cuba, inking the Iranian nuclear deal, taking out Osama Bin Laden, promoting gay marriage and increasing medical insurance coverage.

He named income inequality, racial division and political division as three main threats facing U.S. democracy, and urged U.S. citizens to accept their responsibility of citizenship.

Supporters chanted "four more years" and screamed "I love you Obama" at the convention hall where Obama delivered his parting speech.

The event concluded Obama's month-long farewell tour, which included speeches, interviews and featured video clips released by the White House.

Donald Trump, who will take over from Obama on Jan. 20, is expected to hold his first interview Wednesday in New York City.

source: Xinhua