President Barack Obama Bids America A Heartfelt Farewell - the end of a historic presidency

- Barack Obama: "You were the change", he told Americans
- Barack Obama: In ten days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy
- EMOTIONAL: Barack Obama wipes his tears as he delivers his farewell speech in Chicago
On Tuesday night at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Barack Obama bid his final farewell as president of the United States.

In a speech that was candid, emotional and sobering, Obama reflected on what was achieved during his eight years in the Oval Office, and what needs to be done now to protect American democracy and values.

“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,” Obama told the audience and the country.

“After eight years as your president, I still believe that. And it’s not just my belief. It’s the beating heart of our American idea ― our bold experiment in self-government.”

Obama blasted “zero-sum” politics as he drew a sharp contrast with his successor in his farewell address Tuesday night, acknowledging that despite his historic election eight years ago, his vision for the country will exit the White House with him.

Obama urged US to consistently fight for democracy, not be 'just another big country that bullies'

In his final official remarks to the American people, President Barack Obama explained "why we cannot withdraw from global fights."

“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,” Obama said Tuesday evening.

The speech carried the “hopeful” and “forward-looking” tones that White House officials told CNN to expect, but there was a point during which Obama was interrupted by boos from the crowd.

"In 10 days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy," Obama said, prompting a negative response from his supporters, "the peaceful transfer of power from one freely-elected president to the next."

Obama reiterated his promise of a peaceful transition of power to President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to roll back much of the “change” from the last eight years.

"Our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention means the future should be ours, but that potential will only be realized if our democracy works," Obama said. "Increasingly, we've become so secure in our bubbles, that we start accepting only information, whether it's true or not, that fits our opinions - instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there."

The 44th US president also highlighted the issues of income inequality and climate change.

"If every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hard working 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," he said.

"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 we're going to keep talking past each other," he said.

Citing social unrest "from Selma to Stonewall" as well as military sacrifices and victories in World War II, Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama defined "American exceptionalism" as the country's "capacity to change."

Below, see the images from Obama’s final national address as president, as he offered his parting words to a country he diligently served.

Barack Obama wipes his tears as
he delivers his farewell speech in Chicago

Barack Obama delivers his farewell speech

 in Chicago CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES