President Barack Obama Delivers Farewell Address in Chicago

CBS 58— President Barack Obama delivered his farewell address from his hometown of Chicago Tuesday night.

More than 20,000 people packed McCormick Place, the very spot Mr. Obama delivered is 2012 victory speech.

“I'm proud that he is still thinks of Chicago as home for him,” said Karla Harris, a Chicagoan.  

The farewell address is a tradition dating back to George Washington: the president recounts highlights from his time in office. People at Tuesday’s speech tell CBS 58 they didn't need a reminder of those accomplishments.

“I’m very proud of what the administration has been able to do with Dream Act as well, supporting dreamers and making sure that people in my family that have been able to go to school or work,” said Aquiles Damiron.

“Unemployment has definitely improved,” Dorothy Jenkins added.

“I think because of the Affordable Care Act, he's touched a nerve in the world where he's actually able to help us,” Harris said.

Instead what the crowd wanted and Mr. Obama delivered was a message, of hope, similar to one that drove both of the President's campaigns

“We can definitely benefit from all the reassurance he can give us and this might be the call to action that we need,” said Elizabeth Ortiz, who attended the speech.
Supporters of the President say they hope Obama's policies will remain intact during the next administration, but they know there are changes President Obama made- that cannot be undone.

“I think it's a big part of the President's legacy is that together we can create this change that's bigger than what we could do alone,” said Obama supporter Stephanie Monahon.