moment tearful Barack Obama thanks wife Michelle in emotional final speech as President

 

Barack Obama tearfully thanked his wife Michelle during an an emotional final speech as President.

Wiping his eyes, Obama told the First Lady: "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."

"And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You’ve made me proud.

"You’ve made the country proud."

In a poignant moment, Obama also made a point of thanking his two daughters.

"Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion," he said.

"You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. 

"Of all that I’ve done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad."

The Democratic president was feeling some nostalgia as he prepares to leave the White House on January 20 after eight years in office.

His top policy achievements were jolted by the November 8 election of Trump, who has threatened to undo Obama's actions on issues ranging from advancing healthcare reform to curbing climate change.