American people have not seen an African-American President in their long history of politics until the arrival of their 44th President, Barak Obama. He was a tall, dark and handsome President, who was dearly loved by everyone. It was not just his ability to lead the United States of America, but his charisma and personality. He is considered to be one of the most eloquent speakers of this generation. He ended his tenure with his final speech in Chicago in 2016 before handing his presidency to Donald Trump (www.youtube.com). The final speech of Barack Obama was understandably a very emotional one, yet filled with humor and wit. He accepted his foibles and the shortcomings during his presidency that lasted 8 years. He gave the people of America a hope and calmness in his farewell speech after people getting anxious and stressed by the outcome of the Presidential Election.
Barak Obama was as always, very eloquent in his delivery of speech with confidence oozing out of his body. He re-affirmed the faith in people that the future is not bleak, but there is light because the future of American citizens can never be taken away from them. He made witty remarks and also emotional statements. He was in tears when he said final words of his speech. He thanked the people of America for their constant support, while also mentioning the Vice President, Joe Biden as his constant friend throughout his tenure. Barak Obama in his final speech to the citizens of America made no direct or indirect mention of the newly elected President of United States of America, Donald Trump, but responded with great optimism by saying the future should be theirs. He refused to fight against the newly elected President as people wished and stated that it is better for the people and for democracy that there is a peaceful transfer of presidency from the former President to the new President.
The crowd also engaged with Barak Obama by urging him to stay for 4 more years, and Obama conceded by saying that he does not have the strength left to lead this beautiful nation and it is time for a new face to lead the people of this land. Although Obama made no mention of Donald Trump in the speech, he refused to acknowledge his ideas and views about the banning of Muslims from the United States. He responded in a very strong and commanding voice that America is a free country and no one is allowed to get banned from this country. He said that the Muslims have the same patriotism as they have.
During his speech, he took a moment for himself and his family by appreciating their relentless support. He thanked his wife for taking up the role she did not have to and beautifully fulfilling and leaving a great legacy behind her. During the final moments of the speech, he becomes quite emotional and in his shaking voice thanked the people and confiding in them the immense pleasure he got by serving them for 8 years. He finished his speech by encouraging people to have faith in their ability to change the world and to hold the principles and values of this great country in high esteem. He bid his farewell.
In contrast to Barack Obama, Donald Trump’s speech was not that powerful, considering the fact that it was Obama’s final speech, but there was a glaring difference in their delivery of the speech. Obama’ speech, although had funny moments, was showing confidence and professional. Donald Trump failed to make that impact. The highs and lows technique in speech employed by Obama was not to be seen in the new President’s speech, which he gave at the State of Union (www.youtube.com). Donald Trump started his speech by boasting about himself and his campaign team to win the election and how his policies will pave a new path to prosperity. He also said about uniting the people of America. He said it is important for them to be united in order to move forward. He also talked about the prices of the medicines and that he will reduce these prices. Although he talked about reducing the prices of prescription medicines, he did not give any methods how he and his administration would go about achieving it.
Obama in his farewell speech was unequivocal in his statements. In contrast to Obama’s speech, Donald Trump was largely elusive and talked ambiguously about the how the change would come. He called China and Russia as rivals of America while also stating that Guantanamo Bay will be opened for the terrorists’ groups in Syria and Iraq. Donald Trump in his speech did not shy away from saying the name of God at least 4 times while being the owner of casinos and pubs. The difference in Barak Obama’s speech and the speech made by Donald Trump was that the audience interacted with Obama by asking him to stay, whereas Donald Trump boasted himself by mentioning the presence of the parents of two young kids who are killed by a gang.
At the end of his speech, he said that it is the people who make this nation great and it is important for the American citizens to be proud of themselves and if they keep on working, there will be nothing that cannot be achieved. The final statements by both, Barak Obama and Donald Trump were inspiring and encouraging and gave people hope for a better and brighter future.
Works Cited
“President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address (Full Speech).” YouTube. N. p., 2018. Web. 24 Mar. 2018.
“President Donald Trump’S State Of The Union Address 2018 (Full) | NBC News.” YouTube. N. p., 2018. Web. 24 Mar. 2018.
