The forty-forth president Barack Obama used his departing words at Wednesday's press conference to offer reserved assurances to Americans. Obama's departing message was a stark contrast to his unrelenting message of hope eight years ago when he first became President of the United States.
Reserved assurance
"At my core, I think we're going to be OK. We just have to fight for it, work for it and not take it for granted. I know that you [the journalists in attendance] will help us do that," said Obama. In the Q & A with reporters, Obama continued to raise concerns about his successor's relationship with Russia while asking questions about Trump's suitability for the job.
Obama didn't comment on any policy issues in particular but raised concerns about Trump potentially eroding "core values that hold together the fabric of this country". Resolutely, Obama stated that his office attempted to place those "core values" at the centre of his presidency.
"After two terms as the president, I believe in this country and I believe in the American people. I believe that people are more good than bad. Although I think there is evil in this world, if we work hard we can make sure the world becomes a better place," Obama stated.
Chelsea Manning
Inevitably, Chelsea Manning, one of the most divisive whistle blowers in modern history, was a major talking point. Naturally, Obama defended his decision to commute Manning's sentence.
"I feel that in light of all the circumstances, that commuting her sentence was entirely appropriate. She served a tough prison sentence and that will serve as a deterrent to other leakers," Obama stated.
"The sentence that Chelsea Manning received was disproportionate to what other leakers received.I feel confident that justice has been served," Obama said.
Manning was in a military prison for leaking over 700,000 documents to WikiLeaks but will be released on May 17th.
Departing advice
When asked if he was in regular contact with the president-elect Donald Trump, Obama responded by stating that he and Trump have had a number of "lengthy and constructive discussions". Obama's biggest piece of advice for the incoming president was to rely on the network around him. "A job of this magnitude is impossible to do by yourself," Obama stated.
