Just by saying the first lady’s name, the thousands gathered at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention centre gave a roaring response with loud applause and a standing ovation. Among those on their feet were the couple’s 18-year-old daughter Malia Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
Malia was emotional through most of her father’s speech, but most especially when he spoke directly to her.
“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. 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,” he said.
And when addressing the Bidens, Obama expressed his deepest gratitude.
“To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware’s favourite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best,” he stated. “Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. We love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our life.”
Not only did Obama thank those closest to him, but he also thanked his “remarkable staff.”
“For eight years – and for some of you, a whole lot more – I’ve drawn from your energy, and tried to reflect back what you displayed every day: heart, and character, and idealism,” he shared. “I’ve watched you grow up, get married, have kids, and start incredible new journeys of your own. Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you. The only thing that makes me prouder than all the good we’ve done is the thought of all the remarkable things you’ll achieve from here.”
Lastly, the 44th president thanked the American people.
“And to all of you out there – every organiser who moved to an unfamiliar town and kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change – you are the best supporters and organisers anyone could hope for, and I will forever be grateful. Because yes, you changed the world,” he said.
Concluding, “My fellow Americans, it has been the honour of my life to serve you. I won’t stop; in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain. Yes We Can. Yes We Did. Yes We Can.”
This article originally appeared on PEOPLE.com
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