As cliché as it sounds, President Obama’s long goodbye of a farewell address probably didn’t leave very many dry eyes in the house. Although he’s had some genuine downswings during his eight years in office, Obama felt confident that he’s left America in a better position than when he began. Not even handing over the White House keys to his polar opposite could dampen his message of dignity and hope. Obama’s not glad to go, but he won’t allow negativity or partisan swipes ruin what was a damn beautiful moment.
“Yes We Can.
Yes We Did.
Yes We Can.
Thank you.” —@POTUS #ObamaFarewell pic.twitter.com/azr05El60j— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) January 11, 2017
In response, First Lady Michelle Obama led the charge with a joyous celebration of everything her family has accomplished.
So proud of @POTUS and all that we've accomplished together. An incredible journey filled with remarkable people. I love you Barack. -mo pic.twitter.com/TFUN3GDLyz
— First Lady- Archived (@FLOTUS44) January 11, 2017
And before Obama’s speech ended, social media was full of people pouring their hearts out to their leader. There’s work to be done tomorrow, but for now, Twitter’s rolling in Kleenex. Much like Barack himself.
Obama tearfully thanks his wife Michelle in emotional moment at #ObamaFarewell https://t.co/jADmzCZYPR pic.twitter.com/G9R6kaVCKx
— CNN (@CNN) January 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/hyp3rfr3ak/status/819022937349099520
.@POTUS @BarackObama I love you more than I have space on Twitter to describe. #ObamaFarewell
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) January 11, 2017
Some folks, even to this day – #ObamaFarewell – do not understand that the believable change happened the day he was elected.
— Jeffrey Wright 🥜 (@jfreewright) January 11, 2017
Crying after that speech but tomorrow I'll be ready to follow my President's advice to "Show up. Dive in. Stay at it." 🇺🇸#ObamaFarewell
— Liv 🦋 (@O10Harmsel) January 11, 2017
Retweet while you still can #ObamaFarewell pic.twitter.com/WpQiInSbRd
— Ryan Butler (@itsRyanButler) January 11, 2017
8 years ago, my husband and I cried as #Obama told us "Yes We Can." Tonight we cried because "Yes We Did". #ObamaFarewell #FarewellObama
— DreaMaria (@DreaMaria3) January 11, 2017
Regardless of your personal beliefs, respect that you've witnessed one of the most defining and important American presidents #ObamaFarewell
— Eugene Lee Yang (@EugeneLeeYang) January 11, 2017
Obama was the first president I voted for after becoming a U.S. citizen and I'll cherish and remember that feeling for the rest of my life.
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) January 11, 2017
.@POTUS showing how much he loves and respects @FLOTUS @MichelleObama and his daughters moved Cookie and I to tears. #ObamaFarewell
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 11, 2017
Hope you enjoyed Obama's speech. You won't hear anything so cogent and kind for a long time. So, with complete sincerity: THANKS, OBAMA.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 11, 2017
Things feel grim. The next guy is a nightmare. But at least for tonight we can say we're lucky to have had him. #optimism #obamafarewell
— Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) January 11, 2017
you are the president I grew up with. I'll definitely be telling my children and grandchildren about you. Thank you Chief. #ObamaFarewell
— seb (@sebastianmarket) January 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/ibekeggy2/status/819008596662951936
I'm gonna miss Obama so much. My president forever. #ObamaFarewell 🙏🏼
— Kyle Woodcock (@KyleScottMusic) January 11, 2017
There are literally a million other reactions out there in a simultaneous showing of joy and sadness. Of course, no set of internet reactions about President Obama would be complete without his “dropped mic” video, which is practically iconic at this point. He shall be missed.
This entire speech #ObamaFarewell pic.twitter.com/DmSGEBjQkx
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) January 11, 2017