YEREVAN, JANUARY 11, ARMENPRESS. In his farewell speech, US President Barack Obama urged Americans to protect democracy, while fighting back tears in his last speech as President, BBC reports.

Obama mentioned racism and economic inequality as the top threats for democracy in the US.

“So let’s be vigilant, but not afraid. ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world – unless we give up what we stand for, and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors”, Obama said.

Obama delivered his speech in Chicago, saying he’d rather speak where it all began than in the White House.

Obama couldn’t fight back tears when he addressed Michelle.

 “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 humor. 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”, he said.