You can watch President Obama’s address live at 9 on WHIO-TV Channel 7, on our website and listen live at AM1290 and News 95.7 WHIO.
Here’s 5 things to watch for in Obama’s address tonight:
1. He will not claim victory or slam Trump. Jessica Wehrman in our Washington Bureau says the Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to the president, says that he will reflect on his time in office and extend a call to action for voters to get involved in "fight for democracy." Read her story here
2. Focus on citizens. In a video preview of tonight's address, Obama said he has learned two lessons. 1. Americans are fundamentally good. 2. Change can happen. Obama said "the system will respond to ordinary people coming together to try to move the country in a better direction.
Credit: Joe Raedle
Credit: Joe Raedle
3. Reaching out to Trump voters. Determined not to simply recite a history of the last eight years, Obama directed his team to craft an address that would feel "bigger than politics" and speak to all Americans — including those who voted for Trump.
4. Some things may sound familiar. Seeking inspiration, Obama's speechwriters spent weeks poring over Obama's other momentous speeches, including his 2004 keynote at the Democratic National Convention and his 2008 speech after losing the New Hampshire primary to Hillary Clinton.
5. The crowd may be large. In his hometown of Chicago, the prospect of witnessing Obama's last presidential address brought thousands out in single-digit temperatures over the weekend in hopes of securing tickets. They showed up well before sunrise and waited in lines that stretched for blocks.
One other note. The trip today to Chicago is expected to be President Obama’s last trip on Air Force One as president
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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