As he departs, Obama delivers message of hope

WASHINGTON — Barack Obama exited the presidency Friday with a message of gratitude to Americans and a plea to his supporters not to be bowed by the inauguration of President Trump.

In a farewell speech at Andrews Air Force Base before boarding the presidential plane for the last time, Obama said he’d been met by skepticism and doubt throughout his eight years in office by some who “didn’t think we could pull it off.”

Obama said his supporters had transcended the obstacles posed by entrenched political powers by finding bonds of unity with Americans of all stripes.

[...] Obama, a broad grin on his face, said goodbye to a crowd of 1,800 gathered to bid him farewell.

Yet by midmorning, Obama and his wife were welcoming Trump and incoming first lady Melania Trump to the White House for a reception before accompanying them to the Capitol for Trump’s swearing-in.

“We are grateful to President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition,” Trump said in his inaugural address.

There was one final throwback to Obama’s celebrated campaign chant as he exited the national stage.