Barack Obama spoke to a sold-out audience in Vancouver, B.C., Monday afternoon. In the hourlong discussion, Obama’s remarks were wide ranging, particularly focusing on leadership, climate change, and developing technology.
The 44th president addressed roughly 3,500 people, mostly members of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. There were no audio or video recordings allowed.
While not referring to the President Donald Trump directly, Obama said he believes in facts and stressed climate change is real. He says we have a 20-year window to move in a smarter direction.
Post-presidency, Obama says he’s spent a lot of time studying Silicon Valley. Artificial intelligence is developing fast, he said, and the world is not prepared for the economic disturbance. He also says Canada is ahead of the game because of its social welfare state.
Obama also is hopeful that Americans will one day have health care like the universal coverage Canadians take for granted.
Reflecting back on his presidency, Obama recalled the moment when Sarah Palin became John McCain’s running mate. He says it’s when mainstream Republicans lost control of their party.
Vancouver will see more high-profile American visitors in the coming weeks, including Michelle Obama and both Bill and Hillary Clinton.
