DETROIT (AP) — On Tuesday, renowned Detroit rapper Eminem took the stage at a rally in his hometown, showing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris as she campaigns for the presidency. Eminem’s appearance included a warm introduction for former President Barack Obama, adding a notable star power to the event.
Eminem expressed his deep connection to Detroit and Michigan, stating, “This city and the whole state mean a lot to me. As we approach this election, our voices need to be heard more than ever.” He urged attendees to take action: “So I’m encouraging everybody to get out and vote.” Eminem has been particularly vocal in his criticism of former President Donald Trump and emphasized the importance of protecting freedoms that Harris stands for.
As the rally progressed, Eminem introduced Obama, who made a memorable entrance with the iconic beat of “Lose Yourself” playing in the background. In a light-hearted moment, Obama referenced one of Eminem’s famous lines, joking about having “sweaty palms” before he rapped a few verses from the track.
This rally comes at a crucial time, just days before early voting begins across Michigan. The event aimed to energize voters, featuring appearances not only from Eminem and Obama but also from former NFL star Calvin Johnson. Democrats hope that this star-studded gathering will ignite enthusiasm among potential voters in the area.
Voter participation in Detroit, a historic Democratic stronghold, will be vital for determining the outcome of the election in November. Michigan stands as one of the key swing states that could influence both the presidential race and the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat running against Republican Mike Rogers for an open Senate seat, joined Obama on stage at the rally.
During his speech, Obama did not hold back in criticizing Trump, declaring him unfit for office. He pointed to several recent incidents, including a questionable town hall meeting where Trump opted to perform an impromptu concert for 40 minutes instead of addressing voter concerns. “If your grandpa was acting like this, you’d be worried,” Obama said, adding, “This is someone who desires unchecked power. America is ready to turn the page.”
In response to Trump’s remarks during a recent visit to Detroit—where he described the city as “developing”—Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer fired back. “He called Detroit a failure and a mess, proving he’s out of touch,” she said. “He clearly doesn’t understand what he’s talking about, and I think he should leave Detroit out of his rhetoric.”
Last week, Trump made his own foray into Detroit, rallying alongside local rapper Trick Trick, who has previously worked with Eminem. The contrast between Trump’s message and those of Obama and Eminem highlighted the stark differences in their visions for the state and the nation.
