(Rightallegiance.com) – Detroit rapper Eminem made headlines this Tuesday as he waded into the political sphere at a rally in his hometown, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Eminem’s remarks were a lead-up to an electrifying appearance by former President Barack Obama.
Addressing the rally attendees, Eminem emphasized the importance of Michigan in the upcoming election. “As most of you know, the city of Detroit and the whole state of Michigan mean a lot to me. And going into this election, the spotlight is on us more than ever,” the rapper declared. He urged voters to make their voices heard, stressing the need for active participation. “And I think it’s important to use your voice. So I’m encouraging everybody to get out and vote,” Eminem said, highlighting his desire for a high voter turnout in his home state.
A vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, Eminem took the opportunity to reaffirm his support for the Harris campaign, stating that people should not be afraid of standing up for their beliefs. He described Harris as a leader who is committed to ensuring freedom for all. “She supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld,” he added.
Eminem then introduced Obama, who made his way to the stage as Eminem’s hit “Lose Yourself” filled the air, energizing the crowd. Taking to the microphone, Obama lightheartedly referenced the iconic song, joking, “I noticed my palms are sweaty,” before delighting the audience by rapping several lines from it.
The event took place just days before early voting was set to start across Michigan, with the Democratic Party aiming to boost voter enthusiasm in Detroit—a key stronghold for the party. Among the notable appearances at the rally was Calvin Johnson, former wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and NFL Hall of Famer, adding another layer of star power to the event.
Detroit’s voter turnout will be crucial for Democrats in the upcoming election, as Michigan remains a vital swing state that could influence the outcome of both the presidential race and control of the U.S. Senate. Appearing alongside Obama was Democratic candidate Elissa Slotkin, who is competing against Republican Mike Rogers for an open Senate seat. Slotkin and other Democratic leaders highlighted the significance of mobilizing Detroit’s voters in what promises to be a close race.
Obama’s speech touched on a variety of topics, most notably taking aim at Donald Trump’s recent conduct on the campaign trail. Referring to Trump’s unusual performance during a recent town hall—where Trump swayed and sang along to different songs for around 40 minutes instead of fielding questions—Obama raised doubts about Trump’s fitness for office. “If your grandpa was acting like this, you’d be worried,” Obama quipped, adding, “This is somebody who wants unchecked power. We do not need to see what an older, loonier Donald Trump looks like with no guardrails. America’s ready to turn the page.”
The event came shortly after Trump held his own rally in Detroit, appearing alongside rapper Trick Trick, known for collaborating with Eminem on the track “Welcome 2 Detroit.” The former president’s attempts to appeal to Detroit voters were a clear indication of how pivotal Michigan will be in the election.
At Tuesday’s rally, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also took the stage ahead of Eminem and Obama. Whitmer responded to Trump’s recent remarks about Detroit, where he had described it as a “developing” city. “The whole country will be like—you want to know the truth? It’ll be like Detroit,” Trump had said during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, implying that under Harris, the country would share the same fate he envisioned for the city.
Whitmer was quick to push back. “I know you all saw what he said about this beautiful city. He called Detroit a failure and a mess, proving he ain’t firing on all cylinders,” she remarked, drawing cheers from the crowd. “He doesn’t have a clue what the hell he was talking about. And you know what I think? He ought to keep Detroit out of his mouth.”