Detroit rapper Eminem made a notable appearance at a political rally in his hometown on Tuesday, where he spoke briefly in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign before introducing former President Barack Obama to the audience.
Eminem expressed his deep connection to Detroit and Michigan, stating, “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.” He urged attendees to participate in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of raising their voices and voting. He praised Harris for her commitment to protecting freedoms in the country.
Following his remarks, Eminem welcomed Obama to the stage, who made a light-hearted reference to Eminem’s hit “Lose Yourself” by joking about having sweaty palms. Obama showed his playful side by rapping a few lines from the song, energizing the crowd.
The rally featured other notable figures, including former NFL star Calvin Johnson. With early voting set to start soon, Democrats aim to harness the star power of the event to boost voter enthusiasm. Voter turnout in Detroit, a historic Democratic stronghold, will be critical for the upcoming elections, particularly with Michigan being a pivotal state for both the presidency and the Senate.
During his speech, Obama criticized Donald Trump, highlighting his recent behavior and calling him unfit for leadership. “If your grandpa was acting like this, you’d be worried,” Obama remarked, referring to Trump’s unusual town hall performance where he avoided answering questions.
Trump had previously held a rally in Detroit with rapper Trick Trick, where he made disparaging comments about the city. In response, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer defended Detroit, asserting that Trump’s remarks demonstrated ignorance. “He called Detroit a failure and a mess, proving he ain’t firing on all cylinders,” Whitmer stated. “He doesn’t have a clue what the hell he was talking about.”