At a campaign rally for Kamala Harris in Detroit, former President Barack Obama captivated the crowd by rapping the iconic opening lines of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” The rally kicked off with a powerful introduction from Eminem himself, who emphasized the importance of using one’s voice and urged everyone to get out and vote. “I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution for expressing their opinions,” he stated. He expressed confidence that Vice President Harris envisions a future where freedoms are protected.
Following Eminem’s remarks, Obama humorously acknowledged his nerves before performing. “I’ve done a lot of rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous, but I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem,” he quipped before launching into the rapped lyrics, highlighting the relatable feeling of anxiety.
Obama, a known music enthusiast who shares his favorite songs on social media, previously curated a playlist featuring contemporary artists like Beyoncé alongside classics from legends like Nick Drake and the Supremes. However, his speech quickly turned to a critique of Donald Trump. He reflected on the aftermath of the 2020 election, recounting how Trump fueled doubt about the electoral process, which led to chaotic protests. “Because Donald Trump was willing to spread lies about voter fraud in Michigan, protesters came down, banged on the windows, shouting, ‘Let us in. Stop the count.’” He painted a troubling picture of Trump’s indifference to the truth, asserting, “There is absolutely no evidence that this man thinks about anybody but himself.”
Obama raised concerns about Trump’s mental fitness for the presidency, saying, “You’d be worried if Grandpa was acting like this. But this is coming from someone who wants unchecked power.” He also brought attention to Trump’s recent publicity stunt at a McDonald’s, contrasting it with Harris’s genuine experience working there during her college years. “She did not pretend to work at McDonald’s when it was closed,” he noted.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also spoke at the rally, dismissing Trump’s actions as “cosplaying… Fake orders for fake customers.” He echoed the rally’s themes by addressing the dangers of Trump’s rhetoric, which he claimed included threats of military action against his opponents. “He’s naming names,” Walz warned, underscoring the troubling implications for freedom of speech.
