Rapper Eminem and Obama rally voters for Kamala Harris in Detroit
Detroit — On the evening of October 22, 2024, former President Barack Obama made a compelling appearance at a rally in Detroit, Michigan, urging voters to back Democrat Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. The energy was high at Huntington Place as Obama took the stage, but not before hometown rapper Eminem riled up the crowd with a passionate introduction.
Eminem, a symbol of Detroit’s grit and resilience, stood in front of thousands of cheering attendees, donning a khaki Olde English “D” hat, which has long been associated with the Motor City. His message to the crowd was simple but direct: “Use your voice. Get out and vote.” His words were greeted with thunderous applause, setting the tone for what would be a dynamic evening of political speeches.
Once introduced, Obama didn’t waste time emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election. He urged Detroiters to cast their votes early, reminding them of how tight the race was expected to be. “Together, Detroit, we have the chance to select a new generation of leadership in America,” Obama said. His voice carried a sense of urgency as he spoke to a crowd already engaged in Michigan’s early voting process. Data from the city showed that, as of Tuesday, 59,474 absentee ballots had already been returned, with another 4,004 votes cast at early voting centers since they opened the previous Saturday.
This rally marked an important moment in Michigan’s history as the state is implementing a new law allowing for early, in-person voting—a change Obama welcomed as he rallied support for Harris and Democratic Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin. With a fierce contest underway, both sides were heavily campaigning in the state, and Obama’s presence aimed to galvanize Democrats to take full advantage of the expanded voting options.
The former president touched on issues that matter deeply to Detroit voters. He acknowledged that some were drawn to former President Donald Trump because they believed he was “tough.” However, Obama countered that true strength lies not in bluster but in showing up, working hard, and taking responsibility. His message resonated with the Detroit crowd, which is known for its resilience and pride.
Obama didn’t shy away from criticizing Trump, particularly for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the appointment of three conservative justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leading to abortion bans in over 20 states. “If we believe in freedom, such a deeply personal decision should be made by the woman whose body is involved and not by a politician,” Obama declared, his words evoking cheers from supporters.
The former president also compared the U.S. response to COVID-19 to that of Canada, noting that Canada’s death toll was significantly lower, which he attributed to better leadership. “Some of those people might be alive if we had a competent president,” he said, reflecting on the magnitude of lives lost under Trump’s administration.
Thousands of attendees packed Huntington Place for the rally, and the mood was electric. People dressed in pink, supporting women’s rights, while others sported Obama or Harris T-shirts. The crowd cheered as Obama made a case for a brighter future under Kamala Harris, describing her as a fighter for the people. “The good news is Kamala Harris is ready for the job,” Obama said. “This is somebody who believes in the values of this country.”
Among the crowd was 51-year-old Heather McBride from Wyandotte, who said she felt the event was “history in the making.” McBride, like many in attendance, came to not only hear Obama speak but to celebrate Kamala Harris as a candidate, especially in a political climate where conversations about politics are often tense and divisive.
Throughout the evening, a diverse lineup of speakers took to the stage to fire up the crowd. Detroit Lions’ legendary wide receiver Calvin Johnson Jr. also made an appearance, speaking on behalf of “athletes for Harris.” His words were met with approval as he described Detroiters as resilient, passionate, and ready to get the job done.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a rising star in the Democratic Party, also addressed the crowd. She highlighted the role Michigan could play in helping Harris win the White House and responded to recent comments Trump made about Detroit. “He ought to keep Detroit out of his mouth,” Whitmer quipped, to the delight of the audience.
Earlier that day, however, not everyone in Detroit was enthusiastic about Obama’s visit. Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who had his sentence commuted by Trump in 2021, criticized Obama for what he called a message that no longer resonates with the Black community. Speaking during a Trump campaign call, Kilpatrick stated, “Obama is pitching politics, but he’s not the father of the Black community.”
Despite the mixed reception from some, the rally marked a critical moment in Harris’s campaign as Obama and his star-studded allies appealed to voters to get out and vote early. As Obama said, “Your vote is going to matter.” With just days to go until the election, Michigan remains a key battleground, and events like this could prove crucial in determining the outcome of one of the most hotly contested presidential races in recent history.
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