At a rally in Detroit on Tuesday, Eminem officially endorsed Kamala Harris for president, declaring his support in front of an energized crowd.
The rapper, known for his sharp critiques of former President Donald Trump, also introduced former President Barack Obama on stage at the event. As Obama took the microphone, he lightheartedly quoted the lyrics to Eminem’s famous track “Lose Yourself,” much to the delight of the audience.
“I’ve done a lot of rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous,” Obama said, playfully adding, “But I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem.” He then recited a variation of the iconic lines from the 2002 hit, saying, “Now I notice my palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. Vomit on my sweater already, mom’s spaghetti. I’m nervous, but on the surface, I look calm and ready.” The crowd roared as Obama playfully channeled the song’s intensity.
Obama raps Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ at Kamala Harris’ rally in Detroit.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 23, 2024
pic.twitter.com/kwVVyNBQzK
The former president also joked that he thought that The Real Slim Shady rapper would be performing instead of him and that he would just be a guest star, adding: “Love me some Eminem.”
Obama is an avid music aficionado who shares his favourite songs twice a year in official posts on his social media. Summer 2024’s selections included songs by contemporary pop names such as Beyoncé, Tyla and Rema alongside older tracks by Nick Drake, the Supremes and cosmic jazz musician Pharoah Sanders.ts, expressed his admiration for Eminem, telling the crowd, “Love me some Eminem.”
Although
the moment was full of levity, the focus of the event was on the 2024 election, with Obama campaigning on behalf of Harris as the race against Donald Trump intensifies. O
When Eminem returned to the podium, he firmly expressed his political stance, stating his decision to vote for Harris. He emphasized the importance of free speech, saying, “I also think that people shouldn’t be afraid to express their opinions, and I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution for speaking their minds.” He added, “I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld.”
Eminem himself, who told the crowd in his home city: “It’s important to use your voice, I’m encouraging everyone to get out and vote, please … I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution of what people will do if you make your opinion known. I think vice-president Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld.”
.@Eminem: I don't think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution of what people will do if you make your opinion known. I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld pic.twitter.com/tVVHO00ANn
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 23, 2024