Former US President Barack Obama performed Eminem’s renowned track “Lose Yourself” for a Detroit audience at a campaign event supporting Kamala Harris.
He was preceded by Eminem himself, who addressed his hometown crowd, saying, “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 the retribution of others 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,” he added.
Initiating his speech, Obama shared, “I gotta say, I have done a lot of rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous, but I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem.”
He then sang the initial verses of “Lose Yourself,” noting, “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 to drop bombs, but I keep on forgetting …”
He humorously confessed his assumption that Eminem would perform while he’d play a supporting role, mentioning, “I really enjoy Eminem’s music.”
Obama, known for his love of music, often shares his favorite tunes, with the Summer 2024 playlist featuring artists like Beyoncé, Tyla, and Rema, along with classics from Nick Drake and the Supremes, and cosmic jazz by Pharoah Sanders.
Obama went on to criticize Donald Trump, recalling his refusal to accept the 2020 election results.
“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.’”
“Poll workers inside were intimidated … all because Donald Trump couldn’t accept losing … there is absolutely no evidence that this man thinks about anybody but himself.”
Obama questioned Trump’s psychological suitability for the presidency, stating, “You’d be worried if Grandpa was acting like this. But this is coming from someone who wants unchecked power.”
He also highlighted a recent stunt by Trump, who was seen working at a McDonald’s that was not open to the public.
In contrast, he noted, “Harris worked at McDonald’s while in college to pay her expenses. She did not pretend to work at McDonald’s when it was closed.”
Tim Walz, also at the rally, criticized the stunt as “cosplaying… Fake orders for fake customers” and denounced Trump’s threats against dissenters, declaring, “He talks of deploying the military against those who oppose him, even calling out names.”