Barack Obama performed Eminem’s iconic hit Lose Yourself to a crowd in Detroit during a campaign rally for Kamala Harris.
He was introduced by Eminem himself, who urged the crowd in his hometown: “It’s crucial to use your voice. I urge everyone to go out and vote, please… I don’t think anyone wants a America where people fear retribution for expressing their opinions. I believe Vice President Harris stands for a future where these freedoms and more will be protected and upheld.”
Obama started his speech by admitting: “I have done many rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous, but following Eminem, I was feeling some type of way,” before launching into the opening lines of Lose Yourself: “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 playfully remarked that he thought Eminem would be the main performer and he would be the guest star, adding: “Love me some Eminem.”
The former president is a known music enthusiast, sharing his favorite songs twice a year on his official social media. His summer 2024 selections featured tracks by contemporary pop artists like Beyoncé, Tyla, and Rema, as well as older classics by Nick Drake, the Supremes, and cosmic jazz artist Pharoah Sanders.
Obama went on to criticize Donald Trump in his speech, recalling how Trump cast doubt on the 2020 election results. “Because Donald Trump spread lies about voter fraud in Michigan, protesters descended, banging on windows, shouting, ‘Let us in. Stop the count.’ Poll workers inside were intimidated… all because Donald Trump couldn’t accept defeat… there is absolutely no evidence that this man thinks about anyone but himself.”
He questioned Trump’s mental fitness for the presidency, stating: “If Grandpa was behaving like this, you’d be concerned. But this is coming from someone who craves unchecked power.”
He also referenced Trump’s recent stunt where he worked in a closed McDonald’s kitchen and drive-thru. Obama pointed out that Harris had worked at McDonald’s during college to cover her expenses, but she never pretended to work at a closed McDonald’s.
Tim Walz, another speaker at the rally, condemned the stunt as “cosplaying… Fake orders for fake customers.” He also defended freedom of speech, noting that Trump was “talking about deploying the military against those who don’t support him. He’s calling out names.”