Harris and Lizzo Promote Early Voting and Slam Trump in Detroit \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Vice President Kamala Harris and Grammy-winning artist Lizzo rallied voters in Detroit to kick off in-person voting for the November election. The duo praised Detroit’s legacy and urged voters to turn out in record numbers, countering recent criticisms of the city by former President Donald Trump. Harris and Lizzo highlighted the importance of Michigan as a key swing state and stressed the power of early voting. Their message targeted voters with a mix of humor, inspiration, and pointed critiques of the opposition.
Kamala Harris and Lizzo Detroit Rally: Quick Looks
- Detroit pride: Harris and Lizzo defended Detroit’s contributions to industry and music after Trump’s criticism.
- Early voting push: The pair emphasized the importance of early voting in Michigan, a crucial swing state.
- Criticism of Trump: Harris labeled Trump unstable, while Lizzo joked about Harris being America’s first woman president.
- Michigan’s role: With the state a key battleground, the rally emphasized that “every vote counts.”
- Star power continues: Harris will later join Usher for a rally in Georgia, another pivotal state.
Deep Look
Lizzo, known for her outspoken advocacy and upbeat performances, wasted no time building rapport with the crowd. Kicking off with humor, she playfully referenced some of Detroit’s famous creations: “All the best things were made in Detroit. Coney Dogs, Faygo, and Lizzo,” she joked, pointing to herself after listing the local icons. But her tone quickly shifted to a more serious message as she called for respect for the city, noting that Detroit has been central to shaping both the auto and music industries.
“It’s time to put some respect on Detroit’s name,” Lizzo declared, receiving loud cheers from the crowd. She then revealed that she had already cast her ballot for Harris, calling early voting “a power move.” Lizzo’s presence at the rally injected both excitement and a sense of urgency into the event, with the singer using her platform to push home the importance of every vote in the critical battleground state.
Harris Takes the Stage, Criticizes Trump, and Praises Detroit’s Legacy
After Lizzo’s remarks, Vice President Harris took the stage to a warm reception, with arms wide open as she revealed the “Detroit vs. Everybody” T-shirt she wore under her blazer. The shirt, a local favorite, was a gift from a Detroit business during a recent visit. With no teleprompter and a handheld microphone, Harris moved around the stage as she delivered her speech, making an energetic appeal to Detroit voters.
Harris did not shy away from addressing recent comments by Donald Trump, who had insulted Detroit during a campaign rally. In response, Harris was full of praise for the city and its people, highlighting its resilience, history, and importance to American culture. “Like the people of Detroit, we have grit, we have excellence, we have history,” she said, emphasizing that Detroit’s contributions to the nation should not be undermined.
Harris then turned her focus to the importance of voting, urging Michigan residents to set records for early turnout. “Who is the capital of producing records?” she asked the crowd, referencing the city’s legendary music industry. “We are going to break some records here in Detroit today,” she added, challenging voters to exceed expectations in the crucial swing state.
As part of her broader message, Harris sharply criticized Donald Trump’s recent campaign rhetoric and leadership, calling him unstable. “Somebody just needs to watch his rallies if you’re not really sure how to vote,” Harris quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. She emphasized that voters had only a limited time to act, urging them to seize the remaining days before Election Day. “We’re not going to get these 17 days back. On Election Day, we don’t want to have any regrets,” she said, encouraging early voting to ensure that every voice is heard.
Lizzo’s Call for Change and Harris’s Future
Lizzo, whose music often carries messages of empowerment and self-confidence, continued the rally’s momentum by voicing her hope for Harris to make history. “Mrs. Commander-in-Chief has a nice ring to it,” she said with a smile, hinting at Harris’s potential to become the first woman president of the United States. This comment drew loud cheers from the crowd, with many in attendance excited about the possibility of a historic first for the nation.
As Michigan continues to emerge as a pivotal battleground, Lizzo reminded the audience of the state’s critical role in determining the election’s outcome. “This is the swing state of all swing states, so every last vote here counts,” she said. Tying her message to her popular song “It’s About Damn Time,” Lizzo declared, “If you ask me if America is ready for its first woman president, I only have one thing to say: ‘It’s about damn time!’” The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, underscoring the rally’s positive energy and message of change.
Republican Response and Political Backlash
The event was not without pushback from the Republican Party. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley responded to the rally by accusing Harris of relying on Lizzo’s star power to distract from what he described as Michigan’s success under Trump’s presidency. In a statement, Whatley claimed that “Harris needed Lizzo to hide the fact that Michiganders were feeling good under President Trump—real wages were higher, prices were lower, and everyone was better off.”
This statement reflects the broader battle for Michigan, a state that helped Donald Trump win the presidency in 2016 but swung back to Democrats in 2020. Both parties are fighting hard for Michigan voters, with Democrats relying on high-profile appearances like Harris’s to energize their base and maximize turnout.
Voter Reactions at the Rally
For many attendees, the rally provided a sense of optimism and determination. Talona Johnson, a product manager from Rochester, Michigan, praised Harris’s efforts to inform and inspire voters. “I believe she’s telling the truth. She’s trying to help the people,” Johnson said, explaining that she planned to vote for Harris, especially due to her support for women’s rights. “I don’t necessarily agree with everything that she’s put out, but she’s better than the alternative,” Johnson added, reflecting the sentiments of many voters who see Harris as the best option to lead the nation.
Harris on Middle East Policy and Its Impact on Michigan
Before the rally, Harris spoke with reporters about the Biden administration’s strong support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Given Michigan’s large Arab-American population, particularly in Dearborn, there are concerns that this stance could affect Harris’s support in the state. Dearborn, which is near Detroit, is the largest Arab-majority city in the U.S.
When asked if this issue might hurt her standing with Michigan voters, Harris acknowledged the complexity of Middle East policy, stating, “It has never been easy. But that doesn’t mean we give up.” Her comments were a reminder of the delicate balance required when addressing global conflicts while campaigning at home.
Star Power Continues: Usher Joins Harris in Atlanta
Roderick Williams, a 56-year-old father who attended Harris’s Atlanta rally, brought his three daughters with him in the hopes that they would witness history in the making. His youngest daughter was born around the time Barack Obama entered office, and now, Williams hopes they will see Kamala Harris make history as the first Black woman president. “It’s important for them to see that anything’s possible,” Williams said, reflecting the optimism many voters felt about Harris’s future.
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