Lizzo hits campaign trail for Harris, makes headlines at Detroit rally
Electoral momentum appears to have been moving in Donald Trump's direction in recent weeks, and the Kamala Harris campaign is beginning to resort to drastic measures to generate enthusiasm and support.
As evidence of the emergency now facing Harris' bid for the White House, her campaign recruited controversial singer Lizzo to appear at a weekend rally in Detroit, as the Associated Press reports.
Lizzo touts Motown
Stumping for the Democratic Party's presidential nominee on Saturday, Lizzo was effusive in her praise of her hometown of Detroit.
“All the best things were made in Detroit, Coney Dogs, Faygo, and Lizzo,” she said, underscoring some of the food and drinks that originated in the city.
The singer also pointed to Detroit's legendary history in the automotive and music industries and suggested that it was time to “put some respect on Detroit's name.”
Turning to the election, Lizzo informed the audience that her vote for Harris had already been banked and told attendees that early voting was akin to a “power move” that they could also exercise.
Gaffe gets attention
Though Lizzo's pride in Detroit was unmistakable and, to many, more than justified, she did make one remark that drew the attention -- and mockery -- of commentators and netizens alike, as the New York Post explained.
Amid her stump speech on behalf of the VP, Lizzo mused that if Harris wins in November, “I mean, the whole country is going to be like – you want to know the truth – it'll be like Detroit. Our whole country will end up being like Detroit.”
Adding a bit of context to her declaration, which was intended as a play on seemingly negative remarks Trump recently made about the city, Lizzo went on, “Proud like Detroit. Resilient like Detroit.”
However, the comment was swiftly seized upon by those who slammed the singer's suggestion, with one online account opining, “Regardless of Lizzo's strenuous efforts to spin it, all that will be ringing in people's subconscious is: 'Kamala will turn America into impoverished, run down, and unsafe Detroit.”
Another observed, “If Kamala is elected the whole country will look like Detroit. A decimated car industry. A top ten city in crime statistics.”
Though Lizzo's vow may have been well-intentioned, it was another in a series of unforced errors to plague what appears to be the flagging Harris campaign.