Pop star Usher to appear at Obama rally
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) - Few people can say they've graced more magazine covers than Barack Obama - but Usher is certainly one of them. Now they'll share the same photo-op.
CNN has learned that the R&B superstar and heart-throb will appear on the same stage with Obama at a rally in Orangeburg on Tuesday evening.
An Obama spokesman said Usher won't perform at the event, but will speak about why he is supporting the Illinois senator.
It's not the first time the singer has stumped for Obama. Usher first appeared at a rally for the senator in Atlanta back in September of last year.
"I stand here representing our youth," he said at the time, reading from index cards. "If you want change you have to get involved."
In light of the Obama campaign's efforts to court young African-American voters here, the event's location at South Carolina State University is not insignificant: it's the state's largest and oldest historically black university.
Actress Kerry Washington, who starred in films like "Ray" and "The Last King of Scotland," will also be at the event.
- CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby
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LOL!!! You Dems are funny, I'm loving this. I'm an independent and I support Obama!!! You know going into this election I was thinking the Republican party is over, people are pissed. The Dem's would have to do something totaly stupid to lose this election, and sure enough a good portion of you want do exactly that. You want to elect the one person (Hillary) that can lose it for you.
I don't know how else to say this, there is a very large group of people that will support Obama or Edwards, but they will not vote for Hillary. And that number is getting bigger with the Clinton attacks, dirty politics and lies they are playing. I personally don't think you Dem's alone can win this, the two party faithfuls will cancel each other out, but with Independents willing to vote Dem, you can win. But it's your choice, Roll your dice LOL!!!!
THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT ?
Bill Clinton was NOT the first Black President. It is an insult to African Americans that a white man would let himself be portrayed as such. Even George Bush has elevated more African Americans to important higher-ranking administration positions than Bill Clinton ever did.
Clinton is disgraceful. On this, the week that we celebrate MLK, we should send a message that this will not be tolerated.
Its about time you big stars start helping your own. As a 79yr old white male I've seen some poop in this country and I think OBAMA will rattle a lot of cages and thats what the STATUS QUO are all afraid of. OBAMA 08.
Give the younger generation a chance. TIRED OF THE SAME OLD SAME OLD POOP.
The deciding factor in 2008 election is latino/hispanic vote.
If Obama wins the nomination that will go to Mccain.
No Usher or rusher can change it.
Obama please step aside without spoiling it for democrats.
MR. Obama is a good man; but not yeat ready to lead this nation. Hilary is ready,
Usher will not make a difference, Obama is courting voters in the celebrity status,
What has Usher done for the poverty people in South Carolina except take their last penny to buy records to make him rich, Obama should be courting voters in the Poverty status and making anouncements about them. Obama and his wife want to be rich and included in the elite. An empty suit with no substance, both he and his wife is running around delivering speeches someone else has written. Hillary for Poor People, Go Hillary ALL THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Good for him. Usher is a good kid from humble family and has never gotten introuble with the law. I have seen him here in boston pitching for politicians and he always appeal to people. I would love him showing his support.
THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT ??
Bill Clinton was NOT the first Black President. It is an insult to African Americans that a white man would let himself be portrayed as such. Even George Bush has elevated more African Americans to important higher-ranking administration positions than Bill Clinton ever did.
Clinton is disgraceful. On this, the week that we celebrate MLK, we should send a message that this will not be tolerated.
You're absolutely right Jeff, Rathdrum ID
I am for Obama!
like usher has time to support obama. He is probably more inlove with his gangsta wife. Then Obama
Usher seems to be one of the few modern pop/rap musicians who stay out of the gang and drug culture. Good on him!
If John McCain is the Republican nominee, which looks likely.. how is Hillary going to beat him? Her entire campaign is based on her alleged experience totaling "35" years. Is that going to stand up against John McCain? Is her argument for mandated healthcare going to resonate with most Americans? Are her negatives dropping? Are his rising? Is she going to be able to bring the Democratic party back together to stand up to McCain? Is she NOT going to rally every Republican together against her? Are independents actually going to stop liking McCain?
the speech at amrtin luther kings church today was historic... beautiful
another celeb that endorses because of race. yay!!
Is this a bid for Obama to prove he's black enough?
Hillary will LOSE the general election.
Democrat folks if you want a President, pick Obama or it's over.
SC do what's right.
Oh here is a surprise
Hillary is a strong leader, committed to this country, committed to her marriage for better or worse. It takes a lot of strength to make it through the rough spots of life. Too many people throw in the towel and quit. She has shown me strengh and character. I think Obama is a fine young man. I think he has a lot to learn. If he could have answered last on his weaknesses, in his own words, "I would have known how to play the game." We can not wait for someone to figure out, there isn't a pea under any of the three walnut shells. We need someone who can hit the ground running, knows how to play dodge ball, knows it isn't going to be a cake walk, knows it will be an uphill battle and has the intestinal fortitude to get it done. That is Hillary Clinton!
Jeff,
I agree with you 100%. I am African American and I have always supported Bill and Hillary but not anymore. After the last few weeks seeing the dirty politics I do not see how I could possibly vote for her if she is the candidate. Get ready folks they are really going to be slinging mud this week now that Obama has a 10 point lead there. On another note, who is running for pres. Hill or Bill. He is getting more press than she is someone needs to call him on this. He cannot run again.
lol
That's interesting news, CNN, but why haven't you mentioned that Hillary received a very public endorsement today from Pastor Butts of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. I wonder whether CNN will headline this story, or bury it along with the rest of the postive news about Sen. Clinton. Come on, CNN, report news about the candidates equitably.
Why is it everytime someone black supports Obama dumb people complain its about race but when someone white or a woman supports Hillary race or gender is never mentioned?
The world knows why Hillary has 99.9% of the support she's getting and its because of Bill. If her last name was Duff and not Clinton she would be polling lower than Mike Gravel.
America is being duped again. 4 or 8 more years of nothing getting done!!
Yes, I watched the speech. Part of it was beautiful, part of it was the same old Obama digs. He couldn't even knock it off for one day. He's a little tiresome.
fernando, what is it about blacks that hispanics hate so much? why cant hispanics see that Obama is more likely to help their cause than HRC. what kind of prejudice is this, minority against another minority?
I was there at the rally in Atlanta and heard Usher speak. He was actually a good speaker! And of course, Obama was an INCREDIBLE speaker as always. This is a great strategy because more and more of the younger demographic is supporting Obama more than Clinton. Usher's support will draw the support of the younger voters who did not previously pay attention.
To Vincent from Tamaqua, PA:
Just because they are the same race does not mean that is Usher's (or Oprah's) reason for supporting him! I am a white female and I would hate to have Hillary represent the Democrats.
Also, it could go either way since Barack Obama IS half white too.