January 20th, 2008
02:10 PM ET
15 years ago

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

soundoff (318 Responses)
  1. karl from congo

    when clinton cried the whites voted for her in newhamphire to give her a push black people put the noneses way and let give obama a lift and see what would happen and to all clintons supporters with that racial torne in your writings from drug use, religion, race america would contuine to be the same so far am concern most african countries have issue with the state about race and politics in america and i believe we shall over come

    obama 'o8

    January 20, 2008 11:21 pm at 11:21 pm |
  2. Frank, MO

    Jeff, Gwen

    I agree with you guys ... It's nearly impossible for the Democrats not to win the White House in November 2008 – However, with Hillary or Bill ... Billary there will be sounding defeat. The Democrats would have trouble reaching 40% if they'd run just against a Republican. With Bloomberg in the mix their support would weather away under 30%.
    I would not like to see the Republicans again in the White House – but if the Dems have to shoot themselves in their own feet by selecting Billary, then the Republicans (or better Bloomberg) deserve the White House.

    Frank

    January 20, 2008 11:22 pm at 11:22 pm |
  3. oliver

    Jeff—the first comment up top is right on. I'm an independent and totally agree. enough said.

    January 20, 2008 11:23 pm at 11:23 pm |
  4. Truethis

    CONCERN SOLIDER IN IRAQ.....DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU COMING HOME WITH HILLARY CLINTON AS PRESIDENT? She has flip/floped so many time about bringing you guys homes that I don't believe her anymore. She even said it herself in NH that she's going to bring the solider in Iraq home at resonable time and when Chris Matthew asked her what she meant by "resonable" she got mad and avoid the questions, so do your homework before posting.

    I want you guys to come home because you have families that loves you and this country loves you for putting your life on the line for us but you need to do your research not by race but who can really stop this war that was based on a lie that Hillary Clinton stood up and commented on before signing for this war. I love what you're doing for this country, no disrespect but stop and think please.......

    January 20, 2008 11:25 pm at 11:25 pm |
  5. Casey

    Usher? You have to be kiddin me? Is that news worthy? Usher, Will Smith, Oprah, Luke Skywalker and the 2Live Crew, Queen Latifah, and Flava Flav- it just doesn't matter. These- maybe with the exception of Oprah- aren't anybody's role model even if they are liked as entertainers. To present them as a figure head that black people view as a leader is insulting to the rest of us black people who really do think!

    Clinton 08!

    January 20, 2008 11:26 pm at 11:26 pm |
  6. Kim, Dallas, TX

    Thank you Diane, you have renewed my faith in people. When I read these blogs I am astounded by how much the media really makes the decision for people. So many people are so easily mislead, they don't take the time to know what's really going on. It's so disheartening to see this happening at such a crucial time in our country's history. We need a true leader, and Obama possesses all of the characteristics needed. He has so much more integrity and honesty than Hillary. After the past several years, I sincerely hope we have someone that really cares about the well being of our country, not someone just trying to be self serving. Your post brings hope to me. After reading posts like the ones from the 1971 guy amongst others, I get frustrated thinking that the votes are left in the hands of those who really have no clue about what's going on in our country.

    January 20, 2008 11:32 pm at 11:32 pm |
  7. tina

    Excuse me johns-

    Which of the two candidates praised a republican?

    Here we are, one day after Obama's lost in Nevada and he has already started his attack on the Clinton campaign. "I'm feel like I'm running against both Clintons" is the new headline. His campaign is now using CNN headlines to use against the Clintons. I just about fell on the floor when I read it.

    January 20, 2008 11:33 pm at 11:33 pm |
  8. My 2 Cents

    Sen OBAMA is the face of a changing America. This is the first time in almost 20 years I am actually excited to cast my vote for someone who I personally and professionally cares about the real people. I am so sick and tired of these family corporations running the country. I am not impressed with Hillary because of as she likes to throw up in your face years of experience. Don't forget Sen Obama has been out there in the state of Illinois working for YEARS! He has not lost touch with the real folk out here. I see Hillary as orchestrating her entire adult life to get her backside into the White House. That is why she took herself to NY to line up her run for the White HOuse. How sad Bill and Hillary cannot ride off into the sunset and get a life. I think they have been living on the American Tax Payor so long they don't know how to get a life and move on. It is over., Heaven forbid if the ice princes is elected she will be SO VERY UNPOPULAR..I believe Hillary would make a deal with the Devil himself to get into the White House. She and Bill Clinton are yesterdays news.

    January 20, 2008 11:36 pm at 11:36 pm |
  9. Marie in Arlington Tx

    Wow...so many posts that Obama is playing the race card because of this endorsement...yet Hillary can parade any number of African Americans across a stage for her and it is just because they are "friends". Really????? Hillary gets a pastor from Harlem to support her and it makes headline news...but that's just because of her civit rights record right? Kind of think Obama might have his very own personal thoughts on civil rights not just pandering to the black vote.

    I never thought I would be so much in support of a Democratic nominee as I am Barack Obama. A white Independent that always voted Republican...go figure. Seems that I support Obama because I think he is right for America...not because of race. I hope South Carolina will let go of the tired "old" ways and support Obama for their state's nominee.

    IWe don't need a choice between just Clinton and McCain. That is no change at all. America needs a leader who is different from the "old" political ways and capable of making us one nation again.

    January 20, 2008 11:37 pm at 11:37 pm |
  10. it

    way to go usher. bob johnson was never involved in politics b4 but he endorsed hrc...how about that whoeva said this black celbrities are now getting involved b/c they are black. let me remind you something barack is as black as he is white.better yet he is american.what if blacks referred anyone who is mixed as not thier own.21 c and in america i cant believe it. barack has a better chance to beat mcain than hrc i bet you that.
    wait let see it could be because am young and tired of the old folks in the white house. wonder if it will be called the black house once obama wins......

    January 20, 2008 11:38 pm at 11:38 pm |
  11. kizzi

    How about Obama and Clinton running together since both of them are attracting big crowds.

    January 20, 2008 11:42 pm at 11:42 pm |
  12. Sunni

    I lost all respect for Hillary as an African American woman when I heard her give a speech at an immigration rally here in DC...she was so salivating over the hispanic vote she took undo Wrong liberty in comparing the breaking of the law by illegals....to the Civil Rights Movement of African Americans....I lost respect for her on that day with her ridiculous comments towards African Americans and her pandering to get votes even if they were coming fron an Illegal Alien. I would not vote for Hillary if it meant preforming a day of hard labor...lets make that a month of hard labor...I have no respect for her and her lousy analogy...Illegal Aliens are lawbreakers..... not to be compared to the struggles of African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement which will never be over for AA

    January 20, 2008 11:43 pm at 11:43 pm |
  13. Murry

    Thank you to User for supporting Obama. He's the one candidate that can unite us, not divide us. He's the real thing. You don't need to be black to support Obama. Look at Iowa. Obama speaks to all of us. Vote Obama '08

    January 20, 2008 11:44 pm at 11:44 pm |
  14. Richard Martin

    I am totally turned off by the Good Cop, Bad Cop, Clinton machine. As a Republican we do not need the same ole same ole in Washington. That means my parties candidates as well. I have never voted for a Democrat, but if Obama is the candidate well, that will change. He is the only fresh thinking person not tied to the establishment in the race.

    January 21, 2008 12:07 am at 12:07 am |
  15. blitz

    Republicans are enjoying how Democrats are fighting each others.Republican want to see Obama wins so they can take over the White house again, but not too fast because Hillary is winning the race. Please Mr. Obama stop using the celebrity, they are not helping solve the nation problems. All these celebrity wants you to watch their movies and buy the records. Where are these celebrity when the nation needs them? Exactly, like Britney, she can not even straighten her life. Give me a break.

    January 21, 2008 12:08 am at 12:08 am |
  16. soulonart

    I have read it over and over and have yet to hear someone defend this point. Why is it fine and completely acceptable for a white person to support another white person, or for women to openly and obviously support a women, merely because she is a women, and thats also fine and perfectly acceptable (and understandable). But let a black person support another black person and this is racist??? Please someone help me understand this notion.

    This is not racism, it is human nature. There is nothing wrong with the pride the African American community feels at this point in history. It is something many white Americans take for granted and will never understand.

    January 21, 2008 12:09 am at 12:09 am |
  17. Peter (NY)

    I feel that Obama is a populist candidate. He will use star power and talks about what people want to hear. Man. America, try to shreg his themes and whatever he says make sense!!!! You find nothing!! Things he talks about are contradictory! For instance, he says he will end the war and increase US standing in the world. I mean his plan is just to pull out the troops asap, which will pissed a lots of people off and makes US looks like an irresponsible nation with no bite! Tell me after that how are we going to influence other nation! He talks about change. What change! How would he do it? America is crippling and falling apart economically. We don't need another populist person who talks about what people want to hear but who will deliver the change!!! The question is can Obama do it! From his speeches and what he has been doing, I doubt so. He has all the bling bling but no bite at all.. So america think logcally, vote logically and don't be fooled by this political marketing and imaging gimmicks!!!

    January 21, 2008 12:13 am at 12:13 am |
  18. Peter (NY)

    One more thing, don't think along the racial line. We must nominate people who will make a good P who can solve the problems we are facing now. As I say, we are already crippling economically.. We don't want to see America becomes a crumpled nation economically in next 4 years because we have another P who can't solve problems.

    January 21, 2008 12:18 am at 12:18 am |
  19. Mrs. America

    Usher is a talented person. That won't help Obama, though. If anyone was going to do any good, it would have been Oprah. Stars will draw the crowd to an event but don't sway in the voting booth, as we've seen. No landslides for Obama so far. Usher won't change that. Obama has to make it on his own and start detailing rather than just giving good speeches.

    January 21, 2008 12:19 am at 12:19 am |
  20. Erick

    Obama has received the endorsement from the Governor of Arizona, the same one who signed into law the most widespread attack on hispanic immigrants in history and you wonder why hispanics are not for Obama. Please people, I know you want him to win but part of the whole process is to read up on candidates and make a wise decision, not simply looking at him and saying he's an african american and for that voting for him.

    I believe if you don't take it upon yourself to educate your mind then you shouldn't be allowed to vote.

    January 21, 2008 12:20 am at 12:20 am |
  21. caverl

    Im an independent voter – Mitt Romney seems the best prepared for running our country. He 's feisty and stands up for himself against attacks, but he's not rude or nasty about it. Mike Huckabee would also be a sane choice. Joe Biden was good, but that's over. Hillary would be good with foreign work and of all the Democrats would support the military the best, but she's for high taxes, so that's a big red flag against her. McCain seems a straight shooter; what you see is what you get . Bill Richardson was prob. the best Democrat but he's out now too. Just my take on it all.

    January 21, 2008 12:25 am at 12:25 am |
  22. Now this is News

    ciliziman
    Did you mean latinos votes in Nevada!

    ....and we Vote in CA, NY, NJ & Florida too, where it really counts!

    January 21, 2008 12:35 am at 12:35 am |
  23. Laura

    I have respect for almost all of the candidates so far, but I am all for Obama in '08! There has never been a Presidential race that did not include mud-slinging, so why does everyone act surprised that Hillary and Barack are going back and forth about eachother? It is to be expected. So what if Obama is playing the race card and trying to get the black vote (or any minority for that matter.) Why shouldn't he?? We have been waiting hundreds of years to see a president that wasn't a white male, and why can't he play off of that? I agree that a female president is important as well, so if Hillary plays the gender card, she has every right! Also, why doesn't anyone acknowledge that Obama is half white? So if white people like me want to vote for him is he playing the race card on US??? What if Hillary was of another race? Would anyone care this much that Obama is half black? I don't think so. Personally, I would like to see a Native American President, but then people would probably be afraid that we'd have to take part in pow-wows. What about a Hispanic President? Would American's be afraid that Spanish would be made our national language? HAHAHA!!!! No, I don't think so...and that is why I think it is laughable that some people are scared to elect a President that isn't a white male!

    January 21, 2008 12:48 am at 12:48 am |
  24. Ann Aloha, PA

    Did anyone ever think of what the BIGGER picture is?
    Do you want to set Senator Obama up for failure and have the Republican Party masacre him? It amazes me that supporters aren't looking at the Bigger picture, send an inexperience candidate to the trenches of war that will defeat the civil rights movement. This could weigh heavily on future AA candidates and how they will be looked upon as legitimate presidential candidates.
    Very sad indeed. As a woman of colour, I would not like to send someone to represent me knowing that he or she will fail, I am smarter than that and I am even wiser to know that my vote will be solely based on research and experience.
    I do want to ask all supporters who they think will better end the "colour on colour" violence that seems to have taken a back seat to all this hooplah. I feel EDUCATION is way more important and if anyone wants to CHANGE something, change the people responsible for letting our classrooms become battlegrounds for death and confusion amoungst our youth.
    So much anger is evident by inexperiance supporters that the main issues are tainted with self centered ignorance and negative and meaningless rheteric.
    Why can't we all get along, was Rodney King's and should remain with him. It's not who looks the best, says the most eliquently, personlizes better than others, attacks the issues the best, it's who listens to our needs the best and delivers on that PERIOD. And don't forget that "Life Experience" counts bigtime.
    I Love America
    Shame on the media!!! All of you who report spins for personal gain.

    January 21, 2008 12:54 am at 12:54 am |
  25. charlotte

    Why are all the democrates/independents who support Obama going to vote republican if he is not the nominee? Could it be you are republicans anyway and are hoping he wins so you can walk away with the election? Maybe that is why the republican comments are so few, your all over here stirring things up, trying to divide and conquer? Well, I support Hillary and if she is not the nominee and Obama is, I will vote for him. I made the mistake of voting for a republican once I won't do that again. Regean screwed us royally, not to mention Iran-Contra. Nixion /Agnew both resigned rather then be impeached. Ford pardoned Nixon for a crime he had not been convicted of, yet. Bush sr. took us to Irac, didn't finish the job now we are back. This current republican will go down in history as the worst president ever. So if you want to vote republican I suggest you spend some time on there comment side!

    January 21, 2008 12:55 am at 12:55 am |
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13