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. Jane

    TELL OBAMA TO GO HOME TO HIS MAMA AND CRY TO MAMA BECAUSE HE COMPLAINT TOO MUCH AND DOESNT DO MUCH GOOD RIGHT NOW HE COMPLAINT AND HIS ONLY WINNER IS FIRST STATE AFTER THAT CLINTON TOOK ALL OF IT SO TELL HIM GO TO MAMA HOME

    January 21, 2008 12:58 am at 12:58 am |
  2. Mo

    35 Years my foot! In that case McCain has 70 plus experience.

    January 21, 2008 01:00 am at 1:00 am |
  3. Jen Cedar Falls, IA

    The hatred, tempermental spats and childish fingerpointing that the Clinton's have portrayed throughout their campaign is a true representation of the hateful actions that they would exude should they return to the White House. Remember, they'd blame everyone else if things don't go well, so good luck there!

    You Clinton supporters really need to look deep at what you're doing to our country. She is the most loathed of ALL candidates on EITHER side and there's no way she would be able to reach across party lines. Ever! Our country cannot afford to continue this division and hatefullness that the Clinton's have introduced back in 1992.

    Let us off the Hate Train of the Bush/Clinton road to destruction.
    Anybody But Clinton (again!) Bill and Hillary truly have no class and their true hateful persona's are showing up quite strongly. Bill's comment about Obama's run being "the biggest fairytale he's ever seen" just burned my soul!!!!!

    You can fool us for only so long, Bill and Hillary. We know you better than you think we do. Shameful, shameful, shameful.

    January 21, 2008 01:15 am at 1:15 am |
  4. pete

    Speaking in Harlem after she received the endorsement of Calvin Butts, a leading black pastor, Mrs Clinton said that a vote for her should not be seen as a vote against Mr Obama. "I have the highest regard and admiration for my friend and colleague Senator Barack Obama. He is an extraordinary person with many gifts and contributions to our country and the world. I am honoured to be running with him," she said.

    LISTEN TO THIS BULL FROM CLINTON!!! ANYTHING SAID OR DONE TO GET A BLACK VOTE. ITS DISGUSTING.

    January 21, 2008 01:48 am at 1:48 am |
  5. Honesty

    Soulonart hit the nail on the head. It is as if we should have some type of shame in
    voting for an individual because he happens to be black. This country is ready for a change. We keep hearing about all the experience from certain candidates, so why are we just hearing about the sudden quest for change. Was there no input while sitting on capital hill for years.. The cost of healthcare has sky rocketed. Most states increased tuition for continued education. Minimum wage just increased after what? About ten years. It appears that the rich are getting richer. We really need to stay focused on the issues because being color focused is pure ignorance!.

    January 21, 2008 02:01 am at 2:01 am |
  6. mary s.

    I have heard too many women say that they are voting for clinton, because she is a woman. I think that's the most ignorant thing I have ever heard frankly....

    VOTE RON PAUL!!! SAVE AMERICA NOW!

    January 21, 2008 02:14 am at 2:14 am |
  7. Jake, California

    It seems the Hispanic community has something against the African American folks. Anyways, lets hope that this was only the case in Nevada...
    If it replicates nationally, we will note this down and remember it.

    Thank you our Hispanic friends.

    January 21, 2008 02:17 am at 2:17 am |
  8. Fresh

    BC, that simply is not true. Remember the Black Attorney General? Condoleeza Rice and Colon Powell do not support the interests of the average Black voter.

    January 21, 2008 02:35 am at 2:35 am |
  9. Marcus

    This is to Martha so white people supporting white candidates for the past 200 years is ok but Black people doing the same is wrong?? WOOW This just goes to show people how WHITES think. I mean seriously. Rodney King is nearly beaten to death on camera and an all white jury exonerates the WHITE COPS. But when O.J. allegedy kills his wife we hear about it for the next 10 years. This is a prime example of how psychotic WHITES are. When black people mimic their behavior or voting patterns we're racist but its ok for them to do it for 200+ years. And Mary is a lost cause all together. Seriously Mary did you not see New Hampshire?? The WHITE people lied to the pollsters. Did you not see Nevada?? When, MEXICANS who hate blacks but don't have the courage to say it because without us they've written themselves a one way ticket back to Mexico, voted for Hillary because they don't trust black candidates. What a sucker punch. We help them and they secretly despise us. And Martha what history books have you read??? Seriously to criticize BLACKS after everything your fore fathers have done?? To turn us into the racists is a blind shot in a dark room with no windows. How silly does this sound?? Suddenly white people despise or are angry with blacks because we like someone who happens to be black. This is why I try not to make white friends. The hidden racism that exists because "THEY'RE WHITE."

    January 21, 2008 02:55 am at 2:55 am |
  10. Independent in America

    3. How will Bill behave in the White House with those young interns? posted by JohnS January 20, 2008 4:32 pm

    *** Why does almost every comment against Hillary by the Obama followers always degenerate into crude sophomoric drivel? This went out with the 90's and Kenneth Starr went through the Clintons with a fine tooth comb.

    You kids are spending way too much time on MySpace and youtube, and then regurgitating it on the blogs. You really need to move on and find something else to occupy your time like the new Wii 😉

    Gabe January 20, 2008 6:27 pm "Jeff Rathdum, I tend to agree with you . To Be honest, I have considered becoming an Independent in light of recent tactics uses by the Clinton Campaign. As someone who supports any Democrat still in the race for President, they have begun to alienate me among others with their tactics usually seen from the other side. This does not send a good message to the party faithful and may backfired amongst a divided party after this nomination process…Me included. We shall se"

    *** GABE you wouldn't know the definition of the Democratic party FAITHFUL AND WHY they vote Democratic if it were blasting you in the face!! 🙁 It never ceases to amaze us how little Americans know about the different party platforms and what they stand for... try googling for the answers instead of believing everything you read on someones personal blog site for a change!! And please let poor old Abe Lincoln's tired corpse RIP = this is 2008 not 1860

    Lastly we leave you with some more examples of the Obama youth vote 🙁 John Edwarss January 20, 2008 7:05 pm
    Kay, republicans are not all racists, but people with the name of "Kay" are aren't they??? Hitlery is and she is starting to crack under pressure, she is fat too.
    John Edwarss January 20, 2008 7:15 pm
    Dance and sing your way through these elections, but don't vote for the dubbled chinned Hitlery!
    Go Obama!

    "She is no feminist, she is a sexist January 20, 2008 7:08 pm
    1971guy stop playing the race card. Play the sex card and go put a pad on."

    And these are the ones everyone is entrusting the future of the United States of America to??

    BTW doesn't everyone just love the posts like Mike R January 20, 2008 7:25 pm who omniously warns that he as a Democratic MALE would no way vote for Hillary AND that "Half of Democratid men are with me, 60% of independents and most republicans" YET goes on to cry we are all doomed to another repressive, regressive and war filled four years. The tax cuts will favor the upper incomes, the illegal immigration problem will get side-lined by the republican minority, the war will continue and the deficit to fund it will grow and grow.. I hope you Clinton supporters get what you deserve."

    Hhmmm all those INSECURE single males under 45 who would rather suffer another 4-8 years of the GOP regime because they refuse to vote for a Democrat because she is a woman? Guess that's why Elizabeth Dole had to quit in Iowa in 2000 – because America just wasn't ready for a woman President then either.

    So fine and dandy – go right ahead and vote on PRINCIPAL rather than party because as men why should you care about womens rights in America or Roe vs Wade which you don't even know what that represents and why this election is so important!!! HOWEVER MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONSIDER PERSONAL RIGHTS INSTEAD – WHEN YOU DECIDE TO VOTE REPUBLICAN.

    January 21, 2008 03:24 am at 3:24 am |
  11. Mike from Australia

    How can all you people Look at Hillary and Bill and think she's electable or even decent ?

    From an outsider who once liked the Clinton the've show then selves to be lying crying faking phonies !

    35 years experiance ? Please....... over here were all laughing at you guys and your media buying that and letting her get away with that !

    She had no security clearance she had one job health care which got to hard and she gave up ! She didnt keep fighting she gave up !

    Did she cry at Katrina ? Did she cry at 911 Did she cry for all the blokes yours and ours that died after she voted for bushes iraq war ? No to all !

    Did she cry when she though she was going to lose ? Yes

    Bill and Chelsea claim that the watch voter intimadation in NV yet he did nothing ?
    With his 8 secret sevice poeple there plus how ever many what Chelsea please his either a wimp who wont stick up for your right to vote or there both liers !

    And this vote thing ? Hill and Bill both say we had nothing to do with the court case yet neither spoke out against it !

    If you guys vote for Hillary you deserve what you get !

    January 21, 2008 03:34 am at 3:34 am |
  12. Maris

    Senator Obama's speech today was about moral decency, and he highlights this by getting Usher's support? The guy who uses foul and degrading language against woman? Interesting...

    I find it very interesting that Senator Obama had to reference his notes throughout his speech today on this very pivotal day in our American history; the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. Hillary spoke straight from her heart, it showed, and it was very refreshing. This woman truly understands the issues that face African Americans, as well as ALL Americans, and that is why so many prominent and civil rights leaders who walked alongside MLK during the movement support her nomination for the Democratic Party. These individuals understand and can detect real change, and they have proven this. They gave us all the opportunities that lay before us today, so they must have done something right. Age and experience gives you something that you can't buy, nor shortcut – WISDOM. Therefore, rather than bashing our civil rights leaders for supporting Hillary Clinton, listen to what they have to say and we might just learn something about ourselves and lead this country in the right direction. God Bless America.

    January 21, 2008 03:58 am at 3:58 am |
  13. Bryan, Illinois

    Jimmy and others like him,

    Obama has never made this campaign about race. The media would like to make it about race. They see a black man and a woman and think it makes for great news copy. Obama has not force fed the issue. You racists ought to wake up to the fact that he was raised by his white mother. He doesn't represent the old 60's civil rights movement as much as he represents the burgeoning mass of people with diverse backrgounds in the country. He is actually mixed race, raised abroad briefly, and so on. This is a background not uncommon in the younger generations, and almost abhorent only a few decades ago (such as when Barack was born). Obama doesn't harp on race issues, and for that many of the old black leaders fromt he 60's even refused to support him.

    Instead, Obama has focused on the changes the country needs, and especially avoiding influence from large donors. He only accepts donation from indiiduals and avoids PACs. He wants weaken lobbyists in Washington and bring us more rational government. Also, he had the judgment to speak out against the war when people like Clinton were supporting it. None of that has to do with race. However, all of it has to do with the character and judgment needed to lead our country.

    January 21, 2008 05:04 am at 5:04 am |
  14. m T

    Populist candidate or not...

    saying the words "I am change" ten million times

    doesn't change the fact

    that Obama's advisors

    (like most of the other candidates')

    are status quo war criminals like Henry Kissinger.

    January 21, 2008 05:11 am at 5:11 am |
  15. Chris

    Hey 1971guy,

    I'm not sure which is more appalling, your ignorance or your insistence on being self-righteous. Why is an open discussion about race suddenly "playing the race card," especially when the original message is one of unity? And why should anyone listen to you after you've announced you're voting for Hillary simply because she's white? I'm very thankful you are not representative of white America ....

    January 21, 2008 05:13 am at 5:13 am |
  16. Mark, Wilkes Barre PA

    MIKE,,,,, very well said ,,, accept for the part about us republicans gutter style manner of campaining which is two sided in the general election as standard of practice none of us are to proud of. Voting ones beliefs or concience should take precidence over party lines every time. How many times have you seen written into stories some one make fun of an un-decided voter at one of these caucuses or primaries, the question always tends to be somthing like, " how could someone be so stupid as to not know who there voting for by now ",,,,,, WELL as un-decided registered republican ( you know one of the stupid ones ) I can tell you comments like the ones that are being written above are exactly why. I would never pledge my un-dieing support to any one candidate from the start. To me that would be rediculas and stupid. I enjoy watching my choices work through the process and see how they handle them selves. I am not shy to express my thoughts through comments and debate as I wear my ideas and beliefs on my shirt sleeves about all candidates and party behavior. To do anything else would be letting my fellow americans and my self down in the end. I have and will again cross party lines to vote for my oppinion of the best candidate, but that choice for me has not been made yet and will remain my decision, my one vote !!!! All the in-fighting at this stage of the race for the DEM/LIBS should be seen as embarressing and un-neccessary, I just read that Huck congradulated McCain for his win and thanked the other REP candidates for running a clean and respectful campain. My point being these guys know (like in any sport) when the game is over you come off the bench and shake hands and say " good game ",,, Now I know some will say OUR future is not a game,, and I agree,, but campaining IS,,, Its how one candidate puts him or herself above the rest !! This new " I'm angrier than you are" style of campaining by the DEM/LIBS is STUPID and will cost your best candidate a chance to BE THE BEST

    January 21, 2008 05:27 am at 5:27 am |
  17. Stephanie

    I saw Usher's father's obituary in the Chattanooga Times last week, which was very brief and did not list survivors. It was in the paper last Friday, if i'm not mistaken. His name is Usher Raymond, III. (the father)

    January 21, 2008 06:58 am at 6:58 am |
  18. The Observer

    Celebrity endorsements – I can't stand them – why should their opinion be worth any more than mine.

    As for anyone who changes their vote because of a celebrity endorsement – you don't deserve a vote.

    January 21, 2008 07:20 am at 7:20 am |
  19. The Observer

    S.K.M. Boston Mass

    One word as to why McCain could lose the election against Clinton – Iraq.

    Although things have stabilised don't be surpriseed if the jihadists take action to try and damage McCain.

    January 21, 2008 07:24 am at 7:24 am |
  20. betty

    When I think African American I think of Malcom X, Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King, it is misrepresentative for the media and Obama to keep calling himself a ‘black man’ or an african american man he is BI-RACIAL – half WHITE and half black. So to all the blacks you are voting for a half black, not fully black man.

    January 21, 2008 07:25 am at 7:25 am |
  21. Vote Democrat

    PJ, New York

    Excellent post – agree with much of your analysis – the Hillary haters we see here day in and day out are not democrats in my opinion but GOP people trying to stir it up.

    I am disappointed though how negative this whole campaign has been – there really is not much difference bewtteen the main democratic canidates and in all honesty they are head and shoulders above most of the GOP nominees – McCain being the obvious exception.

    The danger of attacking each other as constantly as Clinton and Obama have done is that it plays right into the hands of the GOP – I just hope that much of teh ill-feeling that has been generated is temporary and that they can put their diferences aside – a Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton ticket could be very successful one and if united could beat McCain.

    January 21, 2008 07:35 am at 7:35 am |
  22. bruce patras new york ny

    obama has won more delegates than
    hillary

    January 21, 2008 07:38 am at 7:38 am |
  23. mike

    the pastor of the mlk church has said he will endorse obama somtime this week. and that is a huge get, people, and george clooney also endorsed obama as well as alot of other whtie male actors have. why not use them on the campaign trail. just a thought?

    January 21, 2008 07:59 am at 7:59 am |
  24. Justin

    Vote Obama, South Carolina! Regardless of any endorsement, he´s the best candidate, and does not have Hillary Clinton´s baggage or Republican enemies. Give him the momentum to take him to Feb 5th as a contender! I´m a white male for Obama, race does not matter, it´s the best candidate who should win. Vote for who you believe best represents you. For me, living with 8 years of George Bush was utter hell. Who do the Republicans represent? And who do people like HRC or Obama represent? America has always rooted for the underdog, but the underdog rarely wins... there´s some big money as well as "superdelegates" for HRC, so really, Obama needs the South Carolina win. Please do the right thing, South Carolina!

    January 21, 2008 08:16 am at 8:16 am |
  25. Justin

    One more thing, Hillary Clinton was for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election, not JFK/Lyndon B. Johnson! At the time, she was Republican! With Goldwater as President, civil rights might never have happened! Thank God Hillary´s candidate lost! On MLK day, Americans need to remember that Civil Rights might never have happened if Hillary´s candidate had won! Would Goldwater had signed any civil rights legislation?? Very doubtful! Vote Democrat in 2008, and more importantly, vote Obama! Happy MLK Day!

    January 21, 2008 08:26 am at 8:26 am |
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