Former President of the United States (USA) Barack Obamathe legendary rock boss Bruce Springsteen and influential musician Jean Legend joined their voices this Monday in Philadelphia to support Kamala Harris and warn against the “risks” that Donald Trump represents the values of the American working class.
More than a political event, the event had the feel of a festival. Not only because of its protagonists, but also because of the enthusiasm of the audience, which almost filled the 10,000 seats at the Liacouras Center at Temple University, north of Philadelphia.
The energy of the place was palpable, the audience brandishing “Harris-Walz”, “Freedom” and “Vote” banners, all in the colors of the Democratic Party, while a wave of applause made the stadium roar during the appearance of Obama. , the great star of democracy.
Obama alluded to racist and xenophobic comments that echoed the previous night at a Trump campaign event at Madison Square Garden in New York, where a comedian called Puerto Rico an “island of garbage floating in the ocean”.
The public reacted with outrage when Obama recalled these words. And that’s it Pennsylvaniawhere Philadelphia is located, is home to a million Latinos, more than half a million of whom are of Puerto Rican descent, so this rhetoric could cost Trump votes in this latter part of the campaign.
“There is something that must be clear: if someone does not respect you, if someone does not consider you an equal citizenwith the right to equal opportunities, the pursuit of happiness and the American dream, Then you shouldn’t vote for him. »Obama said.
The former president accused Trump of wanting to “divide” the United States and foment “hate” just to increase his chances of victory and compared him to Harris, whom he referred to as a figure who wants to “unite” the country and who “understands the values of the working class”
“America is ready for a new chapter! America is ready for Kamala Harris’ presidency!”Obama shouted, with fervent support from the audience, an audience diverse in age and race, among which stood out a solid core of Springsteen lovers.
Springsteen and the working class
Among those in attendance was Marie Benson, 67, who admitted to attending more than a hundred Springsteen concerts throughout her life. “She always sang for the working class, putting herself in the shoes of those who work hard and feeling their pain,” she said emotionally.
On stage, with his guitar and his harmonica, Springsteen left the stadium in complete silence on several occasions.. It began with “The Promised Land,” a song about chasing the American dream and fighting for a better life, and ended with the spirited “I’m on Fire,” which the audience chanted along to. ‘unison.
Letting the music speak for itself, Springsteen dedicated only a few brief words to the election, warning of the risks of a second Trump term.
“Donald Trump aspires to be a tyrant in America. I understand that people have different opinions, but this election is about a group that seeks to undermine our way of life. Trump does not understand this country, its history, or what it means to be deeply American,” he said.
John Legend’s justification
Before him, John Legend, who thrilled the audience with “All of Me”, delivered a powerful speech in which he urged the United States to vote to defend the “freedoms” that previous generations fought for and to elect a “better, better”. “a bold, brilliant leader, who focuses on joy” rather than division, in a clear allusion to Trump.
“Trump governed for four years, and we saw what happened in those four years,” Legend recalled.who said that in the face of the challenge the United States has faced in the pandemic, Trump has shown he is “unprepared,” “incompetent” and “totally irresponsible.”
Sitting in the front row, Cate Horn, 18 years old and who will vote for the first time in a few days, listened enthusiastically. “I’m really nervous that Harris won’t win, but seeing John Legend here gives me hope. I hope his voice will influence those who remain undecided.”
The Democratsbacked by increased funds and support from many stars, They are using all their artillery to tip the scales in favor of Harris in this final stretch.in which polls show the two candidates nearly tied in key states that will decide the election, including Pennsylvania.
With early voting already underway in most of the country — more than 43 million Americans have voted in person or by mail — every vote could be decisive.
