Springsteen calls Trump an ‘American tyrant’ at Harris’s star-studded rally

Bruce Springsteen urged voters to back Kamala Harris in the presidential election, warning that Donald Trump is a would-be “tyrant”.

“I want a president who reveres the constitution, who does not threaten but wants to protect and guide our great democracy, who believes in the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power, who will fight for a woman’s right to choose, and who wants to create a middle-class economy that will serve all our citizens,” Springsteen said at the Thursday evening rally.

The rally at James R Hallford Stadium in Clarkston, Georgia, drew about 20,000 people, according to the Democratic nominee’s campaign, which would make it her largest political rally yet, besting the 17,000 Harris drew in Greensboro, North Carolina, in early September.

“There is only one candidate in this election who holds those principles dear: Kamala Harris. She’s running to be the 47th president of the United States.”

The Born in the USA singer is among the many celebrities stumping for Harris; directors Spike Lee and Tyler Perry, as well as actor Samuel L Jackson, were also in attendance.

“Do not wait until election day to show your support, you can vote early,” Jackson, a Morehouse graduate, said, exhorting voters to go to the polls early. “Showing up at the polls is the only way.”

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Early voting totals have been breaking records in Georgia, with about 30% of the electorate having already cast a ballot.

“We’ve heard her favorite curse word is a favorite of mine too,” Jackson said, pointedly avoiding the use of the actual offensive term he is famous for. “That’s the kind of president I can stand behind.”

Lee, also a Morehouse grad, said: “Power is knowing your past. Georgia is where the future is being written. Georgia is showing up and showing out, no matter what kind of shenanigans, skullduggery and subterfuge.”

Beyoncé is expected to appear at a Harris rally on Friday night, according to the Associated Press. Rapper Eminem and singer Lizzo have also taken the stage in support of Harris at rallies in Detroit.

“Donald Trump is running to be an American tyrant,” Springsteen said. “He does not understand this country, its history or what it means to be deeply American, and that’s why on November 5, I’m casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. I urge all of you who believe in the American way to join me.”

Springsteen’s appearance at the rally is eclipsed only by that of Barack Obama, as this event marks the first time the former president and Harris appear together on stage.

Perry spoke about growing up poor and the power of the American dream. He noted how Harris’s initiatives to help seniors with medication costs, and youth with education expenses, were among the reasons he backed her.

“I believe in affordable healthcare. It should not be replaced with a concept of a plan, what the hell?” Perry said, poking fun of Trump’s viral “concepts of a plan” comment on replacing the Affordable Care Act benefits.

Neither “a government nor a man should be telling a woman what she can or cannot do with her body”, Perry said to cheers.

Perry introduced Obama to the crowd shortly thereafter.