President Barack Obama and musical artist Katy Perry teamed up for a rally in Milwaukee on Saturday, Nov. 3, the last weekend before Election Day on Nov. 6.
Thousands of people stood and waited to hear the President speak at the Delta Center in downtown Milwaukee. The event was free to attend after completing an RSVP online, although early entrants were never asked to show their ticket.
A handful of politicians were present to speak in support of Obama’s re-election, including Senator Herb Kohl and Mayor Tom Barrett, as well as Representatives Gwen Moore and Tammy Baldwin.
Obama spoke of continuing the work he has done in the past four years, and asked Milwaukeeans for their support.
“Now, Wisconsin, in three days, you have a choice to make,” Obama said. “It’s not a choice between two candidates or two parties. It’s a choice between two very different visions for our future.”
Wisconsin’s state motto and Obama’s campaign slogan – “Forward!” – was written all over the packed room, on rally signs, the video screen, and Kerry Perry’s tight blue dress. Speakers used “Forward” and “You fired up?” to rally the crowd.
Barrett used “Forward” in a car analogy. To use “Drive” on the shifter and go forward, vote Democrat; to use “Reverse” and go backward, vote Republican, he said.
Supporters of presidential candidate Mitt Romney used the hours that rally attendees spent waiting in line to see Obama as an opportunity to let their voices be heard. A handful of protesters walked up and down the street holding anti-Obama signs.
“Stop campaigning and start leading,” one sign read.
Inside, Katy Perry performed five songs preceding Obama’s speech. She concluded by singing “Firework” with campaign images of Obama playing in the background.
“This is my third rally with [Obama] and I’m so honored,” she said.
Obama thanked the singer and the event attendees for their support.
“I just have to say Katy has been working so hard these last couple of weeks,” Obama said. “I’m so grateful to her.”
