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Kanye West holds chaotic election rally

July 20, 2020

US rapper Kanye West has held his first election rally in an unlikely campaign to challenge Donald Trump. His rambling speech included thoughts on abortion and criticism of abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

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Rapper Kanye West waves to a crowd during his campaign rally
Image: picture alliance/dpa/AP/The Post And Courier/L.P. Ipetracca/

Kanye West launched his last-minute presidential campaign on Sunday at an event in Charleston, South Carolina, in which he appeared onstage with the year "2020" shaved into his head and wearing a bullet-proof vest.

West's lengthy, live-streamed monologue lasted roughly one hour and touched on drug policy, abortion, religion and even his own music business. Speaking without a microphone, he also solicited input from attendees.

During one point, he criticized renowned 19th-century Black abolitionist Harriet Tubman, drawing the ire of some attendees. "Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves. She just had the slaves work for other white people," West said.

Tubman, a former slave, set up the Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape north to freedom. She later became a supporter of women's suffrage.

Read more: Juneteenth: Celebrating the end of slavery in the US

Coronavirus in the US: Trump's downfall?

The several hundred audience members, who were required to sign coronavirus liability forms, wear masks and practice social distancing measures, were reportedly registered guests only.

West said abortion should be legal — but heavily discouraged. He broke down in tears at one point as he described how he was nearly aborted by his parents. West suggested financial incentives for struggling mothers could help curb abortion. "Everybody that has a baby gets a million dollars," he said.

Read more:Coronavirus pandemic reduces access to safe abortions

West offered few details on his presidential campaign, which he initially announced through a tweet on July 4. He has missed deadlines to get on the ballot in multiple states but appears to have met filing requirements for Oklahoma.

dr/rc (AP, dpa, AFP, Reuters)