By james art Lopez performed her song Let’s Get Loud at a rally in support of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Las Vegas before giving an emotional 13-minute speech about “the most important stage I’ve ever been on.”
The star referred to the Madison Square Garden rally where American comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made disparaging remarks about Puerto Rico and its people, which Lopez said reminded us of who former president Mr Trump “really is and how he really feels”.
Thank you Nevada – and thank you, @JLo. pic.twitter.com/WpuN3w01YT
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 1, 2024
“It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day, it was every Latino in this country, it was humanity and anyone of decent character,” Lopez said.
“I’m a lover, you know that about me, I’m a lover, not a fighter. I’m not here to bash anyone or tear them down.
“I know what it feels like and I wouldn’t do it to my worst enemy or even when I’m facing the biggest adversary that I think America has had internally.”
“But throughout Kamala Harris’ career, she’s proven to us who she is. She’s been showing up for us every day, for the people, and it’s time we showed up for her.
Lopez said Ms. Harris’s politics were for all the American people, “no matter what we look like, who we love, who we worship or where we’re from,” while her opponent “consistently works to divide us.”
The 55-year-old describes herself as an American whose parents are “proud” to be from Puerto Rico.
“I’m Puerto Rican and yes, I was born here — and we’re Americans,” Lopez said.
“I’m a mother, I’m a sister, I’m an actor and entertainer and I like the Hollywood edges.
“I like it when the good guy, or in this case, the good girl, wins.
“And with an understanding of our past and faith in our future, I will proudly vote for Kamala Harris for President of the United States.”
Lopez joked, “You can’t even spell American without Rican,” before adding, “It’s our country, too.”
During her speech, Lopez told the crowd that there is “so much at stake” and that the younger generation deserves a president who cares about “not just some Americans, but all Americans.”
“When I started doing TV and film, I could get roles as a maid or a loud Latina, but I knew I had more to offer,” she said.
“And I think there’s a lot of people in this country who feel the same way, who know they’re capable of more, and we all just want a chance to prove it.”
“Elections are about electing leaders who support this, not ones who stand in the way.”
Lopez said Ms. Harris would fight for the freedom of immigrants to pursue the American dream and the freedom of women “to choose what to do with their bodies.”
“I believe that women have the power to make a difference in this election, I believe in the power of Latinos, I believe in the power of our community,” she concluded.
Ms Harris has harnessed star power as she focuses on battleground states in her bid for the White House, with Beyoncé, Eminem and Bruce Springsteen among those who have appeared at her campaign events.
Madonna supported the vice president in the US election as Americans went to the polls ahead of the November 5th vote.
The American star, considered the Queen of Pop, revealed that she returned home to the US after a trip to Paris to vote for the Democratic presidential candidate.
Along with a selection of photos from her time in the French capital, the Material Girl singer wrote: ‘Paris was so much fun!
“It was hard to leave but I had to come home to VOTE @kamalaharris for president!!!!”
Pop superstar Taylor Swift added her support last month, describing the current vice president as a “steady, gifted leader.”
Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would support Ms Harris in the election, although he said: “I don’t like any party at the moment.”
The former Republican governor of California said his party’s nominee, former US President Donald Trump, would “divide”, “offend” and “find new ways to be more un-American than he has been”.
Friends star Jennifer Aniston confirmed she voted for Ms Harris to “end this era of fear, chaos and attacks on our democracy”, while encouraging fans that “your vote matters”.