“I do not know anything about planes, except for the fact that it should not leak oil,” the former president said
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Barack Obama made sure to show up for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s rally in Madison, Wis., despite plane problems.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the former US president, 63, joined the Democratic vice presidential nominee, 60, for a campaign rally ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5 — however, he was a bit behind schedule.
“It is good to be back in Madison! It is good to be here,” he began. “Look, first of all, I wanna apologize, I was a little late.”
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His speech was briefly interrupted by a supporter who yelled from the crowd that she loved him.
“I love you back!” he replied from the podium.
Obama then explained the reason for his tardiness.
“I was in my hometown, Chicago, and so we boarded the plane, great takeoff. And then the pilot comes in and says, ‘Sir, there’s a pile of oil leaking out of the back of the plane.’ And, I do not know anything about planes, except for the fact that it should not leak oil,” he said while laughing.
“So, we had a nice road trip instead,” Obama added.
The drive from Chicago to Madison is just over two hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. A direct flight would have cut the time in half.
Walz is campaigning as Vice President Kamala’s Harris’ running mate after President Joe Biden exited the 2024 presidential race on July 21.
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After his initial announcement, Biden later tweeted: “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee for our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Since then, Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have also endorsed Harris, 60, sharing their support less than a week after Biden, 81.
“I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl Kamala: I am proud of you. This is going to be historic,” Michelle, 60, told Harris in the July 26 video announcement.
Barack added: “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.”