Tearful Kanye West rants about abortion, porn at presidential campaign rally

The rapper criticised historical figure Harriet Tubman, put forward policy proposals on the fly during an eccentric rally in South Carolina

The campaign he launched with a July 4 tweet has already missed several deadlines to appear on key state ballots

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Rapper Kanye West gets emotional as he holds his first rally in support of his presidential bid in South Carolina, US. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:29am, 20 Jul 2020Updated: 7:53pm, 20 Jul 2020

In his first rally for his last-minute presidential campaign, rapper Kanye West ranted against abortion and pornography, argued policy with attendees and at one point broke down in tears.

West, 43, a former supporter of President Donald Trump who has left voters befuddled over whether his campaign is genuine or a publicity stunt to help sell albums or merchandise, delivered rambling remarks during the event at a Charleston, South Carolina, wedding venue and convention centre.

In remarks that lasted just over an hour, he denounced abortion, swore, called on random members to speak, appeared to be putting forward policy proposals on the fly, and made comments that left even those in attendance muttering in disbelief.

“Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves. She just had the slaves work for other white people,” he said at one point when discussing economic inequality.

The event, which was live-streamed on YouTube and carried on local television stations, did little to clarify whether West is genuinely attempting to win the presidency. The campaign he launched with a July 4 tweet has already missed several deadlines to appear on key state ballots.

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