Fat Joe and E-40 rally for Biden after debate watchers tell him when to go

The Biden-Harris 2024 campaign is hosting a post-debate rally with rappers Fat Joe and E-40 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Friday.

The campaign announced Thursday that the event is part of its effort to welcome celebrities and influencers to help “in the fight to save democracy from Donald Trump.” It comes after Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Fat Joe and people the administration pardoned for marijuana convictions for a discussion about criminal justice reform in March.

The rally with the two rappers comes after Biden's performance in Thursday's debate has Democrats panicking over whether he should step down from the presidential ticket.

“Fat Joe and E-40 are both legends of the music industry, who understand the importance of utilizing their platforms to ensure their fan base understands the stakes of this election,” a Biden campaign official said in a statement.

More: Exclusive poll: Black voters aren't thrilled with Biden but dislike Trump more

Both presidential campaigns seem to have tried to connect with rappers to court voters before November. Trump has received support from Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, whom he pardoned while in office . In 2023, Harris met with Migos rapper Quavo to discuss gun violence.

“From day one, the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign has been strategic, thoughtful and genuine in our outreach efforts to the diverse coalition that makes up the backbone of the Democratic Party,” the Biden campaign official said.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fat Joe and E-40 rally for Biden after debate watchers tell him when to go