Barack Obama Says He Ran Late for Rally Because Plane Started Leaking in the Air: 'We Had a Nice Road Trip Instead'

Mar. 15, 2025

Former US President Barack Obama.Photo:Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty

Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty

Barack Obamamade 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.”

Former US President Barack Obama greets Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz — October 2024.Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty

“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 PresidentKamala’s Harris’ running mate after PresidentJoe Biden exitedthe2024 presidential raceon July 21.

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Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Barack Obama.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

After his initial announcement, Biden later tweeted: “Today I want to offermy full supportand 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 LadyMichelle Obamahave alsoendorsed Harris, 60, sharing their support less than a week after Biden, 81.

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“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.”

source: people.com