Kid Rock supports VP hopeful Paul Ryan, risks alienating fans

Kid Rock hasn't been shy about supporting Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan, even if it costs him some fans.

The made-in-Michigan rock musician and rapper introduced Ryan during a rally Monday night at Oakland University in the Detroit suburb of Rochester.

Born Robert Ritchie, Rock told the raucous crowd gathered at Oakland University that he believes "you have to stand for something" even if it means losing fans.

"It is a little difficult to put myself in this position knowing it may alienate a few fans, but you know what I really believe strongly that it's okay to disagree on politics and the direction of our country without hating one another," he said.

Rock added that it was OK to disagree, particularly in a music business that he says "leans very left."

He quieted the crowd a bit when he shared his pride over the election of Barack Obama as the first black president. But he quickly added he was sorry Obama "didn't do a better job."

"I really wish he would have -- I do," said Rock.

Rock then introduced Ryan, calling him a "fellow hunter, a fellow fan of rock and roll and a great Midwesterner."