In a surprise appearance at Vice President Kamala Harris’ “When We Vote We Win” rally, Cardi B took the stage in West Allis, Wisconsin, to rally voters ahead of Tuesday’s Election Day. Though the chart-topping rapper initially wasn’t planning on heading to the polls, she told the crowd Harris’ policies and convictions had swayed her decision, inspiring her to vote—and to urge others to do the same.
Here’s a look at Cardi’s powerful words and the event highlights:
Cardi’s Turnaround and Support for Harris
Cardi B opened up about her initial lack of faith in the candidates but revealed that Harris changed her perspective. “I did not have faith in any candidates…until she said the things that I wanted to hear,” Cardi admitted, crediting Harris with focusing on issues like affordable healthcare and women’s autonomy. She called Harris compassionate and genuine, emphasizing, “She’s passionate, she’s compassionate, she shows empathy, and most of all, she’s not delusional.”
Standing Up to Bullies
Cardi drew on her own experiences as an underdog in the music industry, saying that Harris’ resilience in the face of adversity resonated with her. Taking a direct dig at former President Donald Trump, who held his own rally nearby, Cardi declared, “I can’t stand a bully, but just like Kamala, I always stand up to one.”
A Defense of Women’s Rights
In her speech, Cardi B slammed Trump’s recent remarks on “protecting women,” which she interpreted as undermining their autonomy. “Protection for women, especially…maternal and mental health care, is not telling them what to do with their bodies,” she told the crowd. Cardi firmly advocated for policies that support, rather than restrict, women’s rights and healthcare choices, adding that true protection involves giving women the resources to make their own choices. “If [Trump’s] definition of protection is making sure our daughters have fewer rights than our mothers, then I don’t want it,” she said to cheers from the audience.
Economic Warnings and a Call to Action
Cardi warned against what she called Trump’s “hustling” of Americans, noting his controversial merchandise sales and rhetoric as attempts to sell not just products but also “bigotry, misogyny, division, chaos, and confusion.” She stressed that these values come at the expense of affordable healthcare, equal opportunity, and women’s rights. “He’s going to take it from you,” she warned the crowd passionately.
The Power of Celebrities in Politics
The Harris campaign’s “When We Vote We Win” rally series is deploying star power to boost turnout in key swing states like Wisconsin, North Carolina, Nevada, and Georgia. In Wisconsin, Cardi was joined by GloRilla, Flo Milli, and MC Lyte, and other stars like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Bon Jovi are involved in Harris’ campaign efforts. For Cardi, using her platform to endorse Harris felt like both a personal responsibility and a show of solidarity.
An Urgent Closing Message
Cardi closed her speech with a powerful appeal to the audience to get to the polls and “turn out and turn up on Tuesday.” She urged them to reject Trump’s vision and support Harris’ policies for a fairer and more compassionate America. “I’m with Kamala. I believe in her,” Cardi said. “And America, I believe in you to turn out Tuesday…Let’s win this thing.”
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