Cardi B fires up Kamala Harris crowd, slams Donald Trump in Milwaukee

Cardi B didn’t perform for her first Milwaukee appearance ever Friday at Kamala Harris’ “When We Vote We Win” rally Friday at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.

But the hip-hop superstar offered something that likely was far more impactful than performances of “WAP” or “I Like It” – a fiery nearly 10-minute speech that drew about as much passion from the crowd as Harris herself Friday, complete with stinging soundbites delivered with her signature, seemingly off the cuff swagger.

But after making her appearance in a Jackie Kennedy-esque power suit, Cardi B briefly got choked up and said she was a bit nervous. But reading a speech she wrote from a phone, and taking time to take sips of water as she spoke, it didn’t take long for Cardi B to get her confidence back. 

“Are we ready to make history,” she called out to cheers.

“I do not take lightly the call to show up, the call to speak up, the call to deliver a message that has been on my heart for a hot minute now…” she said. 

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“Just like Kamala Harris, I too have been the underdog. I have been underestimated, my success belittled and discredited,” she said. “Women have to work ten times harder, perform ten times better and still people question how we got to the top.”

“I can’t stand a bully,” Cardi B continued. “But just like Kamala, I always stand up to one.”

Admitting she initially wasn’t planning to vote this year, Cardi B said Harris “joining the race changed my mind completely. I did not have faith in any candidates…until she said the things that I wanted to hear.”

“I believe in every word that comes out of her mouth,” Cardi B said. “She’s passionate, she’s compassionate, she shows empathy, and most of all, she’s not delusional.”

After expressing support behind some of Harris’ campaign promises, including $25,000 in down payment assistance for housing and tax cuts for middle class Americans, Cardi B turned her attention to Donald Trump.

“He said he is going to protect women whether they like it or not,” Cardi B said, citing some comments Trump made this week that have been criticized by the Harris campaign. “Protection for women, especially…maternal and mental health care is not telling them what to do with their bodies. It’s supporting them and giving them the care they need for what they choose to do with their bodies. …”

“If his definition of protection is not the freedom of choice, if his definition of protection is making sure our daughters have fewer rights than our mothers, than I don’t want it.”

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After taking jabs at items Trump has sold this year, suggesting he was “hustling Americans” by selling “Trump Bibles” and other items, Cardi B concluded that Trump was “selling more than watches and sneakers.”

“He’s selling us bigotry, misogyny, division, chaos and confusion. And its going to cost you your money, equal opportunity, affordable health care, and any rights you thought you had for your body. He’s going to take it from you! Listen to me. He’s going to take it.” 

“I’m not giving Donald Trump a second chance,” she continued. “I’m not taking any chances with my future and I’m damn sure am taking no chances for the future of my children!””I’m with Kamala. I believe in her. And America I believe in you to turn out Tuesday, turn out and turn up on Tuesday. Let’s win this thing.”

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@journalsentinel.com. Follow him on X at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.