Milwaukee is about to become a hotbed of music and advocacy as Vice President Kamala Harris‘ “When We Vote We Win” rally touches down in the city this Friday, November 1. One of Harris’ last big pushes to get out the vote before election day on November 5, the rally will feature Cardi B front and center as performer and speaker. Set from 6 to 10 p.m. The rally, set for 6:00 p.m. local time, aims at energizing the young and diverse audiences-ditto, some key groups in a state as closely divided as Wisconsin.
Joining Cardi B in the latter category are a host of high-profile performers, including GloRilla, Flo Milli, MC Lyte, DJ Gemini Gilly, and The Isley Brothers, adding musical excitement sure to entice a sizeable crowd.
That eclectic lineup is a very deliberate attempt to reach out to younger demographics-a core component of the Harris-Walz campaign approach to energize voters across the state. With the stakes growing higher at this battleground, Cardi B’s voice is expected to send a powerful message to people to vote. But the performer is a pop-culture beacon, and her influence goes far beyond the music: she’s an outspoken figure in politics, often voicing her opinions bluntly. She’ll be at the center of Friday’s rally to perform-and-more importantly-to express her zeal for civic duty and voter turnout.
She has consistently been an ally to Kamala Harris over the years, with Cardi often defending Harris against sexist remarks and echoing policies put forth by Harris. Her involvement shows Harris’ outreach to a very key age group-and undecided voters-who could make all the difference in Wisconsin’s unpredictable political climate. The Harris-Walz campaign has utilized the influence of celebrity endorsement, well aware that celebrities like Cardi B speak to a constituency that might otherwise remain disengaged. Teaming up with Cardi B, the campaign is well-aware that its message is going to get beefed up, and a greater turnout inspired. Pivotal does this mix of fun with civic duty through the “When We Vote We Win” series, particularly in locations where closer states can be by one or two points.
Cardi B’s interest in politics goes way, way back. She has been vocal on issues close to her heart, more so when she feels that leaders are not doing what she expects of them. Earlier this year, Cardi expressed frustration with the foreign aid policies of President Biden, especially when funds were being directed toward overseas conflicts while domestic budgets, such as for New York City, faced cuts. Having become disenchanted with some aspects of the current administration, that seems to have sharpened her desire to speak out, which only adds to her certified support for Harris.
The rally in Milwaukee is part of a broader national push by the Harris campaign to promote voting. Harris has lined up star-studded events as part of her “When We Vote We Win” concert series with the aim of pushing higher turnouts to vote and ensure that people understand the power of each vote. Through his music and advocacy, Harris wants to remind voters of their power, especially in those so-called pivotal swing states where even modest increases in turnout can make all the difference.
