Cardi B, the outspoken rapper and cultural icon, is using both her voice and fashion to make a statement in the 2024 election. On November 1, she took the stage at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, appearing alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing an all-white power suit that paid homage to the suffragette movement—a symbolic gesture that many attendees and viewers noticed. Her outfit choice, which included white gloves and pumps, echoed the legacy of the suffragettes who fought for women’s right to vote and aligned with Harris’ historic presidential campaign.
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Cardi B’s Embrace of Suffragette White
The suit Cardi wore, with its Jackie Kennedy-inspired elegance, was both a fashion statement and a political message. The all-white ensemble served as a nod to the suffragette movement, a choice adopted by many prominent women, especially during key moments of political importance. Cardi’s fashion choice is also reminiscent of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), where women—along with some men—wore white to symbolize unity and support for women’s rights as Harris accepted her nomination as the first Black and Asian American woman on a major party’s presidential ticket.
Cardi’s choice to wear white underscores her alignment with Harris and the broader cause of equality and women’s empowerment. The Invasion of Privacy rapper highlighted her respect for Harris and her vision for the nation, stating her endorsement during the rally and sharing that she was inspired to vote specifically because of Harris’ candidacy.
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Cardi B’s Road to Endorsing Kamala Harris
For Cardi B, this endorsement did not come without hesitation. The rapper openly admitted that she had initially planned to abstain from voting in the 2024 election due to a lack of faith in the political system and its candidates. However, her perspective shifted when Harris announced her candidacy, an announcement that also saw President Joe Biden formally exit the race due to health concerns. Biden’s endorsement of Harris as his successor added momentum to her campaign and inspired figures like Cardi to reconsider their stance on voting.
Speaking passionately at the rally, Cardi admitted, “Imma be real with ya’ll, I wasn’t going to vote this year—I wasn’t. But Kamala Harris joining the race, she changed my mind completely. I did not have faith in any candidate until she joined the race and said the things that I wanted to hear.” Her endorsement is significant, as Cardi has long been vocal about social justice issues and has a large, loyal following who listen closely to her views on politics and social matters.
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Drawing Parallels Between Entertainment and Politics
During her nearly 10-minute speech, Cardi B compared her experiences in the entertainment industry with those of Harris in politics, emphasizing the shared challenges they face as women. Cardi said, “Just like Kamala Harris, I too have been the underdog. I’ve been underestimated, my success belittled and discredited.” In her remarks, she spoke to the obstacles both women have overcome, underscoring the double standards women often face. Cardi’s speech resonated with attendees, as she highlighted the reality that women often have to “work ten times harder, perform ten times better,” only to have their achievements scrutinized or downplayed.
This comparison is not only relevant to Cardi’s own journey but also serves as a commentary on Harris’ political rise. Both women have faced immense criticism in their careers, often judged by standards that their male counterparts are not held to. Cardi’s endorsement of Harris is more than political—it’s a statement on the need for women to support each other and celebrate each other’s successes.
Kamala Harris and the Symbolism of Fashion
Cardi B wasn’t the only one making a fashion statement at the rally. Kamala Harris also donned an outfit that carried political and historical symbolism. She wore a custom-designed suit by Chemena Kamali, the creative director of Chloé. The navy wool two-piece suit, paired with a matching pussy-bow blouse, was chosen carefully to represent the qualities Harris hopes to bring to her role as president: trust, reliability, and thoughtfulness. Dark blue, often seen as a color of stability, reflects a calmness and depth that stands in contrast to the chaotic political climate of recent years.
The blouse, in particular, is a meaningful choice. Known as the “pussy-bow blouse,” it became a staple in the wardrobes of powerful women in the 1960s and 70s, as more women entered the corporate world. In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, popularized the blouse as part of her political image. Today, it remains a symbol of female power and resilience. Harris’ choice to wear this blouse alongside her suit is a nod to the past, a way of honoring the strides women have made in politics and leadership.
A Symbolic Setting: The Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
The choice of Wisconsin for this rally was no coincidence. The state, a critical battleground in U.S. presidential elections, could play a pivotal role in determining the 2024 election outcome. Cardi B and Harris made a strong impression on attendees in Wisconsin, emphasizing the importance of every vote and underscoring the challenges the nation faces. As Cardi put it, her decision to vote wasn’t about any candidate but about Harris’ ability to deliver on issues that matter most to her.
The Wisconsin rally comes at a crucial time, as voters across the nation are grappling with economic concerns, social issues, and questions about healthcare. Cardi’s endorsement of Harris goes beyond traditional political rhetoric. By sharing her own doubts and experiences, Cardi connects with voters who might also feel disillusioned by politics, reminding them that their voices matter.
Cardi’s Critique of Donald Trump’s “Hustling” of Women’s Rights
Cardi B also used her speech to address former President Donald Trump, a candidate Harris will face off against in the 2024 election. Cardi didn’t mince words, calling Trump a “hustler” and accusing him of “hustling women out of their rights to their body.” Her pointed critique of Trump touched on his policies that she believes have harmed women’s rights and healthcare access, issues Cardi has publicly supported in the past.
In her criticism, Cardi called out Trump’s various business ventures, including Trump-branded watches, sneakers, and Bibles, as part of his “hustling” strategy. She warned the audience, “Today, it’s your wallet. Tomorrow, he’ll be conning you out of your healthcare rights.” Cardi’s rhetoric reflects the concerns many voters have about the long-term implications of Trump’s policies, especially those affecting women’s rights.
By contrasting herself with Trump, Cardi positioned her endorsement of Harris as not just a political choice but a moral one. “Donald Trump talks about how he has ‘a concept of a plan,’ but, America, the only concept of a plan he has is a plan to hustle you,” she said. For Cardi, this election is about more than party lines—it’s about supporting leaders who are committed to genuine progress.
The Power of Celebrity Influence in Politics
Cardi B’s endorsement of Kamala Harris is a powerful example of the role celebrities can play in influencing public opinion. With her massive social media following and her ability to connect with fans on a personal level, Cardi’s support for Harris could have a significant impact on voter turnout, especially among younger voters and women. Her endorsement brings a unique energy to Harris’ campaign, combining the worlds of politics and entertainment in a way that few figures can.
Moreover, Cardi’s public journey from voter apathy to passionate endorsement mirrors the journey many young voters may experience. Her willingness to share her doubts, to grapple with her own skepticism, and ultimately to make a choice underscores the message that every vote matters.
As Cardi B stood on stage in her suffragette white suit, endorsing Kamala Harris and denouncing Donald Trump, she symbolized a new era of political endorsements. For Cardi, this was about more than politics—it was about advocating for leaders who represent the values she believes in and inspiring her fans to consider the stakes of the upcoming election.
In a time when disillusionment runs high, Cardi B’s support for Kamala Harris serves as a reminder that even one voice can make a difference. Her appearance in Wisconsin marks a significant moment, not just for her fans but for the broader political landscape. Whether her words and her wardrobe choices will sway voters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Cardi B has left an indelible mark on the 2024 election.
