US election 2024 live: Harris campaigns with Cardi B in Wisconsin, while Trump holds a rally in the battleground state

Rowan Bridge
North America Correspondent, Washington DC

image source, Reuters

Today it's Cardi B, yesterday it was J-Lo.

Kamala Harris announced celebrity endorsements in the final days of the campaign. At her rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the rapper and songwriter was one of the keynote speakers and performers before the vice president took the stage.

Cardi B is a social media juggernaut with more than 250 million followers across her social media platforms. Her performance is unlikely to win over MAGA hat-wearing Trump Republicans. But it will help energize Harris' base and perhaps encourage some fans who may not have thought about voting to make the effort.

What was noticeable was that Cardi B rehearsed many of Harris' own talking points before she took the stage.

Reading from her phone, she explained Donald Trump's policies on abortion rights: “No, no. I'm not taking any risks with my future… and [I’m] I’m not taking any risks with my children’s future.”

Regarding the economy, the rapper said people need to “get stronger,” adding that “the cost of food and living is too high.”

image source, Reuters

Harris has recently started putting the economy at the top of her speeches, and tonight was no different.

“At the top of my list is lowering the cost of living for you, that’s what I’m going to focus on every day,” Harris said.

The cost of living is a key issue this election as households balk at prices that have risen nearly 20% in the last four years.

In recent days, she has made it clear that she understands the economic plight of ordinary Americans and has a plan to help. If America listens, we'll find out soon.