Dems and Cardi B should be making ‘money moves …’ together

Madeleine Neal, Opinions Columnist

Whether Bronx-born Cardi B is dropping hit singles or feuding with hip-hop counterpart Nicki Minaj, one thing is certain: If she is around, you will hear her.

The 26-year-old gained media attention during President Donald Trump’s 35-day government shutdown — defending federal workers who weren’t receiving pay, which she did not approve of, according to a viral video.

She gained even more attention upon threatening to “dog-walk”  conservative TV and internet personality Tomi Lahren, who called the singer “moronic” and blasting said-video in what just might be one of  the strangest Twitter “beefs” I’ve seen to-date.

But Lahren apparently isn’t the only one who isn’t a fan of Cardi’s political hot takes, because when Iowa’s Polk County Democrats invited the rapper to speak at a May reception during her time in Des Moines, they got quite a few head tilts.

Say what you want about Cardi B’s political knowledge, or lack thereof — here’s the thing: She demands to be heard. Her viral internet lashing out against Trump and quick-witted response to Lahren are both prime examples.

She’s boisterous, she’s loud, and like Polk County Democrat Chairman Sean Bagniewski told NBC News, she “speaks to new activism in the Democratic Party.”

We saw this during the last election cycle: Young voters love excitement — something or someone who proposes radical ideas and enacts radical ways to achieve them (which could arguably be why a populist is in the White House, and why another populist, Sen. Bernie Sanders, achieved so much youth support).

My point being, if Cardi B engages young voters and encourages them to be civically involved, we have no reason to bash her or the Democrats in Polk County.

If anything, Iowa Democrats should thank the group for inviting the soon-to-be hip-hop icon to the party … and her money moves, too.