'Cardi B Is Right': Sanders and Rapper Call Attention to Social Security and Urge Strengthening of System

Cardi B and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) found common ground this week when the senator expressed his agreement with the rap star regarding a statement she made supporting Social Security. (Photo: @aVeryRichBish/Twitter and Scott P/Flickr/cc)

'Cardi B Is Right': Sanders and Rapper Call Attention to Social Security and Urge Strengthening of System

The pair agree: "If we are really going to make America great we need to strengthen Social Security so that seniors are able to retire with the dignity they deserve."

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) embraced a newfound ally this week when he tweeted his agreement with a statement made by rap artist Cardi B about strengthening Social Security.

In a recent GQinterview, Cardi B shared her interest in politics and her admiration for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his establishment of a social safety net through the New Deal and laws like the Social Security Act of 1935.

"This man was suffering from polio at the time of his presidency, and yet all he was worried about was trying to make America great--make America great again for real. He's the real 'Make America Great Again,' because if it wasn't for him, old people wouldn't even get Social Security," she said.

Sanders took to social media to thank the Bronx-born rapper for calling attention to the subject and express his agreement in a tweet and video statement.

Sanders is a long-time advocate of strengthening the system which ensures a financial safety net for senior citizens--and on which Republicans could wage an attack this year, with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) claiming in December that the program is a major "driver of our debt," just before the GOP pushed through a law giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans.

The Vermont senator introduced a proposal last year that would require Americans who make more than $250,000 per year to pay the same percentage of their income into the Social Security system as lower-income and middle-class households do, which would increase benefits for low-income seniors.

Join Us: News for people demanding a better world


Common Dreams is powered by optimists who believe in the power of informed and engaged citizens to ignite and enact change to make the world a better place.

We're hundreds of thousands strong, but every single supporter makes the difference.

Your contribution supports this bold media model—free, independent, and dedicated to reporting the facts every day. Stand with us in the fight for economic equality, social justice, human rights, and a more sustainable future. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover the issues the corporate media never will. Join with us today!

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.