Tag Archives: Democratic National Convention

Longoria Slams Donald Trump During Spirited Democratic National Convention Speech

Posted on by
Reply

Eva Longoria is speaking out against Donald Trump…

The Democratic National Convention kicked off on Monday in Philadelphia with a wide variety of speakers, including the 41-year-old Mexican American actress and former Desperate Housewives star.

Eva Longoria

Before introducing Senator Cory Booker, Longoria criticized Trump for his comments about Mexican immigrants, for mocking a New York Times reporter with a disability, and for making numerous sexist remarks throughout his campaign and career.

She subsequently referred to Hillary Clinton as “the most qualified presidential candidate ever,” and pointed out that even the convention alone was making history in terms of diversity.

Longoria also repeated a call to action that she has delivered on a number of occasions on behalf of Clinton: “She’s been fighting for us for decades and now it’s time we fight for her.”

Longoria joined several other celebrities at the DNC, which promised to be a star-studded four days.

Others in attendance included Demi Lovato, who talked about her own battle with mental illness, America Ferrera and Chloë Grace Moretz, all of whom campaigned for Clinton.

Here’s the full transcript of Longoria’s speech:

“Hello Philadelphia! Oh man, I am so honored to be here tonight, and I am proud to say I’m with her!

You know, like many of you, this election is very personal to me. I’m from a small town in South Texas and if you know your history, Texas used to be part of Mexico. Now, I’m 9th generation American. My family never crossed a border — the border crossed us. So when Donald Trump calls us criminals and rapists, he’s insulting American families. My father is not a criminal or rapist. In fact, he’s a United States veteran.

When Trump cruelly mocked a disabled reporter, he was also mocking my special needs sister Lisa, and many like her. When he said that a wife who works is a very dangerous thing, he not only insulted me — he insulted my mother, who worked as a special education teacher for 30 years, raised four children while being a wife!

You know, I believe in the candidate who believes in all of us, and that candidate is Hillary Clinton. Hillary has spent her whole life fighting for all Americans, from healthcare reform to equal pay for women to gun safety to protecting the economy. She is the most qualified presidential candidate ever! She’s been fighting for us for decades and now it’s time we fight for her.

Now I’m very proud to be part of that fight, and I’m very proud to be here to introduce my dear friend Cory Booker, but before I do, I want you to take a look at your convention, Philadelphia. A Latina from South Texas is introducing the first black senator from New Jersey on the week we’ll nominate our first woman candidate for president of the United States! Pretty great. So guess what, Donald? It turns out America is pretty great already. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Sen. Cory Booker.”

Lovato Gives Moving Speech on Mental Health at the Democratic National Convention

Posted on by
1

Demi Lovato is living with mental illness, and she’s not afraid to talk about it to a national audience.

The 23-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress delivered an inspired speech regarding mental illness and a need to improve the quality and availability of medical treatment during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday in Philadelphia.

Demi Lovato

“Like millions of Americans, I am living with mental illness, but I’m lucky: I had the resources and support to get treatment at a top facility,” said Lovato, who spent time in a treatment center for bipolar disorder and anxiety. “Unfortunately, too many Americans from all walks of life don’t get help, either because they fear the stigma or they can not afford treatment.

Lovato also called on politicians to support laws that would provide access to improved health care for all those suffering with mental illness. “Untreated mental illness can lead to devastating consequences including suicide, substance abuse and long-term medical issues,” Lovato said. “We can do better. Every one of us can make a difference.”

“I stand here today as proof that you can live a normal and empowered life with mental illness,” the singer added. “I’m proud to support a presidential candidate who will fight to ensure all people living with mental health conditions get the care they need to lead fulfilling lives. That candidate is Hillary Clinton. Let’s make her the next president of the United States of America.”

Following her speech, Lovato then offered the Philadelphia crowd a live performance of her single “Confident.”

Miranda Offering Tuesday Matinee of “Hamilton” for Hillary Clinton Fundraiser

Posted on by
Reply

He may be currently portraying a former president on Broadway, but Lin-Manuel Miranda is throwing his support for the woman who could be the nation’s next leader…

The 36-year-old Puerto Rican actor, composer, rapper and writer, best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights, is lending Democrats a Broadway hand with a July 12 fundraiser for Hillary Clinton.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

With the ex-Secretary of State’s campaign having bought out the Richard Rodgers Theatre for the unusual Tuesday matinee, tickets are going from $2,700 to $100,000 a pop (for event co-chairs).

Presumptive nominee Clinton will be in attendance for the fundraiser, which comes two-weeks before the Democrats have their National Convention in Philadelphia.

The Clinton fundraiser will add an extra matinee to the hit show’s schedule that week. For the $2,700 ticket, supporters will get a general seat, with preferred seats going for $5,000. The premium ticket of $10,000 includes a photo reception with the candidate, and a host ticket of $33,400 includes a wrap party with Clinton and other special guests.

The big-ticket purchase – $100,000 for an “event chair” spot – includes two premium seats, the wrap party and an invitation to the Democratic National Convention.

Broadway’s hottest ticket still remains so, despite recent cast departures announced as some of the original cast’s contracts expire next month.

Castro Elected to Lead the Freshman Class of U.S. Congress Democrats

Posted on by
Reply

U.S. Representative Joaquín Castro could be considered Congress’ freshman class president…

The 38-year-old Mexican-American Congressman, D-San Antonio, the twin brother of San Antonio Mayor and Democratic National Convention keynote speaker Julián Castro, was elected by his to serve as president of the freshman class of Democrats in the 113th Congress.

Joaquín Castro

The honor was bestowed upon Castro as freshmen received their committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session.

Both Castro and Representative Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, will serve on the House Armed Services Committee.

Meanwhile, Representative Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, is the new chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Newly elected Representative Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, will serve on Agriculture and Homeland Security committees.

Eva Longoria to Co-Chair Presidential Inaugural Committee

Posted on by
Reply

Eva Longoria served as a co-chairwoman of President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign and gave an inspired speech at the Democratic National Convention… And now she’s playing an active role in his inauguration.

The 37-year-old Mexican American actress will serve co-chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, along with former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Matthew Barzun, the national finance chairman of Obama’s campaign.

Eva Longoria

Longoria and Barzun will be joined by Jane Stetson, the national finance chairwoman of the DNC, and Frank White, who served on the Obama administration’s National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises.

Obama’s second inauguration will again include a “national day of service” and his inaugural committee includes honorary chairman roles for the four living ex-presidents, according to the committee. Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush will serve as honorary co-chairmen of the weekend.

Obama’s public inauguration events will take place on Monday, January 21, 2013, though he will be officially sworn in for his second term of office on January 20. The U.S. Constitution specifies a presidential term begins at noon on January 20th. The public events however will be held the next day because the 20th is a Sunday.

Obama’s campaign manager, Jim Messina, will head the inaugural parade, while campaign deputies will lead efforts such as the national day of service, inaugural balls.

On the Saturday before his inauguration, Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and members of each of their families will participate in a national day of service. They will encourage “Americans across the country to organize and participate in service projects in their communities,” the committee said.

Castro Headed to Congress

Posted on by
Reply

Mr. Castro goes to Washington…

Joaquín Castro, the twin brother of San Antonio Mayor and Democratic National Convention keynote speaker Julián Castro, soundly defeated Republican David Rosa and two third-party candidates on Tuesday night, garnering some 64-percent of the vote.

Joaquin Castro

The 38-year-old Mexican American Harvard-trained attorney and five-term state representative will now represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He’ll replace the retiring U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, in District 20. Gonzalez has served since 1999, replacing his father, Henry B. Gonzalez, who held the seat from 1961 to 1999.

“We won this race not only with the support of Democrats but also Republicans and independents,” said Castro.

Castro, considered a rising star of the Democratic Party, is being hailed by political insiders as “the most anticipated Democratic newcomer in Congress come swearing-in time in January.”

The 20th district is about 64 percent Latino and has a majority of Democrat registered voters. (55 percent)

Longoria to Speak at Democratic National Convention

Posted on by
Reply

It should come as no surprise that Eva Longoria will be making a big appearance at the Democratic National Convention… After all, she’s one of the co-chairs of President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign.

The 37-year-old Mexican American actress, who has been one of the president’s most enthusiastic surrogates during this election cycle and has emerged as a leading advocate of his reelection among Latinos, will be one of nine women scheduled to address DNC delegates from the podium. There aren’t any consistent records to cite, but most political observers believe that’s a record number of female speakers at a national convention.

Eva Longoria

“Ever since I was a little kid, my parents made sure I knew I could do anything if I worked hard. My sister Lisa, who faced obstacles growing up with special needs, taught me to be courageous and compassionate,” said Longoria In a pre-convention campaign video. “This is how I try to live my life day to day and this is what I see in everything President Obama does. Whether he’s fighting for affordable healthcare and access to education, or supporting small businesses in the Hispanic community, over the last three years he’s worked to reform our immigration system, to give everyone a fair shot at the American Dream.”

But the Desperate Housewives star and previously announced keynote speaker Julian Castro won’t be the only popular Hispanic leaders/celebrities participating in the Democratic National Convention.

Half-Mexican American actress Jessica Alba and her husband, producer Cash Warren, will serve as co-hosts of the week’s most important fundraising event, a joint open-your-checkbook party for all the pro-Democratic super PAC’s, including Priorities USA. The event, which is set for the convention’s closing night, is being called “Super-O-Rama” and hopes are high that it’ll help rescue the Democrats’ efforts in the independent expenditure sector, where they’ve badly lagged those of the Republicans.

Meanwhile, Cuban American journalist and television host Christina Saralequi will also be among the women addressing the convention during the three-day event, which takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina, September 4th through 6th.

Earlier this summer, Saralegui publicly endorsed Obama, saying “You’ve had our back, and now, with utmost respect and admiration, I have yours.”

Saralegui added that ”President Obama is a principled man who has worked hard to put healthcare and a good education in the reach of millions of Americans, and believes that everyone who works hard and plays by the rules, should have a fair shot at the American dream.”

Castro to Serve as the Democratic National Convention Keynote Speaker

Posted on by
2

He’s a rising star in the Democratic Party… And now Julián Castro will be making political history.

The 37-year-old Mexican-American politician, the two-term mayor of San Antonio, will be the first Latino keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention, an event chaired by another famous Latino politician: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Julian Castro

“Not only was the administration and Democratic National Committee recognizing the importance of Hispanics in America, but also I think it tells you that they’re seriously looking at Texas, at the demographic changes that have occurred in Texas [that] are making this state a state that quickly will turn purple and then blue after that,” said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa, the first Latino to hold that post. “This honor … is a recognition of that.”

To many, Castro—the son of famous activist Rosie Castro—represents the future of the party, which is making every effort to solidify its role as the party of choice for Latinos.

In 2010, he attended President Barack Obama‘s national jobs-and-growth economic forum at the White House, an event where the president actually joked that he thought Castro was an intern.

Many believe Castro could be considered the future face of the party, and someone who could win the presidency one day.

In a video announcing the address, Castro praised Obama’s 2004 speech, as well as his health reform act and foreign policy.

“Julián really stands out,” Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda, an associate professor of Chicano and global studies at the University of California Los Angeles, told the New York Times in what has become a widely cited profile. “There are other talented young Hispanic politicians around, but few have his stature or national potential. He’s from San Antonio, but he’s very much admired in California. He’s like Obama — one of us, but someone who also comes out of a broader American experience.”

Villaraigosa to Serve as Chair of the Democratic National Convention

Posted on by
Reply

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is preparing to shine bright in the national spotlight…

The 59-year-old Mexican American politician has been tapped to chair the Democratic Party’s national convention this summer in Charlotte, N.C.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who serves as the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, announced in an email to DNC members that Villaraigosa will be nominated to chair the September convention.

Chairing the national convention, where Democrats are expected to nominate President Barack Obama for a second term, will place Villaraigosa in a national spotlight. Overseeing the gathering will also place the Latino mayor front and center as Democrats attempt to woo Latino support for Obama and other candidates.

Wasserman Schultz tells DNC members that Villaraigosa has empowered people during his career and will encourage engagement from Americans across the country.

Meanwhile, Villaraigosa, one of the nation’s most prominent elected Latino officials, said he expected to play a role in the campaign’s outreach to Latino voters. The White House is counting on strong Latino turnout, especially in battleground states such as Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Florida. But the mayor said he planned to speak “to a broad cross section of people, not just to Latinos.”

Villaraigosa was elected mayor in 2005 and re-elected in 2009.