There were several celebrity women speakers on Day 2 of the DNC. While I think this year’s DNC has been more exciting, watchable and positive than last week’s RNC, I still believe that whoever organized the schedule of speakers needs to find other work. There’s absolutely no reason why Michelle Obama’s speech (the best speech thus far) should have gone on Day 1. And on Day 2, Lena Dunham was in prime time… but John Lewis was not. Eric Holder spoke before America Ferrera. I’m just saying, the schedule bugs. And I’m saying that as someone who really likes America Ferrera. As for Ferrera and Dunham, they were paired together for their speech. This would have worked fine with just America, honestly.
Next up: Elizabeth Banks. You guys know I love Banks. She’s badass, she’s funny, she’s vehemently pro-choice and a vocal advocate for Planned Parenthood. But many thought her speech sort of bombed? I think there was a tone problem, a little bit.
Here’s Meryl Streep’s speech, which came late in the evening. It’s worth noting that one of Meryl’s big causes is the history of American women, telling the stories of our foremothers and specifically working towards breaking ground of The National Women’s History Museum. Meryl was there to talk about the historic nature of Hillary Clinton’s nomination, and God willing, our first female president.
Photos courtesy of Getty.
I loooooved her scream of pure job, excitement and pride in the beginning.
I think it was genius of letting Michelle Obama speak on day 1 – her speech closed the gap and brought many people onto Hillary’s side.
Absolutely. Putting Michele Obama on Day 1 was a masterful decision with all the distraction of the Bernie-or-Busters and negativity going into the DNC.
Tomorrow night is going to be fantastic. VP pick Senator Kaine, Michael Bloomberg, VP Joe Biden, President Obama.
Yeah so looking forward to these people
Oops, I meant tonight. LOL
Yes, I think Michelle Obama spoke on the first night to start the convention off with a bang. Everyone loved it, so they probably looked forward to the rest of it (IMHO, of course).
I loved Eva Longorias speech from the previous day too. If Jesse Venture and Arnold Schwartzenegger can run for public office and win, I dont see why Eva should continue hiding her light under a bushel. I hope she runs one day.
I can totally see Eva running for representative. The components are there.
RNC = Scott Baio
DNC = Meryl Streep
I think that about sums it up!
America would have been just fine without Lena as Lena added nothing. I do hope Rosie Perez speaks at some point. And John Lewis should have been in prime time. However, the quality of speakers is much better, much more compelling, and of course, far more representative of what this country looks like. Last night featured two former Presidents, two former Secretary of States, numerous Senators and Alicia Keys. Compared to last week?
As far as overall quality:
The RNC Convention = Scott Baio
The DNC Convention = Meryl Streep
Totally agree about Lena Dunham.
They did well having FLOTUS the first night; after the DWS debacle, they needed to do something to bring people back into the tent – that pissed a lot of people off.
I can see why John Lewis was not in prime time, while I might not like it. They need the young vote, hence, bringing out the big dogs and the celebrities early. Also agree about Lena, she strikes me as that person at a party who just injects themselves in a conversation only totally change the subject and make it about themselves.
Meryl’s dress made me smile.
I get putting Michelle on Day 1. It fired people up.
I have to say, from the perspective of a non-American, the whole presidential run is quite a show.
I understand why they need to collect a bazillion dollar to support all this.
I also wonder if the celebrities who join the convention and make speeches are paid or at least given a small “bonus”, or they volunteer for the cause.
Most of them seem genuinely involved in the campaign, except maybe Demi Lovato? Maybe I am biased because of my dislike of her 😀
What eats money is the television, radio, and print ads.
The celebrities donate their time, although probably their travel costs are paid.
Wrong spot.
As a non American I too am completely confused by this convention. Why so many celebrities? I wouldn’t vote for someone because meryl Streep does. I’m baffled by this. It looks more like a Las Vegas show than the nomination of the potential next leader of the free world
I’m American and I’m confused by this too.
Its not complicated. Human beings respond better to an argument when it is presented by somebody they like. If your favorite neighbor came over for tea and told you why she likes candidate x, you are more likely to listen than if a stranger tried it. Since they cant get everyones favorite neighbor, they get a beloved famous person to fill that role. Celebrity is such that we may never have met a person but we still feel a familiarity and sometimes an affection for them. Thats what makes them great political surrogates.
S/he galvanizes those who already agree and makes the message more palateable for those who are undecided. Thats why both sides do it, except the democrats do it much better.
@Naya
Yep, it’s pretty simple when you think about it.
Not to mention putting aside the celebrity aspect for a second there is a very real need to address different minority groups from THEIR own communities.
Nothing touched my soul more than when Michelle Obama discussed living in a house built by slaves and now watching her beautiful black children play on its lawn with their dog. That hit me right in the gut. Same for me and Demi. Mental illness is a strong entity that doesn’t play faves. Hearing someone with the money and the best medecine still address how powerful it is and that we have to do better was honestly very moving for me.
@Naya, when you put it like that it does make sense, but still, it is an almost uniquely American thing. I’m not sure other countries, at least the ones whose politics I follow, have anything that could compare. Why do you think that is? No shade, I’m really asking.
Yeah, I don’t get it either. But American politics is incredibly show-bizzy as it is, with the First Family, talk show appearances etc. The campaign for our general election lasted 16 days in total. So this 2 year extravaganza is fascinating to watch.
I understand the show of politics, but I find celebrities telling people who to vote for is quite off putting, almost insulting
Thanks for taking the time to explain. I guess this really is uniquely American. Australians don’t listen to celebrities endorsing our prime minister in fact it can be a negative as they are seen as so completely removed from “normal” people. Some campaigns here try the American way and it generally backfires.
To be fair, politicians in Canada also make appearances on talk shows. And our current PM and “First Lady” are global celebrities now, and have brought their own brand of glitz and glamour to Canadian politics. But you’re right, it’s still nothing like the Las Vegas act that we see in the States. I too find it all very strange, and entertaining in a way that I’m not sure politics should be.
Meryl Streep for president or Michelle who will never do it but she is fantastic. Lights up the room. I wish it was a different first woman. I don’t like the Donald either. But after reading ab clintons over the year I know too much. Tainted love.
Judging by the things Meryl said in the last few months, she isn’t the most aware person out there.
I don’t know. I laughed pretty hard at EB making the reality show comparison between The Hunger Games and Trump’s campaign. When she said that pus filled Oompa Loompa was taking a page out of Effie’s book, I thought it was spot-on.
EB was great! She was funny, smart and genuine.
I thought Elizabeth Banks mimicking Trump’s entrance to we are the champions was funny.
I ADORE Meryl Streep so I’m disappointed (not surprised) that she’s supporting HC.
Is it fair to say that I may be the only CB reader who isn’t tuning into and swooning over the Dem convention and it’s speakers?
I feel left out 😉
No you’re not alone.
The whole thing is nothing but bread and circuses, just like it is every four years, and yet people continue to eat it up.
No, you are in good company in avoiding the circus.
So, that makes 4 of us!
I am in good company, though…so I’ll relish it!
VP Joe Biden was amazing on Morning Joe this morning talking about foreign policy, because he is a foreign policy expert, and talking about Trump’s troubling comments and zero experience not attempting to educate himself and talked about ISIS.
Did you see Trump’s ghostwriter interviews? He said the same things. He also said Trump is a sociopath with a short attention span.
I did. It’s frightening he’s so close to being elected POTUS.
We cannot have complacency in this election as far as getting out to vote. So much is at stake .
One of the most scariest things about him is he is racial opportunist. He takes advantage of the current the racial tension in this country to further divide and place fear in us. “LAW AND ORDER”. The Dems also take advantage of it but call for systematic change and advocate for those mothers on stage last night. The Trumpers not only mock them but have zero empathy, using their sons death to invoke fear. Rarely ever say police have to change and place blame on the shooting victims. He is dangerous. Imagine him in the White House doing this. We will all be buying gold bars and a 5 year supply of rations if he is elected.
Why does Lena relate literally everything she says back to her body? I rarely hear people body shaming her as much as she routinely purports. It seems *she’s* the one with an issue about her body.
I loved Meryl’s speech and President Clinton nailed it last night!!!