Highlights: Night Two At The Democratic National Convention

Michelle Obama, DJ Cassidy, Barack Obama (screen caps)

I’m sure many of you are watching the over-the-top enthusiasm taking place at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. Just in case you might have missed a bit, here are my favorite moments from Night Two. Continue reading “Highlights: Night Two At The Democratic National Convention”

Phil Donahue Dies At 88 + Truth Social Stock Tanks + More News

Phil Donahue dead at 88 (screen capture)

Some news items I thought worth your time: • Entertainment Tonight: Phil Donahue, arguably the king of afternoon talk TV,  passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. His award-winning show tackled tough social and political issues, but also pioneered a breezy format that opened the door to successors like Oprah Winfrey. Continue reading “Phil Donahue Dies At 88 + Truth Social Stock Tanks + More News”

Dem Convention Highlight – Teen Inspires Millions Sharing His Journey Stuttering

L-R Brayden Harrington, Donald Trump
I thought I posted this early today. By far, my favorite moment of the last night of the Democratic presidential convention was the incredible appearance by 13-year-old Brayden Harrington. The teen spoke at the DNC about how he bonded with Joe Biden because they both have a stutter. “He told me that we were members of the same club — we stutter.”

Just some of the reactions on the Twitter:

News Round-Up: August 18, 2020

(image via Facebook)
Some news items you might have missed: • FOX13Now: A waiter at an Ogden restaurant is sharing his story after finding a bigoted message written on a cash tip that was left for him. Even though the transaction was all-electronic, the customers specifically asked for a pen. The $5 bill (above) was marked with the words, “Get out of America, Fag!” • Pink News: HIV activists are cheering that China has finally approved the drug Truvada for Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) which can prevent people from contracting HIV through condomless sex. According to the United Nations, 44 percent of new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific region last year were in queer men. • YouTube: I loved this rundown of Top 20 Best Gay Romance Movies (with a happy ending). Lots of my favorite films here.

Out: A federal judge in Boise has temporarily blocked a controversial law in Idaho that banned trans athletes from participation in school sports. The bill, which Governor Brad Little signed into law this past March, allowed for internal and external verification of a disputed athlete’s reproductive system. • Washington Blade: A gay former assistant superintendent and contracting liaison for the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has been charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $2.1 million in funds for personal use from two federal coronavirus relief programs. Kenneth P. Gaughan, 41, reportedly used the funds to purchase a $300,000 yacht, a $1.13 million townhouse in D.C., and a $46,000 luxury sports car. • Democratic National Convention: I meant to get around to sharing my thoughts on the first night of the convention, but…the day got away from me. As the second night is about to begin, I have to share this one-two knockout punch from Night One – Michelle Obama’s pitch-perfect keynote speech, followed by Billy Porter and Stephen Stills performing the iconic anti-war protest song, “For What It’s Worth.” #Bam

Hillary Clinton & Elizabeth Warren To Speak On Same Convention Night

L-R Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Axios reports Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are both scheduled to speak on Wednesday, August 19, of the Democratic convention. That’s the same night Joe Biden’s running mate will address the nation. The Biden campaign has indicated the vice-presidential candidate will be announced next week. Two of the most influential women in Democratic politics, Clinton and Warren have the potential to turn out millions of establishment and progressive voters in November. Democrats announced this week that their convention will be entirely virtual.

Poll: Hillary Clinton Acceptance Speech Scores Higher Than Trump’s

So, now that both presidential candidates have accepted their nominations and addressed the country, whose message scored better with voters?

Well, according to polls by CNN immediately after each speech, it looks like the reaction to Democrat Hillary Clinton got a more positive reaction.

A CNN/ORC poll last night showed 71% of those who watched Clinton’s speech felt “very positive” about her address.

CNN’s poll after Republican Donald Trump’s speech last week was 14 points lower – 57% “very positive.”

On the other end of the spectrum, the negatives showed further downside for Trump. While only 12% viewed Clinton’s speech in a “negative” light, Trump’s negative score was double that – 24%.

Additionally, Clinton scored higher than Trump – 82% over 73% – when it came to which candidate’s policies would move the country in the right direction.

Bernie Sanders Gets Major Speaking Spot At Democratic Convention

Bernie Sanders will speak on the first night of the Democratic National Convention which takes place later this month in Philadelphia.

Also slated to speak are First Lady Michelle Obama (Monday night), former President Bill Clinton (Tuesday night), President Obama (Wednesday night) and Vice-President Joe Biden (Wednesday night).

Progressive favorite Sen. Elizabeth Warren has reportedly been offered a prime speaking slot, but her name was not included in a press release announcing the speakers. That omission quickly prompted more rumors that she might be Hillary Clinton’s VP pick.

Also leading the list of potential running mates are Sen. Tim Kaine and Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

The vice presidential nominee — as of yet unannounced — typically speaks on the third night of the convention as well.

That Time When Hillary Clinton Stopped The Democratic Convention To Nominate Barack Obama As Dem Nominee

At the 2008 National Democratic Convention, then Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York called for a stop in the roll call of states, asking that in the spirit of party unity the convention move directly to electing her former opponent Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee.

Classy move.

I hope to see similar class at this year’s convention.