National Elections

DNC Convention Preview: Entertainment before Obama speech to feature NC native son James Taylor

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced part of the lineup for festivities that will precede President Obama’s nomination acceptance speech at the Bank of America Stadium on Thursday, September 6.

Calling it a “tribute to the dynamic convention host state,” entertainers will include five-time Grammy award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee James Taylor; local performing arts group and stars of America’s Got Talent, Inspire the Fire; and genre-bending rock band Delta Rae. DNCC Announces James Taylor and Other Hometown Talent for 2012 Democratic National Convention:

2012_DNC_Logo_RGB_1_11“I’m all fired up to take the stage at the Democratic Convention for President Obama right here in North Carolina,” said James Taylor, who penned and performed “Carolina in my Mind” – the iconic song that many people from North Carolina consider to be the state’s unofficial anthem.  “I think it’s so important that he have a second term to keep this country moving forward.”

“Highlighting such amazing talent from North Carolina as part of the entertainment at the convention’s closing event is just one way that convention organizers are working to bring the flavor of North Carolina to all Americans,” said DNCC CEO Steve Kerrigan. “Whether you’re one of the tens of thousands who received community credentials to attend this historic event in person, or tuning in remotely, you will have a taste of the wonderful region that is home to this year’s convention.”

I am sure that James Taylor will lead the stadium audience in a sing-a-long of "Carolina in my Mind" – sure to bring a tear to the eye of Tarheels. (Video below the fold).

DNC Convention Preview: Cristina Saralegui to address convention

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Cristina Saralegui, the popular Latina television host who has been referred to as the “Hispanic Oprah,”  will speak at the Democratic National Convention, according to the DNC and the Obama for America campaign. Cristina Saralegui to speak at Democratic convention:

2012_DNC_Logo_RGB_1_11Saralegui as well as actress Eva Longoria will join a roster of speakers during the three-day event which takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina, September 4th through 6th.

In June, Saralegui publicly endorsed President Barack Obama. “You’ve had our back, and now, with utmost respect and admiration, I have yours.” The Cuban-American television and radio talk show host 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.”

Video below the fold.

Democratic & Republican conventions: Occupiers/protesters ready for delegates

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by Pamela Powers Hannley

Occupiers in Tampa, Florida and Charlotte, NC are gearing up for the deluge of politicians, dignitaries, convention delegates, journalists, and other protesters who are about to descend upon their cities.

The Republican National Convention (RNC) will be held in Tampa will be August 27-30. The Democratic National Convention (DNC) will be held in Charlotte (AKA Wall Street of the South) from September 3-6.

With their anti-women, anti-any-color-but-white, anti-immigrant, anti-middle class, anti-gay, anti-union… OK… anti-99% agenda, the RNC offers a fertile field for protests from the rest of us. With Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan on the ticket, the Republicans have cemented their place in history as the party of the 1%. 

Occupy Tampa is one of the few Occupations with tents on the ground, and they plan to be camping– and protesting– during the RNC.

More hints about what will be happening outside the convention halls, after the jump.

DNC Convention Preview: List of speakers (Updated)

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The first two days of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Tuesday, September 4, and Wednesday, September 5, will be held at Time Warner Cable Arena. The final night of the convention, Thursday, September 6, will be held at Bank of America Stadium. Former President Jimmy Carter will address the 2012 Democratic National … Read more

DNC Convention Preview: Latino Star Power

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, making him the first Latino to receive the honor. Julian Castro, San Antonio Mayor, To Be First Latino DNC Keynote Speaker:

2012_DNC_Logo_RGB_1_11"As mayor, Julian Castro has worked tirelessly to move San Antonio forward by building its economy from the middle out, not the top down, by putting the city on a path to being a leader in the new energy economy and making innovative investments in education to prepare San Antonio's students for the jobs of the future," said Los Angeles Mayor and Democratic Convention Chair Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement. "That's the same vision forward for the middle class the President has, and it stands in stark contrast to Mitt Romney, who's ready to return us to the same policies that crashed our economy."

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In a video message, Castro, 37, called his role at the convention "an honor I don't take lightly." He recalled watching and being inspired by President Barack Obama's keynote speech at the 2004 convention. That speech catapulted Obama, at the time a state senator from Illinois, onto the national stage.

"We've come so far over the past three and a half years under Obama's leadership," Castro said in the video. "And I know he's not done yet. We've got a lot more work to do."

Video beow the fold.