Olympic Silver-Medalist Gus Kenworthy To Headline DNC's LGBTQ Gala In June

Gus Kenworthy (image via Instagram)

Woofy out Olympic silver medalist Gus Kenworthy will headline the Democratic National Committee's LGBTQ Gala on June 25 in New York City.

From ABC News:

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the DNC at their LGBTQ Gala this Pride season. Over the last year, the Trump-Pence administration has pushed our community to the sidelines, attacking us for who we are and who we love,” Kenworthy wrote to ABC News in a statement.

“It’s time we take a stand against this administration by electing representatives this upcoming November who actively support and believe in equality for everyone,” he said.

The seven-time world champ quite publicly skipped the White House reception for 2018 Winter Olympians last Friday along with fellow high-profile athletes Lindsey Vonn, Erin Hamlin, Adam Rippon and Chloe Kim.

At the reception, Donald Trump told attendees that watching the Paralympics was "tough to watch." Gus was among the Olympians who clapped back at the insult.

All US Olympians and Paralympians are invited to visit the White House and meet the President after the Games. Today is this year's visit and USOC spokesperson says he's never seen so many athletes turn down their invites. The resistance is real. https://t.co/6mKJGicWDS

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) April 26, 2018

I miss the days when the Team USA White House visit didn't include a part where the President made fun of our Paralympic team... pic.twitter.com/4QJ5B7kQ58

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) April 28, 2018

DNC Denounces Donald Trump, Marco Rubio Attending Anti-LGBT Hate Fest

A joint statement from Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile and DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes publicly denounces GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio for participating in today's anti-LGBT hate fest in Orlando.

“Instead of honoring the memory of those we lost at Pulse two months ago, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio have come to Orlando to headline a gathering of some of the nation’s most incendiary anti-gay bigots.

"We at the DNC join all people of good conscience in expressing our solidarity with the Orlando LGBT community as they continue to grieve the deadliest shooting in American history.

"We suggest Trump and Rubio disavow these anti-gay extremists who have likened gay people to Nazis and characterized HIV/AIDS as divine ‘penalties’ for being gay. Failing to do so will be yet another example of the utter lack of judgment that makes Trump unfit to serve.”

The “Rediscovering God in America Renewal Project”, a gathering of anti-LGBT pastors, is taking place exactly two months after the attack on LGBT Americans at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando which left 49 dead and dozens injured.

Twitter folks are not amused:

@marcorubio & @realDonaldTrump shamefully show <3 for guns & homophobes in Orlando today. #ForThe49 pic.twitter.com/kHwdb3nGbR

— Organize Now! (@OrgNow) August 11, 2016

Radio Show: Recapping The Political Conventions With Aaron Baldwin

Take a listen to my latest online radio show, aptly named The Randy Report, hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

Political activist Aaron Baldwin joined me to look back on the highs and lows of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

The hits, the misses, the winners and losers.

Who gave the best speech? Who dropped the ball on an opportunity? Which party scored better among voters?

Did the upbeat message of the Democrats resonate with voters more than the darker tone of the Republicans?

What did the polls say in the aftermath of both conventions? Will Hillary get a post-convention bounce?

What's next in this very unusual presidential race?

Aaron Baldwin is my go-to political smart guy, so hit the play button below and see what Aaron thinks.

NBA-er Jason Collins Met With Hillary Clinton Before Coming Out

Out NBA player Jason Collins

Former NBA player Jason Collins addressed last night's Democratic National Convention telling the crowd that Hillary Clinton was a source of support when he made the decision to come out.

Collins has known the Clinton family for years ever since he attended Stanford University with Chelsea Clinton.

Collins, the first openly gay player in a major American league sport, shared with the audience that he met with the Clintons privately before coming out.

From The Advocate:

“I've known their family for almost 20 years,” Collins said. “I knew that they would accept me for who I was and that they would help pave a path for others to do the same. I am forever grateful for their words of wisdom back then and their unconditional support. They knew that my sexual orientation made no difference in my ability to play basketball.”

“My dream was to play in the NBA and live my authentic life as a proud gay man at the same time,” Collins said. “I was able to accomplish both of those goals because of the people who have supported me throughout my life.”

Since leaving the league, the now retired player has become an advocate for LGBT rights, most recently praising the NBA for moving the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte.

Michelle Obama Covers NY Daily News

It says much that after First Lady Michelle Obama's rafter-raising speech at the Democratic National Convention last night, the New York Daily News quickly swapped out an already planned snarky cover (regarding frictions at the DNC) to highlight and praise the First Lady.

Sen. Cory Booker Isn't Going To Take Donald Trump's Hate Bait

After Sen. Cory Booker's electrifying speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention last night, Republican presidential candidate did what he does and attacked Booker via Twitter.

With a mysterious, veiled threat, the Trumpster wrote, "If Cory Booker is the future of the Democratic Party, they have no future! I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.”

If Cory Booker is the future of the Democratic Party, they have no future! I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2016

But Booker isn't taking Trump's hate bait.

Speaking with CNN this morning, Booker said, "I love you, Donald. I pray for you."

Watching below. This is how you take on a bully.



And, in case you missed it, here's just the last few minutes of Booker's roof-raising speech. This really is a must-watch:

Watch: First Lady Michelle Obama's Full Democratic National Convention Speech

Ok, so I was pretty much knocked out by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker's Democratic National Convention speech last night.

My thinking was "No way anyone will top that." And with First Lady Michelle Obama coming up next, even though I really like her, she's not previously been known for her soaring oratory.

And then I was proven wrong.

This was the speech of the night. Raising her voice with passion and clarity without being shrill, she evoked the responsibilities inherent in leading the country.

Bernie Sanders Texts Supporters To "Not Engage In Any Kind Of Protest On The Floor" Of DNC

Bernie Sanders has texted his supporters asking them to not protest from the floor of the Democratic National Committee:

"I ask you as a personal courtesy to me to not engage in any kind of protest on the floor. It's of utmost importance that you explain this to your delegations."

Sanders asks followers to take it easy on the floor protests...#DNCinPHL https://t.co/3ZdYjcaxOW

— Maddow Blog (@MaddowBlog) July 25, 2016

DNC Formally Apologizes To Bernie Sanders And His Supporters

DNC offers apology to Bernie Sanders and his supporters for leaked emails #DemsInPhilly (via @fitzpatrick_m) pic.twitter.com/yRzyjFeOwZ

— Steven D'Souza (@cbcsteve) July 25, 2016

Bernie Sanders Booed By His Own Supporters In Philadelphia

Addressing a crowd today in Philadelphia ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Sen. Bernie Sanders was booed by his own supporters when he urged them to support the Clinton/Kaine ticket.

Watch below as Frankenstein's monster grows out of control.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz Says She Will NOT Gavel In Democratic National Convention

Thank god.

From USA Today:

Outgoing party chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has told a Florida newspaper she will no longer open the Democratic National Convention on Monday.

"I have decided that in the interest of making sure that we can start the Democratic convention on a high note that I am not going to gavel in the convention," the Florida congresswoman told south Florida's Sun Sentinel.

On Sunday, Wasserman Schultz announced she would resign as Democratic National Committee chairwoman following the convention but indicated she still planned to open and close the Philadelphia gathering.

However, with the controversy over leaked party emails that showed Democratic staffers favoring Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders during the primary campaign still simmering, Wasserman Schultz faced the prospect of a hostile reception from delegates on the floor Monday.

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge will handle the responsibilities of the Chair throughout the four day convention.

I hope the Bernie Sanders supporters, now that they have Schultz's scalp, will join the rest of the Democratic Party and support the candidate of the party.

ICYMI: My report when @DWStweets announced she would not appear on stage at @Demconvention https://t.co/r6pliuhaaQ

— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) July 25, 2016

Debbie Wasserman Schultz Booed At Democratic National Convention

Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz got booed (shocker!) addressing her own delegation on the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

Wasserman Schultz announced her resignation as Chair of the DNC yesterday in the aftermath of leaked emails which indicated the DNC  may have favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders during the Democratic primary.

.@DWStweets booed off the stage at her own FL delegation breakfast @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/GMe0g9t1JQ

— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) July 25, 2016

Debbie Wasserman Schultz To Step Down As DNC Chair

In the aftermath of Wikileaks' release of Democratic National Committee emails, Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has announced she will step down as the head of the DNC.

According to CBS News, DNC Vice Chair Donna Brazile will serve as Interim Chair through the election.

While I was just about to post my thoughts that she should step down, this comes in. The troubling part here, though, is that she seem to intend to address the conventioneers. That would be a mistake.

At this point, DWS needs to stand aside for party unity and not have some kind of "last hurrah."

Click the pic below to enlarge her statement.

Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg To Endorse Hillary Clinton In Prime-Time Convention Speech

The New York Times is reporting that billionaire and former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, will speak in prime-time at the Democratic National Convention and endorse Hillary Clinton for president.

The news is an unexpected move from Mr. Bloomberg, who has not been a member of the Democratic Party since 2000; was elected the mayor of New York City as a Republican; and later became an independent.

But it reflects Mr. Bloomberg’s increasing dismay about the rise of Donald J. Trump and a determination to see that the Republican nominee is defeated.

Mrs. Clinton is seeking to reach out to middle-of-the-road swing voters and even moderate Republicans uneasy about Mr. Trump. Polls show that significant numbers of Republicans remain wary of Mr. Trump, and question his fitness for the presidency.

Mr. Bloomberg will vouch for Mrs. Clinton “from the perspective of a business leader and an independent,” said Howard Wolfson, a senior adviser to Mr. Bloomberg.

Mr. Bloomberg, who has been sharply critical of Mr. Trump’s views on immigration and the economy, may fortify Mrs. Clinton’s appeal to the political center.

This will the first time Bloomberg will speak at any political party's national convention in a political role.  In 2004, the 3-term mayor appeared at the Republican National Convention in his role as mayor of the host city.

Bloomberg considered an independent run for president this election cycle, but chose otherwise out of concern splitting voters might help elect Donald Trump.

Human Rights Campaign President To Speak On Final Night Of Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Committee has released a preliminary list of speakers at this weeks' Democratic National Convention.

You'll note the vast diversity of speakers, including Congressman Keith Ellison (first Muslim American elected to Congress), Chad Griffin (president of the Human Rights Campaign), and Sarah McBride (transgender LGBT activist).

Via press release:

Monday, July 25 - "United Together"
Congressman Keith Ellison (Minnesota)
National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen Garcia
Congressman Raul Grijalva (Arizona)
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (Iowa) and candidates of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
SEIU President Mary Kay Henry
Congressman Joe Kennedy (Massachusetts)
Chair of the Democratic Governors Association Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy
Building Trades President Sean McGarvey
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (Oregon)
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (California) and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
AFSCME President Lee Saunders
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten
Senator Bernie Sanders
First Lady Michelle Obama

Tuesday, July 26 - "A Lifetime of Fighting For Children and Families"
Democratic National Committee Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation Donna Brazile
Former State Senator Jason Carter (Georgia)
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (California) and the Democratic Women of the House
Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards

Wednesday, July 27 - "Working Together"
Congressman GK Butterfield and members of the Congressional Black Caucus
Congresswoman Judy Chu (California) and members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
NARAL President Ilyse Hogue
Rear Admiral John Hutson (Ret. USN)
Civil Rights leader Jesse Jackson
Congressman Ben Ray Lujan and candidates of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Former Congressman and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey
EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock
Center for American Progress Action Fund President Neera Tanden
Vice-President  Joe Biden
President Barack Obama

Thursday, July 28 - "Stronger Together"
General John Allen (ret. USMC), former Commander, International Security Assistance Forces, and Commander, United States Forces – Afghanistan
Candidates of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
President of the Human Rights Campaign Chad Griffin
League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski
Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (New York) and LGBT rights activist Sarah McBride
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (Maryland) and the Democratic Women of the Senate

Debbie Wasserman Schultz "Quarantined" At Democratic National Convention

DNC head Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Don't look for lots of photo ops of Democratic National Committee head Debbie Wasserman Schultz at this weeks' National Convention.

In the aftermath of the release of nearly 20,000 DNC emails by Wikileaks, the decision has been made that Schultz will not be given a speaking slot at the convention in an effort to keep the peace among Dems.

One email appears to show DNC staffers asking how they can reference Bernie Sanders’ faith to weaken him in the eyes of Southern voters. Another seems to depict an attorney advising the committee on how to defend Hillary Clinton against an accusation by the Sanders campaign of not living up to a joint fundraising agreement.

Wasserman Schultz is expected to gavel the convention in and out, but not speak in the wake of the controversy surrounding the leaked emails, a top Democrat said. “She’s been quarantined,” another top Democrat said, following a meeting Saturday night.

Bernie Sanders Will Get "Highly Unusual Say" In DNC Platform Committee Members

In an effort to show inclusiveness, the DNC has given Sen. Bernie Sanders unusually high say in the make-up of the committee that will draft the party's platform this year.

From the Washington Post:

Sen. Bernie Sanders has been given highly unusual say over the drafting of the Democratic Party platform this year even if, as expected, he loses the primary contest to Hillary Clinton.

The two Democratic candidates have agreed with Democratic Party officials to a new apportionment of the 15-member committee that writes the platform, according to Democratic officials familiar with the compromise worked out this month.

Clinton has picked six members, and Sanders has named five — including a longtime activist on behalf of Palestinian rights, a potential sign of his plans to push the party’s policy on Israel in a different direction, the Democrats said Monday ahead of an expected announcement by the DNC.

The math is based on the number of popular votes each has received to date, one official said. Democratic Party Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will name four. The campaign choices were selected in consultation with the campaigns and the DNC from larger slates of 12 and 10 suggested by the campaigns.

DNC rules allow the chairman to pick the entire slate of 15 people who govern the platform that will be presented at the party convention in July.

The change was made to be inclusive of Sanders supporters after the strong liberal challenge he mounted during a long and sometimes bitter primary.

The Democratic National Committee takes a victory lap

Mitt Romney - Turning Back the Clock on Women's Health

From the Democratic National Committee

DNC vs Rick Perry and Mitt Romney