President Obama was reelected last night after a contentious, and expensive, campaign against his Republican rival, Mitt Romney. There were plenty of politically active stars during the run-up to yesterday's vote, and once Obama clinched the win, it was time to celebrate. We've rounded up this look at social media photos that celebrities shared once news outlets called the victory for President Obama.
The 2012 presidential election is tomorrow. Men and women across the country will head to the polls to cast their votes for President Obama or Gov. Romney; some people, though, have gotten a head start by voting early, including the president himself.
Election season has so far been full of celebrities stumping for their preferred candidates, and in the run up to Tuesday, many of the stars are busier than ever, regardless of their party preferences. Jon Hamm, Bryan Greenberg, Alicia Keys, and even the Hangover crew have stepped out for Obama, and Kid Rock's roused the Republican faithful for Romney. With just a few days to go until America decides, click through to see which celebrities have been busy getting political — and remember to cast your vote, whomever you're voting for!
Photos: Getty and Facebook users Obama For America, Obama For America, and Obama For America
The job of running for president is no easy task, so what's the secret to Obama's and Romney's long days on the campaign trail? Food! After a little digging, it is clear that the 2012 presidential candidates love a good meal. From Obama's favorites like a warm bowl of chili and sweet pumpkin pie to Romney's love for anything and everything peanut butter, there is no lack of appetite in the 2012 election!
Yesterday afternoon, Mother Jones magazine broke a story of presidential candidate Mitt Romney talking about the "47 percent" of Americans "who pay no income tax" during a private fundraiser. Public outrage ensued after he described these people as "dependent upon government" and who "believe that they are victims."
So who exactly makes up this 47 percent (to be accurate, the number is actually 46.4 percent) who aren't paying income taxes and why aren't they paying income taxes like the majority of us? Let's take a closer look at the issue.
They Are Still Paying Other Taxes
First, let's get things straight. Although almost half of Americans aren't paying federal individual income taxes, this doesn't mean that they are not paying any taxes. Many of them are paying other taxes like "federal payroll and excise taxes as well as state and local income, sales, and property taxes," according to the Tax Policy Center.
Who They Are
Half of the people who don't owe federal individual income tax simply have too low of an income. The rest of them get tax breaks that cancel out their income tax requirements. Those who qualify for tax breaks to cancel out obligations are mainly low-income families with children or senior citizens.
Republicans aren't the only ones who look to the youngest tots in the land to help their campaign images! As the Democratic National Convention culminates with President Barack Obama's acceptance speech tonight, we can't help but think of all the babies he and other Democrats have held, kissed, and fed on the road to the White House. Take a look at how some candidates have been photographed with lil ones through the years — and how the tykes have reacted!
Do you judge your presidential candidates by how they hold babies? Probably not, but that hasn't stopped generations of candidates from reaching for the tiniest rally attendees in their quest for the top job in the land. The earliest recorded campaign-trail baby moment occurred in 1883 when Andrew Jackson was approached by a woman who wanted her baby to see the president. According to the account:
The woman handed the dirty-faced infant to Old Hickory. Jackson took it and held it up before him.
"Ah! There is a fine specimen of American childhood. I think, madam, your boy will make a fine man some day."
Then, with a quick gesture, he put the dirty face of the infant close to the face of Secretary [of War] Eaton, saying quickly and soberly, "Eaton, kiss him?"
Today's politicians are more eager than ever to get their hands on America's youth, frequently crossing barricades to be photographed with the often-terrified tykes. Why? Probably because it softens their image, helps them project a youthful aura, and elicits plenty of oohs and ahhs from onlookers.
As the Republican National Convention kicks off in Tampa, we're taking a look at Republican candidates who weren't afraid to kiss, hold, and feed lil ones along their campaign trails.
Natalie Portman headed to Las Vegas on Saturday to attend a special event on behalf of President Obama's reelection campaign. She was a guest of honor at the Nevada Women Vote 2012 Summit, which aimed to highlight the differences for women that would occur under another term for the president vs. his Republican rival Mitt Romney. We're also keeping a close eye on women's issues that matter in the 2012 elections.
Natalie spoke to hundreds of Obama supporters at the city's Historic Fifth Street School. There will be a series of Women Vote Summits, but Natalie picked Nevada for a reason. Explaining her decision to appear in Vegas, Natalie said, "Nevada is a battleground state, and the women are really going to decide this election."
Prior to the political event, Natalie got her nails done in LA. Natalie and her family, husband Benjamin Millepied and their son, Aleph Millepied, have been on the West Coast while both Natalie and Benjamin work on new projects.
The GOP's VP pick Paul Ryan is known on Capitol Hill for his dedication to fitness. But in order to stay in tip-top shape for the upcoming election, all four of the 2012 candidates keep healthy habits. Learn how each of these political figures stays active and fit, whether they're spending time home or out on the campaign trail.
The presidential campaign is taking to social media, as the first presidential debate via Twitter will take place today at 3 p.m. (EDT). Signing on are six Republican candidates: Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Gary Johnson, Thad McCotter, and Rick Santorum.
No need to follow the Twitter accounts of individual candidates, as @140townhall will retweet comments from the moderators and candidates. The public can submit questions through 140TownHall.
