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DNC 2012

Alexis Bledel Obama Campaign
2012 Election

Alexis Bledel Tells Us Why She's Campaigning For Barack Obama

Mitt Romney may have Clint Eastwood, but it's no secret that President Obama can count more celebrities among his supporters.
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Mitt Romney may have Clint Eastwood, but it's no secret that President Obama can count more celebrities among his supporters. At the Democratic National Convention, we caught up with one of them: the articulate and charming Alexis Bledel. The Gilmore Girls and Mad Men actress told us what motivated her to become a surrogate for the Obama campaign and shared some advice for women who might feel disengaged from the political process right now. Read on for our interview.

TrèsSugar: Have you always been interested in politics?

Alexis Bledel: I've always been aware of what is going on politically, but it's not something that I paid an enormous amount of attention to until 2008. When I heard Barack Obama speak for the first time I felt he was speaking in a way I could really understand. The way he breaks down the issues, the fact that so many of his values come from his upbringing — what Michelle talked about. I felt like there was so much genuine intent for good. I instantly perked up and got involved in politics at that time.

TS: How can women who are maybe not so interested in politics become more engaged?

AB: I would encourage them to just go to the websites. Go to BarackObama.com and just see what he stands for. It's so straightforward what he proposes. It's not hard to understand. I understand not wanting to be engaged in conflict with somebody who might not believe what you believe. But I think it's easier not to feel scared of that if you learn as much as you can, and make a conscious choice. I think a lot of the fear of not wanting to get involved with politics comes from misinformation or lack of information. None of us are ever going to know everything that's going on in Washington, but we can know the basics. And we can know how policies are going to affect or lives, our daily lives.

TS: What motivated you to get involved with the campaign? Keep reading for Alexis's answer.

Democratic Platform 2012
2012 Election

What the Democratic Platform Says About Marriage, Women, and Abortion

The Democratic National Convention came and went in Charlotte, NC, during which the party's official platform was released with (as expected) quite different stances on women's health issues and gay marriage than the GOP platform.
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The Democratic National Convention came and went in Charlotte, NC, during which the party's official platform was released with (as expected) quite different stances on women's health issues and gay marriage than the GOP platform. While Mitt Romney's Republican platform is against gay marriage and civil unions and makes no exceptions for abortion, even in cases of rape or incest, see what the Democratic platform has to say about these issues and more below:

Gay Marriage

This is the first time the Democrats officially state in their party platform that they support legalizing same-sex marriage. According to the platform, the party members support marriage equality and "the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference." They oppose "federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection under the law" to gay couples.

Women's Health

The party continues to commend Obama's Affordable Care Act, which includes copay-free birth control for women, while adding that "Democrats will continue to fight for a strong health care workforce with an emphasis on primary care." The platform promises to "refuse to go back to the days when health insurance companies had unchecked power to cancel your health policy, deny you coverage, or charge women more than men."

Abortion

Democrats support "a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion," and their platform reiterates their unequivocal support of Roe v. Wade, as well as stating they will stand up against those wanting to defund Planned Parenthood. It adds, "Abortion is an intensely personal decision between a woman, her family, her doctor, and her clergy; there is no place for politicians or government to get in the way."

Other notable sections include arts funding, which the Democratic party is for, saying it will continue to support public funding of arts programs. Romney believes these types of programs should be cut from the budget. Also, this is the first year that both party platforms have included a section on Internet freedom, with the Democratic one stating that "the Obama administration has led the world to recognize and defend Internet freedom — the freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people everywhere — through coalitions of countries and by empowering individuals with innovative technologies." The Republicans used their party platform to push for less government regulation of Internet and tech companies.

Ann Romney Bird Shirt
women

Should the Price of First Lady Fashion Matter?

Both nominees' wives took to the national convention stages to speak on behalf of their presidential hopeful husbands.
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Both nominees' wives took to the national convention stages to speak on behalf of their presidential hopeful husbands. First, Mitt Romney's wife, Ann Romney, addressed the RNC in Tampa, and then Michelle Obama took to the DNC podium in Charlotte. But it's not just their words at these events that are being scrutinized; it's also their fashion choices. While Ann wore an Oscar de la Renta gown by the 80-year-old designer that retails at $1,990, Michelle chose to wear a custom dress by African-American designer Tracy Reese that will cost less than $500 (paired with J.Crew pumps that retail at $245). Even the color choices are being discussed, with Ann's frock in "Nancy Reagan red" and Michelle's in a feminine (politically-neutral) pink. But the big issue is whether or not these first ladies are making a statement with the cost of their clothing. With the DNC focusing on appealing to the middle class, it makes sense that Michelle would pick an "attainable" outfit for the speech, so was it a faux pas for Ann to pick a pricey gown?

Perhaps since they aren't the ones running for office, spouses should be off-limits when it comes to media scrutiny. But the question remains: whether they're wearing Target dresses or frocks straight from the runway, should the spouses of our world leaders be judged for what they spend on fashion? And is it really about the expensive clothing, or is it more about the context in which it's worn? Of course Ann isn't the only political wife to garner negative attention for her fashion spending habits; Michelle has had her fair share as well. Weigh in below, and click through to see more photos of the controversial first-lady outfits.

Ann Romney Ann Romney Michelle Obama Michelle Obama Michelle Obama Michelle Obama Samantha Cameron
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Democratic National Convention 2012 Instagram Pictures
2012 Election

Our DNC Instagram Diary

And that's a wrap for convention season!
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And that's a wrap for convention season! After covering the RNC in Tampa, it's been a whirlwind week at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. We've talked with a variety of people, attended political soirees, and watched Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, and President Barack Obama deliver rousing speeches to the party's faithful at the convention. To see what we've been up to at the DNC, check out our pics of the celebrities we interviewed, the parties we attended, and other behind-the-scenes shots now. And don't forget to follow TrèsSugar on Instagram.

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Celebrities at the DNC 2012
Politics

Celebrities Show Their Obama Pride at the DNC

The Democratic National Convention finished up last night in Charlotte with President Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech.
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The Democratic National Convention finished up last night in Charlotte with President Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech. It was clear with the cheers, signs, and figurines that Obama was the ultimate celebrity of the DNC, but spotted at the convention over the course of the week were plenty of more traditional celebrities. US Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas led the national anthem, singers Mary J. Blige and Marc Anthony performed, actresses Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson spoke, and stars like Jon Hamm, Elizabeth Banks, and Olivia Wilde watched from the audience. See pics of all these and more famous faces who showed their support for Obama at the DNC this week!

Gabby Douglas Gabby Douglas Gabby Douglas Gabby Douglas Ashley Judd Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, and Eva Longoria Dave Grohl
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Barack Obama DNC Speech 2012
2012 Election

Barack Obama Asks America to Move Forward With Him

Last night President Barack Obama made an impassioned case for another four years in office with his formal acceptance speech at the DNC.
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Last night President Barack Obama made an impassioned case for another four years in office with his formal acceptance speech at the DNC. After powerful opening acts from celebrities, the Bidens, and an introduction from wife Michelle Obama, the president commanded the stage in Charlotte with a speech about moving America forward. He shifted the focus from himself to everyday Americans, saying his supporters were responsible for the positive change that has occurred these past four years.

TrèsSugar editor Annie Scudder took it all in firsthand, watching from inside the Time Warner Cable Arena. She reports: "Holding signs and American flags volunteers handed out right before Obama took the stage, convention goers were on the edge of their seats ready to yell 'USA, USA' or 'four more years' at any moment!" And she adds, "The president covered a wide range of accomplishments and plans, and got standing ovations throughout."

Obama's address started off lighthearted, paying tribute to Michelle's Tuesday night speech. He said the country was reminded what a lucky man he is and joked about campaign craziness with the quip, "If you're sick of hearing me approve this message, believe me, so am I." But it really shifted into a more somber, reflective territory when he talked of how his experience as president has made him more aware of his faults, and Obama said he's learned from his mistakes. "As I stand here tonight, I have never been more hopeful about America," he assured Americans. "Not because I think I have all the answers. Not because I'm naive about the magnitude of our challenges. I'm hopeful because of you."

See photos of Obama celebrating his big DNC finale with Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia now!

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Celebrities at DNC
2012 Election

Day 3 on the Scene at the DNC: Obama Accepts With Help From Famous Friends

President Obama greeted thousands of cheering supporters in the Time Warner Cable Arena on Thursday to accept his party's nomination for reelection.
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President Obama greeted thousands of cheering supporters in the Time Warner Cable Arena on Thursday to accept his party's nomination for reelection. The delegates sat on the edges of their seats to listen to President Obama lay out his argument for a second term. But perhaps more important than the party faithful watching inside were the undecided or unenthusiastic voters at home. Obama told them on election day "you will face the clearest choice in a generation." It's a choice, he said, between middle-class values or a party that only wants to offer the same bad economic prescriptions they've promoted before. "We're not going back," Obama said, "we are moving forward, America."

The DNC competed for young people's attention with MTV tonight, but the convention gave the VMAs a run for its money when it came to celebrity guests. Actresses Kerry Washington, Scarlett Johansson, and Eva Longoria, a national cochair for the campaign, all addressed the arena. Unlike during Clint Eastwood's cameo at the RNC, there wasn't an empty chair in sight when the president's famous supporters took their turns on stage. Instead, Kerry, Scarlett, and Eva each drew on her own personal experience to explain the stark differences between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney's visions for America's future. And without providing fodder for a new Internet meme, the actresses compelled Americans, especially women, to make their voices heard by voting in November.

For more on those speeches, and Obama's big night, just read on.

Obama Asks Voters to Keep America Moving Forward The First Family Brings the Love Scarlett Johansson Shines Her Star Power on Social Programs Jill Introduces Her Joe VP Biden Tells Americans Obama Cares About Them Kerry Washington Speaks Up Eva Longoria Talks Obama's Record
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Democratic Politicians Holding Babies | Pictures
Politics

Baby Votes: 16 Pictures of Democrats Holding Babies on the Campaign Trail

Republicans aren't the only ones who look to the youngest tots in the land to help their campaign images!
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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!

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Bill Clinton Speech at DNC
2012 Election

Day 2 on the Scene at the DNC: President Clinton and Women Activists Take Center Stage

President Clinton still has it!
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President Clinton still has it! Tonight he put his iconic political skills to work for President Obama, laying out a clear case for Obama — and against Mitt Romney. The mood in Time Warner Cable Arena felt like a pumped up concert, which makes sense considering Bill Clinton is one of the all time top rock stars of the Democratic party. And putting the excitement into overdrive was President Obama himself, who slipped into the arena to watch President Clinton address the delegates and TV viewers at home. The crowd went absolutely crazy when Obama came on stage to greet Clinton after the detailed-packed speech.

Before Bill Clinton's headlining speech, women got much of the attention. Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards addressed the crowd, as did rising women's rights activist Sandra Fluke. Earlier in the day, I attended a campaign and cocktails party put on by EMILY's List, which supports prochoice Democratic women running for office. There, actress Ashley Judd hinted that she might run for office one day. For more from the ground, read on for day two's highlights.

Bill Clinton Charms the Crowd The Presidents Hug It Out Everyone Loves Michelle Elizabeth Warren Appeals to the Middle Class Cecile Richards Touts Planned Parenthood Nancy Makes the Case to Women Si Se Puede
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Ashley Judd Running For Office?
Politics

Ashley Judd Says She Might Run For Office at EMILY's List DNC Event

You know there are not enough women in Congress when lawmakers convene a panel on contraception that doesn't include a single woman — which happened earlier this year.
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You know there are not enough women in Congress when lawmakers convene a panel on contraception that doesn't include a single woman — which happened earlier this year. EMILY's List is trying to change that by helping to get more women elected to the US Congress, where women only make up 17 percent. Specifically, EMILY's List recruits and funds pro-choice Democratic female candidates. EMILY stands for "early money is like yeast," and the idea is that providing campaign financing early on can help women rise. Here in Charlotte at the DNC, EMILY's List hosted a town hall panel and campaign reception. The panel included NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, actress Ashley Judd, and Florida candidate for Congress Val Demings.

Ashley herself told the crowd that she might help increase the number of women in office by running herself. The politically active actress said she gets encouraged often to officially go into politics and admitted "it may be time to look at actually running for office." Ashley also had practical advice for women who care about the issues at stake this election. She encouraged women in the audience to share their own stories about how Obama's policies have made a positive difference. For example, maybe you have health insurance because you can stay on your parents' until 26, can afford contraception thanks to Obamacare, or took advantage of HeadStart, something that could be cut under Romney and Ryan.

Ashley said, "What comes from the head goes over the head. What comes from the heart goes straight to the heart." Michelle Obama also used this technique, Ashley pointed out, by using her "personal multigenerational narrative to express our party platform."