Month: July 2016

Day 4 of the Dems in Philly: Hillary’s Coronation

Thursday night Hillary Clinton officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president.

I know this has been said over and over, but her being the first female nominee was a major moment in American history. And journalistical objectivity aside, as a woman, it felt great to watch.

Embracing that she is the first woman is also so much stronger than when they tried everybody to make it forget eight years ago.

“When there are no ceilings, the sky is the limit.”- HRC

Hillary was in full attack mode against Donald Trump, but also repeatedly emphasized that she wants to be a president of unity – for all “Democrats, Republicans and Independents.”

Before Hillary took to the stage (and before she was introduced via a video produced by none other than Shonda Rhimes), her daughter Chelsea spoke.

Chelsea did a good job of humanizing her mother, who often appears hard to relate to thanks to living under Secret Service protection for the last decades. And boy, who knew how much Chelsea liked dinosaurs.

Given that Donald Trump has recently criticized the military, it gave the Dems and Hillary the unique opportunity to show nationalism and defend the military and veterans. A retired 4-star general gave a speech more fitting two the Republican convention.

And then there was a touching but forceful attack against Donald Trump by a muslim father whose son – an Army caiptan – died in Iraq.

 

Events: Watch Party for DNC Finale

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It’s Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Two weeks of craziness and it’s all already over?)

If you want to watch the grand finale and Hillary Clinton’s speech tonight together with friends, there are a number of Watch Parties here in New York.

The NYC Political Forum

Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM
Murray Hill / Kips Bay area – address after RSVP

“As the disgruntled Sanders supporters lukewarmly stay on the sidelines — or even perhaps wish for a raucous convention fight — the “18-million cracks in the glass ceiling” will finally shatter in a televised broadcast. PLUS, the sudden resignation of the DNC Chair, DWS, adds more fuel to the fire in the ongoing drama between the Clinton and Sanders camps. “

Disclaimer: The NYCPF does not endorse any candidates or parties.

RSVP via Meetup

Hillary Happy Hours LGBT DNC Acceptance Speech Watch Party

Thursday, July 28, 6:30 PM
Rise Bar, 859 9th Avenue, New York 10019

“Join Hillary Happy Hours for the historic last night of the Democratic National Convention when we will gather to watch Hillary Clinton accept the nomination for President of the United States. Bring all your friends, whether they supported Hillary, Bernie, or nobody, and get inspired and engaged to stop Trump and Pence in November. Enjoy 2-4-1 drink specials and the best LGBT Hillary crowd anywhere.”

$ 20, RSVP here

Williamsburg Democratic Nomination Party

Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM
80 Meserole Street, Apt 4D, Brooklyn, New York 11206

“Brooklyn Roof Party and Fund-Raiser for Hillary for America, the DSCC, and the DCCC. We are asking folks to write three checks one for each committee in Williamsburg, NY.” 

RSVP at jonathan.felch@gmail.com

Idealists4Hillary DNC Watch Party

Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM
Riviera Cafe & Sports Bar, 225 West 4th Street, New York 10014

“Join Idealists4Hillary as Hillary Clinton makes history and accepts the Democratic nomination!”

Nomination Night Live Stream VIP Party

Thursday, July 28, 6:00 PM
Hudson Terrace, 621 W 46th St,  New York 10036

Official campaign event
“Please Join Challen Hodson, Wayne Farmer, Katy McCarthy, Dave Renz and Matthew Tollin (The Team Behind Hillarymoji) for an evening of festivities and merriment and become a part of history. We will be live streamed into the Democratic National Convention to join our fellow Democrats in nominating Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Candidate for President of the United States.”

$ 45 – $ 250, RSVP here

Astoria for Hillary Watch Party at ICON!

ICON, 31-84 33rd Street, Astoria, New York 11106

“Come to ICON to show your support for the next president of the United States! Whatever your political affiliation is, we welcome you to this event with no cover. ICON will have great frozen drinks, $5 drink specials, and FREE SHOTS ALL NIGHT! Talk about a warm weclome! We will watch coverage of the DNC on 4 HD flat screens with a stellar surround sound system. At ICON, we support Hillary and her strong support for the LGBT, Greek, Hispanic and immigrant community of Western Queens.”

 

Day 3 of Dems in Philly: Trump

More than what actually happened on Day 3 of Dems in Philly (Obama great as ever, Kaine still has potential), there was something that happened yesterday of much greater political importance: Donald Trump called on Russia to launch a cyber-attack against Hillary Clinton.

“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing [from her home email-server.] I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.”

It’s an understatement to say that people were outraged.

 

Trump later clarified that he was being sarcastic. But given his track record of saying outrageous things, maybe don’t joke about asking another country to launch an attack.

New Yorkers Party While They Watch Day 2 of Dems in Philly

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A couple hundred New Yorkers cheered and partied Tuesday night at the Ainsworth hotel next door to the Empire State Building while they watched Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention.

There was an elderly lady shouting, “We made history. It’s awesome.” Clinton staffers signing up people to volunteer. Applause when the current president took to the stage (albeit a fictional one, President Grant from Scandal). Boos during a Trump commercial in the break.

Silence when the “Mothers of the Movement” talked about their dead children – from Eric Garner to Trayvon Martin. And cheers for Lena Dunham, when she reminded everybody that “22 years ago, Hillary Clinton said, ‘Women’s rights are human rights.'”

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Theater director Mark has been a Clinton volunteer since the beginning. For the special occasion he sported a t-shirt with the names of famous first ladies – and one future first gentleman.

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Most of the party guests were volunteers, who came to watch Hillary’s nomination with like minded friends.

“What is great when you volunteer is that you are in a room full with other Hillary supporters,” said experienced phone-banker James to the cheers of the crowd. “I met some of the most amazing people. I will be friends with them for all my life,” he added.

Day 2 of Dems in Philly: Hillary Nominated


Hillary Clinton made history today by becoming the first
woman to ever be the official nominee of one of the major
parties in America.

Clinton received  2,838 of the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

In a symbolic sign of party unity, primary opponent Bernie Sanders called the roll call.

“I move that all votes cast by delegates be reflected in the official record, and I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for president of the United States.” – Bernie Sanders

Day 1 of Dems in Philly: Michelle Rocked

After they banned Debbie Wasserman-Schultz from gaveling in the Democratic National Convention, Day 1 in Philly still managed to become the party unity fiesta Democrats had envisioned.

Cory Booker was the first of many prime time speakers. And although many say, his speech could have been cut in half, he energized the delegates with his rousing attack on Donald Trump.

The undisputed star of the evening was Michelle Obama, who captured the audience with a heartfelt speech and gave Melania Trump(‘s speechwriters) plenty of material to work with.

The First Lady’s speech weaved together the political with her family’s story.

“I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves, and I watch my two black daughters playing with their dogs on the White House lawn. Because of Hillary, my daughters now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States.”

And without ever mentioning his name, she delivered a perfect takedown of Trump’s signature line.

“Don’t let someone tell you this country isn’t great — that we need to make it great again. Because, right now, this country is the greatest country on Earth.

Progressive darling Elizabeth Warren didn’t particularly stand out, but following Michelle Obama’s emotional speech would have been difficult for anyone.

And then it was Bernie’s time.

While much of his speech did sound like his usual stump, Bernie did make it clear for one and all times that he wants Hillary to beat Trump.

“Any objective observer will conclude that based on her ideas and her leadership, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. The choice is not even close.”

As far as the speeches went, the Dems succeeded in showing party unity.

But it might take a while until the delegates come on board – many fervent Bernie supported booed every time Hillary Clinton’s name was mentioned.

Events: Dems Convention Watch Party

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It’s Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia – and just like last week’s counterpart, the Dems had their first scandal before the Convention even really started.

Debbie Wassermai-Schultz – the outgoing DNC chairwoman – was booed over the leaked DNC emails, and will not officially open the convention.

Stay tuned for more drama and excitement during the next couple of days – when Bernie Sanders, Michelle Obama, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and Bill Clinton take the stage.

If you want to watch the DNC convention together with friends, there are a couple of Watch Parties here in New York.

Official Campaign Watch Party

The Ainsworth
45 E 33rd St, New York 10016

“Join Hillary for America staff and supporters on Tuesday, July 26th to cheer on our party at the Democratic National Convention. Tuesday’s Convention theme is “A Lifetime of Fighting for Children and Families,” in honor of the work Secretary Clinton has done throughout her career, including as Senator of New York. We invite New Yorkers to gather and demonstrate to the nation the support our candidate has in her home state! We’ll also have a pop-up shop with official Hillary for America gear at the party!” 

The NYC Political Forum

Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM
Murray Hill / Kips Bay area – address after RSVP

“As the disgruntled Sanders supporters lukewarmly stay on the sidelines — or even perhaps wish for a raucous convention fight — the “18-million cracks in the glass ceiling” will finally shatter in a televised broadcast. PLUS, the sudden resignation of the DNC Chair, DWS, adds more fuel to the fire in the ongoing drama between the Clinton and Sanders camps. “

Disclaimer: The NYCPF does not endorse any candidates or parties.

RSVP via Meetup

Hillary Happy Hours LGBT DNC Acceptance Speech Watch Party

Thursday, July 28, 6:30 PM
Rise Bar, 859 9th Avenue, New York 10019

“Join Hillary Happy Hours for the historic last night of the Democratic National Convention when we will gather to watch Hillary Clinton accept the nomination for President of the United States. Bring all your friends, whether they supported Hillary, Bernie, or nobody, and get inspired and engaged to stop Trump and Pence in November. Enjoy 2-4-1 drink specials and the best LGBT Hillary crowd anywhere.”

$ 20, RSVP here

Williamsburg Democratic Nomination Party

Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM
80 Meserole Street, Apt 4D, Brooklyn, New York 11206

“Brooklyn Roof Party and Fund-Raiser for Hillary for America, the DSCC, and the DCCC. We are asking folks to write three checks one for each committee in Williamsburg, NY.” 

RSVP at jonathan.felch@gmail.com

Idealists4Hillary DNC Watch Party

Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM
Riviera Cafe & Sports Bar, 225 West 4th Street, New York 10014

“Join Idealists4Hillary as Hillary Clinton makes history and accepts the Democratic nomination!”

Nomination Night Live Stream VIP Party

Thursday, July 28, 6:00 PM
Hudson Terrace, 621 W 46th St,  New York 10036

Official campaign event
“Please Join Challen Hodson, Wayne Farmer, Katy McCarthy, Dave Renz and Matthew Tollin (The Team Behind Hillarymoji) for an evening of festivities and merriment and become a part of history. We will be live streamed into the Democratic National Convention to join our fellow Democrats in nominating Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Candidate for President of the United States.”

$ 45 – $ 250, RSVP here

Astoria for Hillary Watch Party at ICON!

ICON, 31-84 33rd Street, Astoria, New York 11106

“Come to ICON to show your support for the next president of the United States! Whatever your political affiliation is, we welcome you to this event with no cover. ICON will have great frozen drinks, $5 drink specials, and FREE SHOTS ALL NIGHT! Talk about a warm weclome! We will watch coverage of the DNC on 4 HD flat screens with a stellar surround sound system. At ICON, we support Hillary and her strong support for the LGBT, Greek, Hispanic and immigrant community of Western Queens.”

Rachel’s Octo-Annual Democratic Convention Party

Thursday, July 30, 7:00 PM
New York – address after RSVP

Official Hillary Clinton campaign event, two days after the convention.

“Celebrate electoral politics and the Democratic National Convention with a night of politically themed videos, games, Zach’s famously difficult American politics quiz, the wine icecream Hillary Clinton helped to invent at a New York state business event (true story), and general hilarity.”

$ 20 – $ 100, RSVP here

Clinton Chooses Tim Kaine as VP

Leading up to the Democratic National Convention – that starts today in Philadelphia – Hillary Clinton has chosen her running mate: Tim Kaine.

Kaine is the Senator from Virgina and considered a safe – although maybe a bit boring – choice. He was the former chairman of the DNC and speaks fluent Spanish.

Kaine won’t energize progressives like Elizabeth Warren might have. He also won’t energize feminists – while Kaine supports his party’s pro-choice positon, he has said that privately he opposes abortion as a catholic.

But he comes from a swing state with a Democratic Governor, so his election wouldn’t loose the Dems a Senate seat. (Which was one of the main arguments against Warren, now that Democrats believe they have a chance to take back the Senate.)

On a more personal note, I once witnessed Tim Kaine win a spelling bee against political journalists – which means that a) journalists are really bad spellers, but also b) whatever Kaine says, we will know that at least he spelled it correctly. 😉

Events: GOP Convention Watch Party

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We are already on Day 4 of the Republican convention, and – believe it or not – this is the first time that Donald Trump will appear on stage.

If you want to watch the grand finale together with friends, there are are couple of Watch Parties here in New York.

Metropolitan Club

Thursday, July 21, 6:00 PM
122 E 83rd St., New York City

“Be with your fellow Republicans as we watch this event live from Cleveland, Ohio. They say when it comes to politics, to expect the unexpected and 2016 has proven that to be true. Watch as Donald Trump articulates his vision to,  Make America Great Again! “

Free Pizza to be served  Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks are also available.
Members: $10
Nonmembers $20

RSVP to Mail@metclubnyc.org or call 212 -288-8606

The NYC Political Forum

Thursday, July 21, 7:00 PM
Murray Hill / Kips Bay area – address after RSVP

“The suspence is now finally over!  As the shroud of “smoke-filled” rooms, the “conscience voting” by the delegates, the massive protest walkouts, and the boy-cotters trumpetting #NeverTrump will ultimately succumb and be trumped by the anti-climatic crowning of Trump.”

RSVP via Meetup

Drinking Liberally

Thursday, July 21, 7:30 PM
Rudy’s Bar & Grill, 627 9th Avenue

“If you can’t look away, don’t watch alone! Come to Rudy’s, grab a pint and enjoy the mess.”

RSVP via Meetup

Day 3 of the GOP Convention: Cruz Refuses to Endorse Trump

So the Republican Convention in Cleveland had it’s first actual political scandal – Stephen Colbert and a plagiarized speech don’t really count in the grand scheme of things – and it came thanks to Sen. Ted Cruz, who stood by his refusal to endorse Donald Trump.

“I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father,” Cruz said before his convention speech. During the speech itself, Cruz only mentioned Trump’s name once and instead spoke about Republican values.

The crowd wasn’t happy and booed the ending of his speech: