Demi Lovato, Danny Glover: Star Buzz Heated Up For Dems
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PHILADELPHIA, PA (AP) -- The star buzz heated up in Philadelphia for the busy first day of the Democratic National Convention with Triumph the insulting, cigar-chomping puppet dog joining sweltering street protesters and Rosario Dawson urging Bernie Sanders supporters to "listen" to their man.
First lady fans and fashionistas awaited the dress reveal of first lady Michelle Obama, who was slated to speak later Monday. Danny Glover, meanwhile, addressed the convention's black caucus, describing Donald Trump as a fascist and urging caucus members to "listen to new voices that demand speaking truth to power."
Demi Lovato and Boyz II Men showed up for rehearsal and sound checks in the convention hall, while Alicia Keys prepared to perform and speak at an opening-night event hosted by Politico. Chelsea Handler was also expected to make an appearance at the Politico Hub, a viewing and speakers' lounge hosted by the site.
Lena Dunham and America Ferrera were expected at a bash hosted by Glamour magazine.
But it was Triumph, otherwise known as Robert Smigel, and Dr. Cornel West, the academic and author, who alone among big names joined hundreds of people who marched and protested in sizzling temperatures.
West condemned the Democratic Party, saying it is dominated by corporate interests who must afford populists more respect: "The system needs to be fundamentally changed and transformed."
On the eve of the convention, Shailene Woodley, Susan Sarandon and Glover joined more than 1,000 people for a climate rally, vowing to keep up the fight climate and environmental justice issues even though Sanders, their preferred presidential candidate, would not be in charge.
Woodley urged Sanders supporters to remain calm and Sarandon thanked him for "igniting this spark." Dawson, also a Sanders die-hard, was arrested at a "Democracy spring" protest in April at the White House.
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