Democrats have been keeping tonight’s Democratic National Convention lineup and surprises top-secret, but there have been a few confirmed tidbits. Expect stars of stage, screen, politics, and philanthropy, representing women, and the Latino, African-American, and LGBT communities, to be out, loud, and proud in their support of President Obama. But will Betty White make an appearance? Sorry, no word yet, despite a late-started Facebook campaign.
You can watch the convention live, right here, right now, at The New Civil Rights Movement!
Here’s what to expect:
UPDATE: Rep. Barney Frank rumored to start at 5:30 PM.
Starting at 6:00 PM, Rep. Gabby Giffords, who resigned a year after being shot in the head by a gunman in an Arizona mass murder, will lead the pledge of allegiance. The Time Warner Cable Arena, where events have been all week, will be the venue as threats of rain and thunderstorms forced the DNC to cancel the much larger Bank of America Stadium, leaving an estimated 50,000 fans without a seat. And yes, Tea Party people, it IS raining in Charlotte.
Marc Anthony is expected to sing the national anthem.
As The New Civil Rights Movement reported yesterday, Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Kerry Washington will be the evening’s surprise guests, and are all expected to appear and speak on stage together. But the top celebrity appearance, around 10:00 PM ET, will be Eva Longoria, an actress and activist who has worked hard for the Latino and disabled communities.
Other entertainment celebrities expected tonight are the Foo Fighters, Earth, Wind and Fire, Mary J. Blige. James Taylor kicked off the evening at 5:00 PM. Nicki Minaj is not expected to attend. Nor will there be balloons.
“Actor Kal Penn will host a Web-only convention special that highlights famous Hollywood Democrats, including Elizabeth Banks, Aisha Tyler, Olivia Wilde, Fran Drescher, Zack Braff, Marc Anthony, and Alexis Bledel,” the Washington Times reports.
Other stars in town who may make appearances include Ashley Judd, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, Zach Braff, Will.i.am, and Russel Simmons. No word on Betty White — though her mere presence would bring down the house.
Former Florida Republican Governor Charlie Crist will appear and offer a speech endorsing President Obama’s re-election. Many believe Crist is paving his way to becoming a Democrat.
Of course, towards the end of the evening, Vice President Joe Biden will deliver what is expected to be a rousing speech designed to get  attendees on their feet. And President Obama will accept his party’s nomination in a speech that will hopefully be jam-packed with specifics and emotion.