Oprah Gets Political In Harvard Speech

Oprah Winfrey got political in her Harvard graduation address on Thursday. After talking about her personal failures and successes, Winfrey addressed the hot topics of gun background checks and immigration.

“We understand that the vast majority of people in this country believe in stronger background checks because they realize that we can uphold the Second Amendment and reduce the violence that is robbing us of our children. They don’t have to be incompatible.

And we understand that most Americans believe in a clear path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants who reside in this country because it’s possible to both enforce our laws and, at the same time, embrace the words on the Statue of Liberty that have welcomed generations of huddled masses to our shores. We can do both.

And we understand that people from both parties and no party believe that indigent mothers and families should have access to healthy food and a roof over their heads and a strong public education, because here in the richest nation on earth, we can afford a basic level of security and opportunity.”

Watch the speech below:

Michelle Obama Joins Celebs for DNC Fundraisers

First Lady Michelle Obama attended two different DNC fundraisers Wednesday in New York City. Politicker reports one was held at fashion designer Tory Burch‘s house and another titled the “LGBT Gala,” with some famous members of the LGBT community.

At the LGBT Gala, the first lady was introduced by Jason Collins, the Washington Wizards center who recently – and very publicly- came out of the closet. Other celebrities at the bash included Bravo’s Andy Cohen and singer Sara Bareilles – who performed at the event.

Also in attendance, was DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Sean Patrick Maloney.

Obama emphasized the participation and influence the gay community had on her husband.

“Because of you, we have a president who stands up for our most fundamental rights, from ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell … to supporting our right to marry the person we love,” Obama said.

“We can’t wait for the next presidential election to get fired up and ready to go. We don’t have time for that!” Obama said. “We must recapture that same passion, that same energy and urgency that we felt back in 2008, 2012.”

Tickets for the event ranged in price from $1,250 to $32,400 per person, and approximately 350 people attended, according to a Democratic Party official.

Cohen tweeted a photo of him and Collins at the event.

Cohen and Collins at the “LGBT Gala”
Credit: Andy Cohen @BravoAndy

Picture of the Day: President Obama and Justin Timberlake

President Barack Obama tweeted a photo of him and Justin Timberlake on Wednesday, titled “Suits and ties,” a playoff of Timberlake’s new song, “Suit & Tie.”

President Obama and Justin Timberlake.
Photo credit: @barackobama

Timberlake and wife, Jessica Biel, recently attended a DNC fundraiser with Obama.

Geena Davis Makes Presidential Endorsement

Credit: ABC “Commander in Chief”

Actress Geena Davis endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in 2016, reports Politico.

“Along with [most] of humanity, I fervently hope that she will run for president,” Davis told POLITICO. “We don’t want a female president just in fiction.”

Davis played president in the ABC drama, “Commander in Chief.” The actress said more women need to be involved in politics.

“There are far too few women in elected office … We’re far, far away from where we should be and it’s not right and it’s something that we have to make change faster than it would happen in the sort of natural course of time,” Davis said.

Davis joins Dustin Hoffman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael Bolton on Clinton’s list of 2016 supporters.

Michael Bolton Endorses Hillary Clinton for President

Singer Michael Bolton endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 during an interview with the Huffington Post.

Bolton told Abby Huntsman, daughter of former GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, “if [Hillary] decides to run, I would walk across the country to get her into office.”

Bolton said he has a history with the Clintons and said President Clinton’s work in the last decade has been “very powerful and inspiring.”

“I love the Clintons and they know it,” Bolton said. “Bill and I are friends for 22 years, 23 years. He’s already creating the greatest post-presidency in the history of the presidency.”

The two also talked about politics and Bolton’s interest in the political world. One of the more important and impassioned pieces of legislation Bolton is interested in is the Violence Against Women Act.

Quote of the Week: Robin Williams

Actor Robin Williams took a jab at Fox News while promoting his new show The Crazy Ones at the CBS “upfronts”  in New York City on May 15.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on TV, 30 years, when there were much simpler upfronts — and a mound of coke,” Williams said.  “In the old days there were only 3 networks, but now there are hundreds. And if a little child wants to be transported to the Land Of Make-Believe, there’s Fox News.”

Williams, a staunch Democratic donor and supporter, stars in the upcoming movie The Butler as President Dwight Eisenhower (below).

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Attend DNC Fundraiser

Justin Timberlake and wife/actress Jessica Biel attended a Democratic National Committee (DNC) fundraiser, headlined by President Obama, at Harvey Weinstein and wife Georgina Chapman‘s Manhattan home on May 13, reports Deadline.

The fundraiser for the DNC and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) was to raise funds for the 2014 midterm elections.

Approximately 65 guests attended the fundraiser, paying between $16,200-$20,000 a ticket. Among the guests at Weinstein’s house, were Steve Martin, Melanie Griffith, Steve Buscemi, Uma Thurman, as well as fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and White House staffers Dan Pfeiffer and Jay Carney.

The New York Post reported that Saturday Night Live comedian Jay Pharaoh impersonated Obama in a skit and was assisted by Timberlake, Biel and Martin who played White House staffers.

This was the first Hollywood-hosted fundraiser since Obama’s 2012 election. Obama tapped celebrity hosts such as George Clooney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Anna Wintour to host fundraisers in 2012.