Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts

Friday, August 31, 2012

Friday's Fancies #2 Football

So I've been sitting here all morning, wondering. Why hasn't anyone commented on my cute Gameday outfit. Was it that bad? Well... then I realized I never scheduled the post. Woops. Blogger fail. 

Today I'm linking up for

but since I have football on the brain, I'm doing my own theme. Hope you ladies are okay with that

 dress braceletearrings | koozie | shoes

Tomorrow kicks off the Georgia Football Season. We're playing Buffalo, and I'm hoping that my preseason no. 6 Bulldogs kill it. Lets start off well this year boys. Last year 0-2, that was not so fun. Even if we still won the east and almost beat LSU in Atlanta (It would have been really nice if that game ended at halftime). So boys. I believe in you. 

I'll probably be on the road tomorrow en route to Charlotte, but I'll be cheering you on in spirit. Go Dawgs! Sic 'em. Woof Woof Woof. 

I will be Charlotte all of next week. I'm going to try to blog on my phone, but I have absolutely no idea what that will look like, so please forgive me if there is some silence around these parts. Rest assured I will be tweeting and instagramming up a storm. Make sure you follow me: Instagram @EmPri88 and Twitter 

Have a great long weekend ladies. See you soon! Charlotte. Here I come :)

Go Dawgs!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Political Fashion

It's tough to be a woman in politics. Can can tell you first hand there's still a gender gap. There are far more men in this industry than women. Now, I'm not accusing anyone of sexism or anything like that. No. I know a lot of ladies don't really care for politics. A lot of ladies are moms and stay at home with their kids, or are working mom's who need a little more flexibility in their schedule (something this industry doesn't really allow). But I also know that those numbers should not yield the numerical discrepancy between men and women in politics. So, it's hard to get the job. Then, once you do, it's hard to know what to wear. Why is it that we are SO critical of what female politicians wear? They have to be pretty, but not overly so. Made up and put together, but conservatively. God forbid a girl wears a pattern. Colors are okay, but you're safer sticking to primary colors (especially ones that appear in the flag). 

I don't think it's fair. I love leopard shoes. I love sparkles and glitter. I love pearls, but I don't want to wear them  every day. Since we saw the lovely Ann Romney last night looking lovely and put together, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite political ladies, and their fabulous outfits.

Sarah Palin   

gasp. I know. Sarah Palin made one of my favorite lists. While I am not a fan of her, her politics, or her tactics, I am a fan of her fashion choices. This picture is from the 2008 GOP Convention. I thought she looked great. A beautifully tailored cream jacket, black pencil skirt, sensible heels, and that awesome Sarah Palin hairdo I have stolen oh so many times. I might have added a watch... but girlfriend looked great. It was a great outfit to introduce her to the American public. Well done Sarah. well done. (the outfit only, everything else, notsomuch)

Nikki Haley
Now for those of you not so interested in politics, you probably don't know this lovely lady on the left. Nikki Haley is the first female governor of South Carolina. She's a Republican. and she's of Indian descent. Again, not really a fan of her politics, but I think she's gorgeous, well spoken, well educated and articulate. She looks fab here in a royal blue power skirt suit. I still haven't taken the plunge into colored suiting, but she rocks it.  

Kirsten Gillibrand
via
Okay. This one is unfair. She was featured in Vogue, hence the fabulous styling. However, I've met this Junior Democratic Senator from New York a few times, and she is fierce. Let me tell you. She's in her forties. Has two young boys (and a cute husband, but that's another story). She's a political force to be reckoned with. It would not shock me one bit if she makes a run for the White House in future years. In the mean time. She makes the Senate a more attractive bunch, everyday. 

*Side note. I was once mistaken for her in an elevator in the Capitol when I was a lowly intern. It remains to be one of the highlights of my life, even though she had just had a baby and was considerably bigger, she was still gorgeous. 

Hillary Clinton

Talk about polarizing. People love to talk about Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's fashion sense. I get it. She had some serious faux pas when she was first lady. The headbands. Oh the headbands. But since leaving the White House, I think she's come into her own. I don't know if it's her, her stylist, whoever. She looks great now. I'm loving her longer hair, her fabulous collection of broaches, and ability to work a power suit in any color.  She debuted this orange look at the DNC convention in 2008. While it was not my favorite (orange on orange on orange?), I thought she glowed. I still remember that speech. I sobbed the whole way through. I was always on the Obama train in that election. He won my vote with his yes we can speech in New Hampshire, but she won my eternal admiration and gratitude that night in Denver four years ago. I hope she doesn't stray too far when she retires from her post as Secretary of State at the end of the year. 

Michelle Obama

While she herself isn't a politician, you can't talk political fashion and not give her an honorable mention. I adore the first lady. Her style, her poise, her politics, her realness. I just love her. I truely look to her as a fashion icon. She unapologetically rocks flats (thank you Michelle!). She embraces color and pattern like their is no tomorrow. Screw the suit jacket. She's a cardigan girl all the way. She loves skirts (so do I), but isn't afraid to wear pants (not gonna lie, I kind of am... to work I mean). This gorgeous look is from her speech at the 2008 DNC Convention. We were still just getting to know her then, but I knew any woman who could rock this curve hugging colorful dress was a woman destined for great things. Can't wait to see what she does next week!

So what do y'all think? Do you have a political or even just a professional female style icon? How do you balance your office style? 


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Political Season is upon us...

When I started BDB I really intended it to be an outlet for all the things I cared about: makeup, fashion, beauty, all things feminine and sparkly, oh and politics. I know some of my more loyal readers remember when I did a weekly series I titled Politics 101, but I haven't done one in quite a while for a few reasons (I had plenty of other stuff to write about and sometimes I just need a break from all the political drama). Well ladies, this weekend kicks off the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Immediately afterwards, the Democrats will respond with their convention in Charlotte. The conventions have traditionally been the start of the election season, but now a days the 24 hour news media caused election season to be continuous. I mean really... post 2010 elections they started covering congressional and the presidential races the NEXT DAY. come on folks. Anyways. All of this is to say, presidential politics are about to become so pervasive in our lives, we wont be able to escape. (not going to lie, I'm slightly excited). Over the coming months, I'm going to be talking a little more politics around the blog. I hope y'all will still love me, even if you don't necessarily support the same candidate...

or my views on healthcare reform


or gay marriage

or taxes


or energy policy.


I promise, I'm not going to force my views on y'all. I have very strong convictions about my beliefs, and I'm sure you do as well. I would never want to disrespect that (and I would hope others would extend the same courtesy to me).

Well. GUESS WHAT. This girl is road tripping to North Carolina in a few days, and I.AM.SO.EXCITED. My schedule is triple booked quickly filling up for the week I'll be there. I'm not going to lie. This might be better than Christmas. I fully recognize I sound like a trecky at Com-icon, and I'm okay with it.  I'm going to be working for a certain candidate (I'll let you figure it out) during the convention, and staffing events for my real job too. needless to say it's going to be a whirlwind. 

I'll try not to let politics take over the blog too. Hope y'all will still like me when all of this is over. 

Monday, July 2, 2012

A Giveaway Winner and the Congressional Baseball Game

First off, happy Monday! Thanks to everyone who entered the Rouge and Co giveaway! It was a HUGE success! Now what you've all been waiting for... the winners....



Congrats to two of my favorite blogging ladies! Shanna and Tracy! Congrats ladies. Send me an email and I will get you more information.

Last Thursday was the Annual Congressional Baseball game. Several members of Congress come together for the ultimate partisan showdown, where it really matters, on the baseball field. Being the connected washington insider that I am, I was invited to a pre-game reception at the Nationals Stadium. 

This was actually my first time to the nats stadium this season. Crazy. I know. I really need to go more often. If you've never been there, the nats stadium is gorgeous! Opened up a few years ago, and no offense to turner field, but it's kind of way better... sorry atlanta.

Cheering for the Blue Team! 


Rocking some political swag. Cspan hat, Ford focus glasses, defend my dividend koozie. Love free stuff!


dress: forever 21


The Dems killed it. I mean, we are talking mercy rule in the 4th inning. I believe the final score was 18 to 5. After the blow out last year (8-0 dems) the republicans are hurting. Hopefully this is a precursor to the November elections and the Dems sweep the House, Senate and the White House. 



Thursday, June 28, 2012

Thursday Randoms

I'm kind of loving doing a Thursday Randoms post in bullet point form. Some days you just need to, so this may become a weekly thing. (If y'all hates these posts though, let me know)
  • Have you entered my Giveaway yet?
  • Last night I attended my first CapFabb Meet up at the American Ice Company. OMG y'all, I had a great time. Meeting blog friends in real life is such a strange feeling. But I love how you instantly have this great connection, and there's no real awkward small talk. :)
  • I got to see some of my favorites last night, so get ready for some shout outs:
  • I spent most of the evening with Alissa from Feeling Good, Erin from Currently Coveting, Jaime from Forever 81,  and Krista from Blonde Aesthetic
  • I also chatted with the gorgeous Meaghan of District Sparkle. Meaghan was one of the first bloggers I met in real life, and I'm kind of obsessed with her. She is one of those people you know will be super successful one day, and I'm so impressed with her because she's started her own charitable organization, G.L.A.M (giving labels a meaning) and is hosting her first event TONIGHT! If you are in the DC area and don't have plans tonight I would seriously urge you to go out to the event tonight. From everything I hear it is going to be FABULOUS. Even if you can't go (like me) you can go here to donate. Good luck Meaghan!!!
  • I met a few new bloggers too! I'm completely obsessed with Krista's blog
  • HOLY HEALTHCARE! SCOTUS decision is out on the Affordable Care Act. I'm shocked/elated that the law was upheld. I'll post more later. 

  • Oliver (the cat) ran away last night for an adventure around the hood. After 30 minutes of searching the house he just trotted up from across the street, SUPER dirty. Boyfriend got a shower as punishment and hated every minute of it.
  • I'm super excited for the Congressional Baseball Game tonight!
  • I'm also going to the Dew Drop clothing swap this weekend. Do you have your tickets yet? 
  • It has also become clear to me that I need to get blog cards. Does anyone have any recommendations? How many should I order?
  • DUDE. I JUST SAW MITT ROMNEY. omg. omg. omg. his speech on the SCOTUS decision was on the roof of my building at the Goldman Sachs office (hmm...). TOTES saw him coming in.

  • Sorry this is such an uber political post. I'M JUST SO EXCITED!!!! WOOHOO!!!
okay. busy day. back to real life. I promise to be more coherent tomorrow


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

WILW

I'm back for another week of What I'm Loving Wednesday. 



First and foremost, I'm LOVING the awesome Rouge and Co. Giveaway I'm hosting right now. Have you entered yet? go here.

Next I'm loving this cooler weather that we are having in DC. I went swimming after work the other night and OMG it was chilly at 7:30 pm. LOVE it. is it too early in the summer to say I'm ready for fall?

I'm loving these pretty bedrooms. One day I will have something this glamorous  



I'm thinking about doing a super bright fun color like this now though... thoughts?


I'm loving that the Cap Fabb meet up is tonight


Who else is going? 

Y'all know I'm a political nerd, but I am SO EXCITED for the Congressional Baseball game tomorrow. It's AWESOME. A bunch of Congressmen and Senators get together for a friendly game of baseball. Dems vs. Repubs. Last year was a blow out for the Democrats, so we shall see if they continue to dominate or if the Republicans will be out for blood. 

I'm loving that the fourth of july is only one week away!
if only this is what it really looked like
I've been on a STRICT budget this week (testing to see what it will be like when I do a month long spending freeze for my 25 before 25) and let me tell you it's been tough.

Once my spending freeze is over here are a few things I'm loving





ugh. Can some one just by me a whole new wardrobe? k. thanks. 

So that's what I'm loving today. Hope to see some of you tonight!!!!




Thursday, May 3, 2012

Say it Aint so Newt

Oh Newt, why did you have to go so soon? I will miss your pompous whit, your blonde robot of a wife, and your brilliant campaign promises. Moon colonies? child janitors? and oh your unwavering love of Ronald Reagan. You will be missed sir. But lucky for all of us, I'm sure you wont venture too far.

As Speaker Gingrich suspended his presidential campaign yesterday, I couldn't help but feel a few pangs of sadness. No, my dear friends, I'm  not suddenly switching my allegiances, but I am a little sad that the primary is really over. Sure, Ron Paul is still in, but lets be honest, he'll probably run as an independent in the general election in November. Mitt Romney it is. Our next President will either be a Mormon or a Muslim. Great.

Ha-ha you know I'm kidding right? I'm actually somewhat pleased with these final two men standing. While I have already gotten my Obama 2012 sticker, I am glad that the two most qualified (in my opinion) men are still standing.  I have too much respect for the system to honestly hope for a Newt or a Bachmann to win the nomination to make it easier for my pick.

I was discussing this the other day, and y'all might think I'm crazy, but does this whole thing not have some SERIOUS similarities to the Hunger Games? We send them into this game where they attack each other attempting to kill each other's political viability? We take pleasure in watching every tiny detail play out. The strongest/smartest/ most strategic candidate is left standing at the end?  SPONSORS aka Super PACs throw money at the candidates (players) to keep them alive?

I think its a little spooky.

Anyways. Congress is in recess this week, so life in DC is slow. No moving legislation. No breaking news. AKA lots of time for me to catch up on my blog reading.

Hope y'all have a great day, and get excited because tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! Wooohooo!!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The End of The Beginning

Well folks. I think its finally over.

I'm sad to say the Republican party seems to have finally, albeit begrudgingly, coalesced around their nominee. Governor Mitt Romney ladies and gentlemen!  I have to say I was sad to hear Senator Santorum was dropping out on Tuesday. I mean, you can't fault the guy. It was time. He had a pretty great run, especially considering where his political career was only 6 years ago. And with his daughter being as sick as she is, he really should go home and be with her. He's a young guy. He can spend the next four years on a book tour around the US and have another go at it in 2016 or even 2020. I'm sure this is not the last we'll see of the Senator. Or his daughter Elizabeth ,with the creepy smile. I can never tell if she's about to laugh or cry. I'm sure she's a lovely person, but she needs to practice smiling in the mirror.


So what happens now? No more primary debates? or twitter battles? public gaffs? Obvious pandering to the base? What is a political junkie to do for a fix. Don't you worry. Mr. Gingrich continues to hang around.


I have to say I love watching Newt. He really is a political genius, but his HUGE ego often gets in the way to his detriment. I do not love his policies, please--- I know you were very concerned for a minute there. He's so out of touch and some of the things he says... I mean where did that moon colony thing come from? And now apparently he bounced a check to the state of Utah for $500. Are you kidding me?

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a bit of a break. I feel like we've been in constant election mode since the last election! Oh wait... we have.

But this is only the end of the beginning of the battle that will be the election this fall. Can't wait to see what comes next.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Politics 101: Super PACs

I'm sure you've tuned in to any of the 2012 election coverage you've heard mention of Super PACs. I know a lot of folks outside of the beltway that don't know what a PAC is, let alone a Super one. A political action committee aka PAC is essentially a group of people who come together pool their contributions and donate money to a politicians and candidates. PACs are generally focused on a single issue and thus are a more effective means of influence because a candidate will be able to recognise the cause. If I wrote a check to a candidate he/she wouldn't know the issues I care about or what's important to me, but if I join a PAC that supports environmental protection and that PAC writes a check to that same candidate you can be sure they'll know what I care about. Most companies, trade associations and even interest groups have a PAC now a days. There are literally thousands of PACs out there, if not hundreds of thousands.

The FEC (Federal Election Commission) has created strict guidelines for PACs to follow. The maximum a PAC can contribute to a candidate per election is $5,000. PAC's have to report ever dollar they spend and it becomes public record. Any lobbyists who use the money to attend events are also reported and monitored closely. And any individual who contributes more than $200 to the PAC also has to be listed with receipt reports to the FEC.

Super PACs are a different story though. Based on a Supreme Court case decided in 2010 (Citizens United) Corporations are people too. For the first time corporations can create "Super PACs" and contribute unlimited funds to elections. There are not necessarily people behind these Super PACs so that information does not have to be disclosed. There is NO limit to what a Super PAC can contribute to a candidate. No Limit. They are free to make their own advertisements where they can blatantly disperse lies, but who cares? because no one's name is really attached to it.

In the 2010 election cycle over $4 billion dollars were spend by candidates, party committees, and Super PACs. That's the most in history, and 2012 looks to far exceed even those numbers.

It's really sickening how out of control this spending is getting. If you think lobbying is bad  just think about what these politicians will do after being propped up by a Super PAC. $5000 is nothing now. It's scary really.

Unfortunately in these highly partisan times we are unable to tackle real reform, but now is when we need the reform the most. What to do what to do. Does this all just infuriate you? I am beyond tired of it all. I might need to pick a new industry to work in and leave politics as a hobby.

Hope you're having a great Wednesday!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Politics v. Policy

So far in my professional experience I've discovered that there are two kinds of people in the business of politics. There are those who love the game, the strategy, the posturing and the power, and those who love the policy. I love to watch the game, but I'm more concerned with the policy side. As of late the biggest policy issue on peoples minds is Healthcare Reform. March 23, 2010 the House passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) aka healthcare reform aka Obamacare. I hope you all looked at that date, TWO YEARS AGO, and and the same reaction as I often do: health care reform is done, for now. The House repealed it in January 2011, there is no way the Senate will do the same in this Congress or any Congress in the foreseeable future for that matter. So why are we still fussing about it? Can't we focus on policies that need to be tackled NOW. Energy security? Increasing poverty? Tax Reform? that pesky nation debt that keeps getting bigger? Oops. No. Sorry, we still want to keep up this anti- political rhetoric that raises ratings and sells books. It just infuriates me the crap that people are able to get away with these days.

This week in in Washington all eyes are on the Supreme Court as they hear arguments in the Department of Health and Human Services v. Florida, aka the Heath care Reform Law. Today wraps up the final day of arguments and based on the media coverage I've seen the individual mandate part of the law seems to be in jeopardy of being overturned. Now, if the individual mandate is deemed unconstitutional that does not necessarily mean the whole law is nullified, but there is really no point in speculating. A decision will be made in time. However, you just have to flip your TV to the three networks to see the absurd spin going on right now. Just for kicks I started my day with MSNBC this morning. According to them, Justice Kennedy (the so-called swing vote) is going to support the individual mandate and vote to uphold the law. Then I switched to CNN's coverage, without hesitation their reporters are saying the mandate will surely be overturned and the law might go with it. Then I checked out fox. Ohhhh Fox. You bring me endless joy with your blatantly obvious pandering to the right. I mean  COME ON, I know people tune in to hear the rhetoric that they want to hear, but jeez. SO BLATANTLY BIASED. Fox is saying the law is going down in burning flames, this is the end of the President, he will lose horribly in November, and this is the new coming of the Tea Party Republican Movement. I'm not arguing that MSNBC isn't biased towards the left, believe me it is, but Fox's reports are so extreme they boarder on lies. Where is your journalistic integrity? You are supposed to be reporting the truth, not fostering hatred towards Americans of different opinions. I believe that one of the main tenants of the Constitution that makes our country is the fact we have the freedom to disagree. You don't have to like what I believe, but you have to respect that I believe it. Honestly, I'll respect your beliefs. We can agree to disagree, REALLY.

Okay, I've got to reel it back in. I could just get on a political tangent for hours, but back to the topic of the day.  Politics is the gesturing that gets people riled up (see my rant above), its playing a game, its the constant struggle for power, fame and money. Policy is usually what goes on behind the scenes: working with issue experts to try and improve the lives of an effected group through legislation. But all too often politics gets wrapped up in policy negotiations, and in the example of the heathcare reform of 2010 politics ended up muddling the bill and reduced the effectiveness of the policy. If you can take one thing away from this rant I hope its this:

Hate the Game. Not the player.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Politics 101: Why I Love the Game

So... I live in D.C. I work in politics. I've been a Hill Staffer. I've run a PAC. I've been following Presidential elections, watching conventions, wearing t-shirts and buying buttons since Clinton won in '92 (I kid you not, and yes I was 4). I had a election watch party in 2006 in my freshman dorm at UGA, I was a fervant follower of the 2008 Presidential election while I was in Spain. If it's possible I watched the 2010 election with an even closer eye. I can recognize and name every member of the US Senate, Supreme Court, probably about 40+% of the House Members, most of the cabinet members and even some of the White House staff. Yes I have a problem. I am well aware that I am a nerd. To me D.C. is like Hollywood, but with smart people (DC is often called Hollywood for the ugly, and its probably true) I love seeing these "celebrities" everywhere you go. So... now you have a little back ground on my obsession with politics.


While I am obsessed with every aspect of the political game, I do not approve of the partisan crap that's going on across Capitol Hill and all over the country. I hate that we've gotten stuck in this intensely partisan atmosphere, and unfortunately there's no one to blame. Well... that's not entirely true, there is a LOT of blame to go around: the 24 hour news cycle, self interested politicians, social media, campaign finance laws or rather the lack there of and the rise of the "talking head" politicos that just seem to pop up everywhere. But, I digress.

I love Congress. Yes. I said it. I don't approve of Congress, but I do love it. I love what Congress represents: a group of citizens coming together in the best form of democracy to represent their home towns and improve the lives of their friends and neighbors. But that's not what Congress is any more, and unfortunately I don't know how we get back there. Congress was created by the Constitution as one of the three branches of government. It is the branch most closely related to the people. Congress truly is "by the people for the people." I'm fascinated by the Constitution and the many checks and balances it created, and I'm so proud to live in a country where our founding fathers had such ideals and foresight to create this amazing document. You as an individual citizen can create change across the country. Look at the civil rights movement, the women's rights movement, even prohibition. These regular citizens got together at the grassroots level to improve the country for the better (Obviously I'm not a huge fan of the whole no alcohol prohibition thing, but still they got a constitutional amendment, pretty impressive).

Honestly I could write about it forever, but I know you don't want to hear my ramblings about why the US government is so great. But this is why I love the game that is politics. I appreciate the fact that I, as a private citizen, can create great changes across the country.

But if you've watched the news lately, read a paper or maybe gave $ to Colbert's SuperPAC you know the game is broken. But we can talk about that another day...

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