Americans across the country tuned in on Monday to watch the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, but instead of a stadium packed with enthusiastic delegates, viewers were greeted with actress Eva Longoria, who was emceeing for the party's first ever virtual convention.
Longoria was in her element, introducing everyone from regular Americans to former First Lady Michelle Obama, but while some commended the party for its adjustment to a pandemic-induced virtual format, not everyone was cheering.
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) chastised the Democrats for having a celebrity host.
Brilliant move! No one is more in touch with the challenges & obstacles faced by everyday Americans than actors & celebrities. https://t.co/nzHOniMHPN
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) August 18, 2020
It's important to note that the virtual format gave Democrats an unprecedented chance to amplify voices of average Americans within the party who normally wouldn't be featured on a convention stage.
It was a chance the party took advantage of, and these everyday Americans expressed their experience with the toll of the pandemic, their resolve to fight systems of racial oppression, and their determination to vote for the party's candidate, Joe Biden, regardless of forces trying to suppress votes.
What's more, President Donald Trump, whom Rubio wholeheartedly supports, rebuilt his brand as a successful businessman through reality television shows and cameos in various movies.
People didn't hesitate to remind the Senator of this.
I mean, the president is literally a game show host. https://t.co/8W6baBxxxU
— andrew kaczynski🤔 (@KFILE) August 18, 2020
Wait until @marcorubio finds out who's president!! https://t.co/LPO5KDjCBq
— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) August 18, 2020
As opposed to say, a fake billionaire game show host? https://t.co/IyFmJQaRSe
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) August 18, 2020
Your candidate is literally a fake billionaire reality TV host. Are you even capable of thinking of the next logical thought before you tweet??? https://t.co/NSpliaksgR
— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) August 18, 2020
You traded your dignity for a racist reality show celebrity, Marco. https://t.co/AU2r0sj8NT
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) August 18, 2020
Why did you help make one of them president https://t.co/CHwXzLKymK
— Dan Amira (@DanAmira) August 18, 2020
They also didn't fail to remind Rubio that he spoke right after famed actor and director Clint Eastwood at the 2012 Republican National Convention.
Eastwood famously delivered his speech to an empty chair, which was supposed to represent then-President Barack Obama.
In 2012, Marco Rubio spoke right after actor Clint Eastwood, who spent 10 minutes on the RNC stage shouting at an empty chair. https://t.co/dlEfeX7ue5 pic.twitter.com/FQvIiPW4lX
— Ashton Pittman (@ashtonpittman) August 18, 2020
you literally spoke directly after Clint Eastwood at the 2012 RNC. https://t.co/zugkqkBhV3
— Jesse Lehrich (@JesseLehrich) August 18, 2020
Real heads remember that Rubio's first big national speech, right before Romney at the 2012 convention, was delayed by Clint Eastwood talking to the chair. https://t.co/Wzo7WmhDJo
— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) August 18, 2020
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