Annual Politicon “Unconventional Political Convention” 2017 Opening Day Highlights

Politicon held its annual, non-partisan “Unconventional Political Convention” that brings people of all political bents together this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center. With intimate and up-close rooms of 50-seaters to large-scale auditoriums, attendees are getting up close and personal with political heavyweights.

(L-R) Moderator Ken Rudin, Brad Sherman, Roger Stone, Jill Wine-Banks, and James Carville at ‘Watergate: The Long View panel during Politicon at Pasadena Convention Center on July 29, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for Politicon)

Highlights from opening day included debates, panels, discussions, podcasts and stand-up comedy with Chelsea Handler, Jake Tapper, Ann Coulter, Tomi Lahren, James Carville, Adam Carolla, Rob Reiner, Roger Stone, Jon Favreau, Ana Kasparian, and dozens more.

Comedian Chelsea Handler went head to head with conservative Tomi Lahren on some of the latest hot topics including President Trump’s recent announcement of banning transgender people from serving in military, Obamacare, and energy.

Chelsea Handler (L) and Tomi Lahren at ‘Chelsea Handler in Conversation with Tomi Lahren’ panel during Politicon at Pasadena Convention Center on July 29, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for Politicon)

“For me, reinstating the ban on transgenders in the military was a positive step,” said Lahren. “I don’t care what you do, I just don’t want to pay for it. What I care about is military effectiveness and readiness.” Handler fired back, “We are spending more on Viagra and Cialis. It’s not easy for them to even walk out the door. The trans community is not going anywhere soon and they are probably going to take over. A Band-Aid can’t be put on it. We want to make people feel accepted.”

(L-R) Ann Coulter, moderator Toure, and Ana Kasparian at ‘Ann Coulter vs. Ana Kasparian’ panel during Politicon at Pasadena Convention Center on July 29, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for Politicon)
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Ann Coulter faced-off with Ana Kasparian of The Young Turks in a debate that spanned marijuana use, immigration policies, healthcare

CNN hosted a live “Politics on Tap” with Jake Tapper as he sat down with Chelsea Handler to discuss politics, including how her Netflix show has changed since the election–”I stand by everything I say,” she said.

Jake Tapper (L) and Chelsea Handler at the ‘CNN: Politics on Tap: Special Edition’ panel during Politicon at Pasadena Convention Center on July 29, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for Politicon)

Roger Stone, the biggest Trump surrogate to attend this weekend after Anthony Scaramucci  had to cancel his appearance, spoke on a panel about marijuana legalization. Stone later posed with Trump impersonator Anthony Atamanuik before his performance.

Photo Credit: Getty on behalf of Politicon