On the surface, the beginning of the Democratic National Convention opened to the kind of internal conflict that resembled, if not surpassed, that of the Republican National Convention. Before the night ended, however, Bernie Sanders would show why not all boos are created equal.
On the eve of the convention opening, Wikileaks published thousands of emails that confirmed Bernie Sanders’ supporters suspicions that Democratic Party leaders undermined the senator’s nomination race.
During an afternoon speech on Monday, Sanders seemed stunned by the jeers of his unaccepting supporters. They refused to accept his endorsement of Hillary Clinton, who is viewed as a supporter of big business and the status quo.
Soon after the gavel landed to open the convention, it was clear Sanders’ supporters were going to ignore his requests that delegates “not engage in any kind of protest on the floor.” Early speakers were bombarded with boos at the mention of Clinton so much so that the comedian Sarah Silverman went off script to chide the “Bernie or Bust” chanters, “You’re being ridiculous.”
There are fundamental differences in the riffs within the DNC and RNC and what it will take to unite each party. Democrats have the greatest weapons as they are in possession of Barack and Michelle Obama. As previously mentioned, the first lady did her part to calm a crowd with reason to feel hurt and betrayed.
Ultimately, the difference comes down to leadership. GOP leaders can hardly bring themselves to support Donald Trump. Ted Cruz refused to do so. By contrast, liberal darlings like Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren made impassioned speeches on Clinton’s behalf and the presumptive nominees greatest party foe, Bernie Sanders, who not only dismantled any argument in support of a “Never Hillary” movement, but ultimately, gave her a ringing endorsement with these five quotes.
“Any objective observer will conclude that — based on her ideas and her leadership — Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States.”
“If you look at one issue after the other issue in terms of who the candidate is that we need to lead this country, there is no debate. The choice in this campaign is very, very clear and I think the overwhelming majority of my supporters will see it that way.”
“If you don’t believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country.”
“I am happy to tell you that at the Democratic Platform Committee there was a significant coming together between the two campaigns and we produced by far the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party.”
“Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here tonight.”
