Democrats on Monday opened their
convention in Philadelphia with rousing speeches from Bernie Sanders,
Cory Booker, Michelle Obama and Elizabeth Warren.
With a scandal over leaked emails that
appeared to show Democratic National Committee (DNC) staffers
favoring Hillary Clinton over Sanders, her primary rival, lingering
over the Wells Fargo Center, Democrats got a rocky start.
Earlier in the day, Sanders was booed
during an address to his delegates in which he endorsed Clinton for
president. “Brothers and sisters. This is the real world that we
live in,” Sanders told his supporters.
More boos were heard on the convention
floor. When comedian Sarah Silverman, who supported Sanders in the
primary, attempted to make light of the situation – “Can I just
say to the 'Bernie or Bust' people, you're being ridiculous” –
the fraction only grew louder.
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker's speech
emphasized diversity.
“Tolerance says I am just going to
stomach your right to be different,” he said. “That if you
disappear from the face of the earth, I am no better or worse off.
But love – love knows that every American has worth and value, no
matter what their background, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Love recognizes that we need each other, that we as a nation are
better together, that when we are divided we are weak, we decline,
yet when we are united we are strong – invincible!”
First Lady Michelle Obama spoke of the
kind of leaders she wants influencing the next generation: “This
election, and every election, is about who will have the power to
shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives.”
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren
called on delegates to “work our hearts out to make Hillary Clinton
the president of the United States.”
In the night's final speech, Sanders
reiterated his support for Clinton: “Hillary Clinton will make an
outstanding president. And I am proud to stand with her tonight.”