PHILADELPHIA — Bernie Sanders’ campaign is working with Hillary Clinton’s to minimize dissension of the Democratic convention floor, changing some delegates’ minds in the process.
Following a day of dissent in Philadelphia, the Sanders campaign sent texts to delegates loyal to the Vermont senator asking them not to protest on the floor Monday night “out of courtesy” to their candidate. Furthermore, prior to Sanders’ speech, top Sanders campaign surrogates Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva urged them to unify. Comedian Sarah Silverman said “to the Bernie or Bust people, you’re being ridiculous!”
“It definitely influenced us, because we have respect for Bernie and his wishes,” Washington state delegate Kat Williams told the Washington Examiner. “You know when we first came in a lot of people were really excited and emotions were excited by now I’m just really looking forward to him speaking tonight. The Democratic Party has a strong tradition of uniting and winning elections, so anything’s possible. But unity has to be a two way street.”
Former Sanders national press secretary Symone Sanders joined the efforts to suppress protests, tweeting a series of calls to Sanders supporters, asking them to accept the loss and move on.
“Look, people are well within their rights to have passions and opinions. That is how we create change in this country. We need the passion!!” Symone Sanders tweeted, adding “But let me be clear — NO ONE STOLE THIS ELECTION! Team Sanders we did AMAZING WORK. But we lost. It’s a hard reality for some.”
Florida Sanders delegate Amparo Glaukshad explained that although many Sanders supporters came into the convention divided, and still may want to protest, the Vermont senator has endorsed Clinton and she now feels she “will follow what Bernie does” and support Clinton as well.
“What you see here, hour by hour, this convention is the Democratic Party coming together more and more,” top Clinton surrogate and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro explained as he stood among delegates on the convention floor. “Earlier in the night there was more booing, but as the night has gone through we have a unity to elect Hillary Clinton.”
His brother, Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro was similarly optimistic, “After Bernie Sanders gets a chance to speak and delegates voice their concerns about making sure the DNC is fair and impartial to candidates, then ultimately we will be unified.”
Both are Clinton supporters.
But not everyone in the Sanders camp is on board. One Michigan Sanders delegate who wished to remain anonymous but was decked head-to-toe in Sanders-gear said that the Vermont senator told her “going to fight all the way to November,” and she would “do whatever it takes.”
Fellow Michigan delegate, Al Benchich, followed up, “Bernie Sanders took it as far as he could take it, it is not about us. This is about issues. And our voice not being heard is an issue.”
