PHILADELPHIA -- Less than an hour after Democrats gaveled in their convention in Philadelphia, the Democratic National Committee issued its “deep and sincere apology” to candidate Bernie Sanders.
But some delegates weren’t buying it.
Outrage over what some have called a “rigged” primary process was fueled over the weekend in the days leading up to the convention when emails published by WikiLeaks suggested some committee staffers favored presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton over Sanders throughout the primaries.
That furor seemed to spill into Monday’s convention events, as acting DNC chair and Ohio congresswoman Marcia Fudge kicked things off to boos and jeers at the mention of Clinton’s name.
#DemConvention Chair Marcia Fudge can't say @HillaryClinton's name without setting off boos. This is a PR nightmare. @WCPO #DemsInPhilly
— Amanda Seitz (@AmandaSeitz1) July 25, 2016
#DemConvention chair Marcia Fudge trying to speak over "Bernie" chants. Hard to argue this a united party. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/ICgYJGBj2v
— Amanda Seitz (@AmandaSeitz1) July 25, 2016
Fudge urged delegates to work toward party unity in light of the email leak.
And she didn’t get all boos. Clinton supporters worked to curb Sanders’ backers. At one point, there were chants of “Let her speak!”
Fudge asked for respect and promised to deliver it in return.
Fudge: "We are all Democrats here & we're going to act like it"
Problem: some Bernie delegates don't see it that way pic.twitter.com/EcMJ8FcPWq— Amanda Seitz (@AmandaSeitz1) July 25, 2016
Bernie Sanders urged supporters not to demonstrate on the floor of the Democratic National Convention.
He sent out text messages and emails with his personal request.
Sanders characterized the request "as a personal courtesy to me" and urging his followers to "not engage in any kind of protest on the floor."
The Vermont senator said it is of the "utmost importance" that this be explained to the state delegations.
Sanders say "our credibility as a movement will be damaged by booing, turning of backs, walking out or other similar displays."
The challenger to Hillary Clinton is speaking later Monday at the Philadelphia convention.
It comes as many of his supporters contend the Democratic National Committee failed to be neutral during the primaries.
A Democratic official said on the condition of anonymity that Bernie Sanders' campaign has urgently reached out to Hillary Clinton's team. Aides to Clinton and Sanders met in hopes of forming a plan to avoid excessive disruptions on the convention floor.
