Bernie Sanders supporters aren't submitting quietly to Hillary Clinton

The Democratic National Convention got off to a rocky start Monday, as rowdy Bernie Sanders delegates and supporters repeatedly interrupted speeches and proceedings. The first mention of Hillary Clinton during the convocation led to prolonged boos and chants of "Bernie! Bernie!" which happened several more times during the succeeding speeches.

Sanders himself sent a text message to supporters pleading with them not to protest on the convention floor, but some refused to listen, chanting "stop TPP" (referencing the Trans-Pacific Partnership) while Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) gave a speech about his family history.

As the convention proceeded, things calmed down, but mentions of Clinton or procedural votes repeatedly turned into shouting contests between the two factions — Clinton's more numerous, but Sanders' more energetic. The overall effect is akin being at a football grudge match, and not an auspicious start to a convention hoped to be a smooth and calm contrast to the Republican convention in Cleveland.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up