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DNC chairwoman will not take stage at national convention – live DNC chairwoman will not take stage at national convention – live
(35 minutes later)
9.13pm BST
21:13
Streaming live: The Democratic National Convention
Watch live here:
9.11pm BST
21:11
Adam Gabbatt
A protest march is heading through downtown Philadelphia. Hundreds of largely Bernie Sanders-supporting demonstrators had gathered at city hall at 3pm, close to the DNC convention center, before walking south half an hour later.
“Bernie Sanders: not for sale” people are chanting, along with: “Clinton lied people died”.
One man is carrying a banner banner that says “Hillary Clinton for prison”. Earlier protesters had chanted “Lock her up” in reference to the Democratic nominee: a common Donald Trump supporter refrain.
Few hundred protesters outside Philadelphia city hall. Mostly Bernie Sanders supporters #dnc https://t.co/GSiQRhgWH9
The march is being closely monitored by police officers on bicycles, some of whom seem quite ill-suited to cycling in 96f heat.
Someone seems to have sprung a fire hydrant along the route and it is spraying water all over protesters.
9.00pm BST
21:00
Seeing outside Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia shows a larger and more fervent collection of protesters and protests then we ever saw in Cleveland.
8.39pm BST8.39pm BST
20:3920:39
David SmithDavid Smith
A close aide to Hillary Clinton has accused leaders of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union of making “grandiose promises” that they reneged on as soon as they won last month’s referendum.A close aide to Hillary Clinton has accused leaders of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union of making “grandiose promises” that they reneged on as soon as they won last month’s referendum.
Jake Sullian, a senior foreign policy adviser to the Democratic nominee, predicted that Americans would learn the lessons of Brexit and not vote for her Republican rival Donald Trump.Jake Sullian, a senior foreign policy adviser to the Democratic nominee, predicted that Americans would learn the lessons of Brexit and not vote for her Republican rival Donald Trump.
“We believe that, as Secretary Clinton has said before, the kind of turbulence and the kind of uncertainty generated by the Brexit vote will ultimately demonstrate to American voters that an approach that is based on evidence and fact and sound, sensible policy making is the approach that the American people are going to pursue,” Sullivan told reporters at the Democratic national convention in Philadelphia.“We believe that, as Secretary Clinton has said before, the kind of turbulence and the kind of uncertainty generated by the Brexit vote will ultimately demonstrate to American voters that an approach that is based on evidence and fact and sound, sensible policy making is the approach that the American people are going to pursue,” Sullivan told reporters at the Democratic national convention in Philadelphia.
“Just as an example of this, some of the architects of Brexit campaign put forward grandiose promises in the course of running their argument for why the UK should leave the European Union. As soon as the vote happened, they came out and said, ‘Well, maybe we didn’t mean it with those promises’. We think the American people have seen that and it’s going to make them more sceptical of grandiose promises here on this side of the Atlantic in this election.”“Just as an example of this, some of the architects of Brexit campaign put forward grandiose promises in the course of running their argument for why the UK should leave the European Union. As soon as the vote happened, they came out and said, ‘Well, maybe we didn’t mean it with those promises’. We think the American people have seen that and it’s going to make them more sceptical of grandiose promises here on this side of the Atlantic in this election.”
One of those architects, Nigel Farage, popped up at the Republican convention in Cleveland last week and spoke to delegates about how Brexit attracted “little people” who do not normally vote but who wanted to send a message to the establishment. He suggested that, despite cultural differences, Trump could benefit from a similar groundswell.One of those architects, Nigel Farage, popped up at the Republican convention in Cleveland last week and spoke to delegates about how Brexit attracted “little people” who do not normally vote but who wanted to send a message to the establishment. He suggested that, despite cultural differences, Trump could benefit from a similar groundswell.
But Sullivan, former deputy chief of staff to Clinton during her tenure as secretary of state, cautioned against drawing too many parallels. “We believe the vote over Brexit in the UK cannot easily be analogised to the presidential election in the United States,” he said. “For starters, obviously the United Kingdom and the United States are different countries with different constituencies and different considerations in play in the election, but more than that, the vote over Brexit was a vote on how the United Kingdom would relate to an institution.But Sullivan, former deputy chief of staff to Clinton during her tenure as secretary of state, cautioned against drawing too many parallels. “We believe the vote over Brexit in the UK cannot easily be analogised to the presidential election in the United States,” he said. “For starters, obviously the United Kingdom and the United States are different countries with different constituencies and different considerations in play in the election, but more than that, the vote over Brexit was a vote on how the United Kingdom would relate to an institution.
“The presidential election in the United States is a choice between two candidates, two people, two human beings, and the character and temperament of those two human beings will be very much on the voters’ minds as they go into the polling booth.”“The presidential election in the United States is a choice between two candidates, two people, two human beings, and the character and temperament of those two human beings will be very much on the voters’ minds as they go into the polling booth.”
Sullivan added: “So our view is that ultimately this comes down to something about the United States, not about Europe, not about the UK, but to the extent that you can draw lessons from the Brexit vote, many of them cut in favour of the kinds of arguments that Hillary Clinton has been making on the campaign trail.”Sullivan added: “So our view is that ultimately this comes down to something about the United States, not about Europe, not about the UK, but to the extent that you can draw lessons from the Brexit vote, many of them cut in favour of the kinds of arguments that Hillary Clinton has been making on the campaign trail.”
The former national seadviser to vice-president Joe Biden also addressed the leak of Democratic party emails, which he said multiple intelligence experts and security firms had blamed on government-sponsored Russian hackers. “If it is indeed the case that Russia was behind this hack, this would be a new watershed. This would be Russia interfering in the American presidential election, which is deeply alarming and completely unacceptable if it bears out to be true.”The former national seadviser to vice-president Joe Biden also addressed the leak of Democratic party emails, which he said multiple intelligence experts and security firms had blamed on government-sponsored Russian hackers. “If it is indeed the case that Russia was behind this hack, this would be a new watershed. This would be Russia interfering in the American presidential election, which is deeply alarming and completely unacceptable if it bears out to be true.”
8.15pm BST8.15pm BST
20:1520:15
The line for the shuttle from the Pennsylvania Convention Center - where press briefings are held - and Wells Fargo Center - where the actual convention will take place - is hundreds of people deep.The line for the shuttle from the Pennsylvania Convention Center - where press briefings are held - and Wells Fargo Center - where the actual convention will take place - is hundreds of people deep.
7.55pm BST7.55pm BST
19:5519:55
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the mayor of Baltimore, current secretary of the Democratic National Committee and president of the US Conference of Mayors, has announced that she will take DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s place as the master of ceremonies this afternoon, gaveling in the Democratic National Convention after Schultz declared that she would give up the role.Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the mayor of Baltimore, current secretary of the Democratic National Committee and president of the US Conference of Mayors, has announced that she will take DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s place as the master of ceremonies this afternoon, gaveling in the Democratic National Convention after Schultz declared that she would give up the role.
at 4pm today I will gavel in the start of the Convention #DemsInPhilly #outofmanyweareone #StrongerTogetherat 4pm today I will gavel in the start of the Convention #DemsInPhilly #outofmanyweareone #StrongerTogether
7.50pm BST7.50pm BST
19:5019:50
We happen to know that Better Midler employs a full-time comedian to writer her tweets - thanks, Gay Mafia: Los Angeles Chapter! - but this tweet referencing Melania Trump’s plagiarism scandal brings a question to mind: Will first lady Michelle Obama refer to her would-be successor’s speech tonight?We happen to know that Better Midler employs a full-time comedian to writer her tweets - thanks, Gay Mafia: Los Angeles Chapter! - but this tweet referencing Melania Trump’s plagiarism scandal brings a question to mind: Will first lady Michelle Obama refer to her would-be successor’s speech tonight?
Michele Obama is speaking tonight #DemocraticConvention. Melania Trump is excited cause she's gonna get some new material!Michele Obama is speaking tonight #DemocraticConvention. Melania Trump is excited cause she's gonna get some new material!
7.47pm BST7.47pm BST
19:4719:47
Memo: Bernie Sanders considered asking for plane in return for endorsementMemo: Bernie Sanders considered asking for plane in return for endorsement
A memo detailing the potential future plans of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign included the possibility of demanding a private plane, funded by the Democratic National Committee, for Sanders to visit swing states during the general election as a negotiating point during the wind-down of his pursuit of the Democratic nomination.A memo detailing the potential future plans of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign included the possibility of demanding a private plane, funded by the Democratic National Committee, for Sanders to visit swing states during the general election as a negotiating point during the wind-down of his pursuit of the Democratic nomination.
The memo, obtained by Buzzfeed, was apparently left on a table in a hotel restaurant by a careless staffer and frequently emphasizes the important of Sanders using his then-diminishing “leverage” to advance progressive issues within the Democratic party.The memo, obtained by Buzzfeed, was apparently left on a table in a hotel restaurant by a careless staffer and frequently emphasizes the important of Sanders using his then-diminishing “leverage” to advance progressive issues within the Democratic party.
The memo opens with two “key decisions” needed to be made in the closing days of Sanders’ campaign: Whether to force a roll-call vote for the nomination at this week’s convention, and whether to concede the nomination prior to the convention, as Sanders eventually did.The memo opens with two “key decisions” needed to be made in the closing days of Sanders’ campaign: Whether to force a roll-call vote for the nomination at this week’s convention, and whether to concede the nomination prior to the convention, as Sanders eventually did.
In support of the roll-call vote, the memo details that Clinton “will unquestionably be short of a convention majority based upon pledge delegates” and that superdelegates are “by definition undeclared... It is possible that an external event,” like the indictment that failed to materialize after her investigation by the FBI, “would bring Clinton’s viability in the general election into focus in the weeks before the convention.”In support of the roll-call vote, the memo details that Clinton “will unquestionably be short of a convention majority based upon pledge delegates” and that superdelegates are “by definition undeclared... It is possible that an external event,” like the indictment that failed to materialize after her investigation by the FBI, “would bring Clinton’s viability in the general election into focus in the weeks before the convention.”
But the memo also notes that “short of a major external event, the superdelegates are likely to coalesce behind her candidacy,” and that external pressure from Democratic elites, Senate and House leadership, lobbying organizations and even some Sanders supporters would be extreme in the face of an attempt to circumvent Clinton’s lead in pledged delegates, superdelegates and the popular vote.But the memo also notes that “short of a major external event, the superdelegates are likely to coalesce behind her candidacy,” and that external pressure from Democratic elites, Senate and House leadership, lobbying organizations and even some Sanders supporters would be extreme in the face of an attempt to circumvent Clinton’s lead in pledged delegates, superdelegates and the popular vote.
Read the whole memo here.Read the whole memo here.
7.35pm BST7.35pm BST
19:3519:35
Julian Assange, on Trump vs. Clinton: 'Do I prefer cholera or gonorrhea?'Julian Assange, on Trump vs. Clinton: 'Do I prefer cholera or gonorrhea?'
In an interview with Democracy Now, Wikileaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange compared choosing between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to choosing between two different infectious diseases and said that “personally, I would prefer neither.”In an interview with Democracy Now, Wikileaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange compared choosing between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to choosing between two different infectious diseases and said that “personally, I would prefer neither.”
“Well, you’re asking me, do I prefer cholera or gonorrhea,” Assange said, in response to a question on his stance regarding Trump. “We know how politics works in the United States. Whoever - whatever political party gets into government is going to merge with the bureaucracy pretty damn fast. It will be in a position where it has some levers in its hand. And so, as a result, corporate lobbyists will move in to help control those levers. So it doesn’t make much difference in the end.”“Well, you’re asking me, do I prefer cholera or gonorrhea,” Assange said, in response to a question on his stance regarding Trump. “We know how politics works in the United States. Whoever - whatever political party gets into government is going to merge with the bureaucracy pretty damn fast. It will be in a position where it has some levers in its hand. And so, as a result, corporate lobbyists will move in to help control those levers. So it doesn’t make much difference in the end.”
What does make a difference, Assange said, “is political accountability, a general deterrence set to stop political organizations behaving in a corrupt manner. That can make a difference, because that changes the perception of what you can do or not do.”What does make a difference, Assange said, “is political accountability, a general deterrence set to stop political organizations behaving in a corrupt manner. That can make a difference, because that changes the perception of what you can do or not do.”
7.24pm BST7.24pm BST
19:2419:24
Adam GabbattAdam Gabbatt
Bernie Sanders supporters adopted one of Donald Trump’s attack lines against Hillary Clinton at the opening of the Democratic national convention today, chanting “lock her up” at protests in downtown Philadelphia.Bernie Sanders supporters adopted one of Donald Trump’s attack lines against Hillary Clinton at the opening of the Democratic national convention today, chanting “lock her up” at protests in downtown Philadelphia.
Bernie Sanders supporters chant: "Lock her up" outside Philadelphia city hall https://t.co/ANA5CkybqJBernie Sanders supporters chant: "Lock her up" outside Philadelphia city hall https://t.co/ANA5CkybqJ
Around 200 people were gathered at Philadelphia City Hall at noon, ahead of a planned march through the city. Most of the crowd were Sanders supporters, who voiced their anger at the leaked Democratic National Committee emails that showed behind-the-scenes support for Clinton during the Democratic primary.Around 200 people were gathered at Philadelphia City Hall at noon, ahead of a planned march through the city. Most of the crowd were Sanders supporters, who voiced their anger at the leaked Democratic National Committee emails that showed behind-the-scenes support for Clinton during the Democratic primary.
“Lock her up, lock her up,” protesters chanted repeatedly. Many were carrying anti-Clinton banners, drawing attention to both the recent Wikileaks disclosures and her own use of a private email server while Secretary of State.“Lock her up, lock her up,” protesters chanted repeatedly. Many were carrying anti-Clinton banners, drawing attention to both the recent Wikileaks disclosures and her own use of a private email server while Secretary of State.
Trevor Minter, a 21-year-old bartender from Fort Worth, Texas, was among the dozens demanding the Democratic nominee be jailed.Trevor Minter, a 21-year-old bartender from Fort Worth, Texas, was among the dozens demanding the Democratic nominee be jailed.
“I feel like I’ve been cheated, I feel like my brothers and sisters have been cheated, and I feel like it’s all her fault,” Minter said.“I feel like I’ve been cheated, I feel like my brothers and sisters have been cheated, and I feel like it’s all her fault,” Minter said.
He said he was dissatisfied with “all the classified emails she’s let out using her own servers and using her own personal email and then you have the Wikileaks, all the going behind people’s backs”.He said he was dissatisfied with “all the classified emails she’s let out using her own servers and using her own personal email and then you have the Wikileaks, all the going behind people’s backs”.
“Lock her up” is a favorite chant at Donald Trump rallies, and could be heard throughout the GOP convention in Cleveland last week. The Republican nominee has branded Clinton “Crooked Hillary”.“Lock her up” is a favorite chant at Donald Trump rallies, and could be heard throughout the GOP convention in Cleveland last week. The Republican nominee has branded Clinton “Crooked Hillary”.
The FBI investigated Clinton’s use of a private email server while in office, but decided against pressing charges at the beginning of July.The FBI investigated Clinton’s use of a private email server while in office, but decided against pressing charges at the beginning of July.
7.18pm BST7.18pm BST
19:1819:18
Al Gore: 'I will be voting for Hillary Clinton'Al Gore: 'I will be voting for Hillary Clinton'
Former vice president and almost-president Al Gore has been radio silent on the shape of the Democratic presidential field this cycle, but less than two hours before the Democratic National Convention is gaveled into order, Gore tweeted that he intends to vote for former secretary of state - and his ex-boss’ wife - Hillary Clinton.Former vice president and almost-president Al Gore has been radio silent on the shape of the Democratic presidential field this cycle, but less than two hours before the Democratic National Convention is gaveled into order, Gore tweeted that he intends to vote for former secretary of state - and his ex-boss’ wife - Hillary Clinton.
I am not able to attend this year’s Democratic convention, but I will be voting for Hillary Clinton. (1/3)I am not able to attend this year’s Democratic convention, but I will be voting for Hillary Clinton. (1/3)
Given her qualifications and experience -- and given the significant challenges facing our nation and the world, (2/3)Given her qualifications and experience -- and given the significant challenges facing our nation and the world, (2/3)
including, especially, the global climate crisis, I encourage everyone else to do the same. (3/3)including, especially, the global climate crisis, I encourage everyone else to do the same. (3/3)
Notably missing: The word “endorse.”Notably missing: The word “endorse.”
7.15pm BST7.15pm BST
19:1519:15
Jane Sanders hot mic: 'They don’t know your name is being put in nomination'Jane Sanders hot mic: 'They don’t know your name is being put in nomination'
Jane Sanders, wife of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, was caught on a hot mic after his speech to supporters at the Pennsylvania Convention Center this afternoon saying that “They don’t know your name is being put in nomination, and that’s the concern...”Jane Sanders, wife of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, was caught on a hot mic after his speech to supporters at the Pennsylvania Convention Center this afternoon saying that “They don’t know your name is being put in nomination, and that’s the concern...”
Campaign spokesperson Michael Briggs has clarified that Jane Sanders “means there will be a roll-call vote and the senator’s name will be placed in nomination,” perhaps deflating fans of the Vermont senator who read palace intrigue into his spouse’s remarks.Campaign spokesperson Michael Briggs has clarified that Jane Sanders “means there will be a roll-call vote and the senator’s name will be placed in nomination,” perhaps deflating fans of the Vermont senator who read palace intrigue into his spouse’s remarks.
7.00pm BST
19:00
Dan Roberts
Even Vermont senator Bernie Sanders seems unable to control some of his more passionate supporters, judging from the mood at a meeting of delegates that has just broken up at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Loud boos could be heard from within the closed-room as the Vermont senator told them: “We have got to defeat Donald Trump and we have got elect Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine... this is the world we live in.”
“Trump is a danger to the future of our country and must be defeated,” insisted Sanders. “I intend to do everything I can to see that he is defeated.”
At least a portion of his audience seemed unconvinced. Instead, a chat of “we want Bernie!” sparked up from a vocal group who are clearly not fully onboard with the official message of Democratic party unity.
Sanders got much bigger cheers when he mentioned the resignation of DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz which he said “opens up the possibly of new leadership at the top of the Democratic party party that will stand up for working people and will open up the doors of the party for those people who want real change”.
He also agreed with other speakers that the struggle, at least in terms of fighting for more progressive policies, goes on. “This campaign has been a fantastic beginning and from today onward we continue the fight,” concluded Sanders as delegates prepared to file out far less fired up than they had been when they came in.
6.53pm BST
18:53
Debbie Wasserman Schultz to be replaced at gavel
In an interview with the Orlando Sun-Sentinal, Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz has declared that she will not gavel in the convention this afternoon, despite previous pledges to continue with her ceremonial duties during the DNC despite her resignation at the end of the week.
“I have decided that in the interest of making sure that we can start the Democratic convention on a high note that I am not going to gavel in the convention,” Schultz said.
“I stepped down the other day because I wanted to make sure that having brought us to this momentous day and to Philadelphia and planned the convention that is going to be the best one that we’ve ever had in our party’s history that this needs to be all about making sure that everyone knows that Hillary Clinton would make the best president,” she continued.
Schultz was booed off stage by delegates from her home state of Florida while addressing Florida delegates at a breakfast this morning, as a group of Sanders supporters drowned out the congresswoman with jeers.
“Shame on you!” some yelled, as others accused her of rigging the election in Clinton’s favor.
Schultz, who announced on Sunday she will step down as DNC chair at the close of this week’s convention, tried at first to remain focused on the party’s agenda.
“We need to make sure we move together in a unified way,” she told the crowd. But as the protests grew louder, Schultz acknowledged she had discussed her resignation with both Clinton and Obama.
“I can see there’s a little bit of interest in my being here, and I can appreciate that interest,” Schultz said, while seeking to tamp down the hecklers.
Updated
at 6.58pm BST
6.50pm BST
18:50
Tom McCarthy
A network of delegates pledged to Bernie Sanders has vowed to send a message of defiance inside the Democratic convention hall Monday, where Sanders was expected to make a call for unity behind presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Network organizer Norman Solomon, a delegate from California, said that about 1,250 delegates, out of 1,893 total claimed by Sanders, had signaled their support for a convention protest.
Sanders himself is expected to call for a unified fight against Donald Trump when he addresses delegates in a closed-door meeting at a downtown convention centre this afternoon. But his supporters were in defiant mood as they waited in long-lines to get into the room. Chants of “feel the Bern” and “this is what democracy looks like” could be heard all over the centre in scenes reminiscent of his rallies during the primary.
Organizers said the group would register a “vocal” objection to the “rigged” nominating system, to the selection of Virginia senator Tim Kaine as Clinton’s running mate, to Democratic national committee (DNC) bias in favor of Clinton and other developments.
“We have everything from the ‘Bernie-or-busters’ to those who said they would support the eventual nominee,” said organizer Karen Bernal at a morning news conference in downtown Philadelphia. “There is a healthy section of the delegation that plans to have some sort of signal of disapproval, ranging from signs to something more vigorous.”
“We’ve been asked not to be so vocal, but that is not my job. My job is to make sure that the wishes of my delegates are heard. The Bernie delegates have never been a group to take marching orders; they are extremely independently minded.”
Discontent among Sanders supporters was visible in the streets Monday, as a crowd of about 100 demonstrators gathered outside City Hall by mid-morning to criticize the DNC and rally support behind Green party candidate Jill Stein. Slogans included “Bernie – or Jill” and “Does Not Care about democracy.”
“We are a little pissed off,” said organizer Manuel Zapata, another delegate from California. “Since the moment we got here people have looked down on us when they walked past with our campaign swag on... They throw ‘party unity’ around as if it’s something that should make us jump for joy, when [Clinton’s] name is mentioned – but everything that has happened over the last year pulls away from that.”
The defiant mood was echoed at a meeting Monday of the National nurses united group, where policy director Michael Lighty predicted “it could get contentious” inside the convention.
“It will not go down well [when he calls for unity],” Lighty said. “These delegates want to fight on the issues and they are not getting a chance. Pleas for unity without movement on the issues, on policy, are not going to get us anywhere. You can’t paper it over.”
Donna Smith, the executive director of Progressive Democrats of America, received huge cheers as she told the group of nurses: “We get this, we know that Trump is a threat – but PDA will not endorse Hillary!”
5.45pm BST
17:45
Nigel M Smith
The Democratic National Committee email hack has claimed another victim, according to the Guardian’s Nigel M. Smith: Ariana Grande.
Licking donuts and saying “I hate America” cost Ariana Grande a prime gig performing for Barack Obama at the White House gala last September, according to several email exchanges exposed by WikiLeaks.
Amid the thousands of DNC emails posted by WikiLeaks Friday on was a 10 September 2015 response to a request from the DNC finance chair, Zachary Allen, to vet the former Disney Channel star to perform at a gala for the US president.
“Ariana Butera-video caught her licking other peoples’ donuts while saying she hates America,” the DNC’s deputy compliance director wrote in response, referring to Grande’s real name. “Republican Congressman used this video and said it was a double standard that liberals were not upset with her like they are with Trump who criticized Mexicans; cursed out a person on Twitter after that person used an offensive word towards her brother.”
A few months before the email exchange, on 4 July, Grande was caught on security cameras (obtained by TMZ) licking donuts sitting on the top shelf at a donut shop in southern California. When offered a fresh tray of donuts by an employee of the store, Grande is heard saying: “What the fuck is that? I hate Americans. I hate America.” The event caused the hashtag #DonutGate to quickly go viral.
Related: Ariana Grande's donut-licking incident cost her a gig at the White House
5.36pm BST
17:36
Video of the long, passionate lines awaiting to see Bernie Sanders speak:
5.31pm BST
17:31
Donald Trump has tweeted - we know, we know - about the reporting implicating the Russian government in the hacking and subsequent leaking of unflattering Democratic National Committee emails, calling reports that the cyber intrusion was perpetrated by Russian state actors a “joke.”
The new joke in town is that Russia leaked the disastrous DNC e-mails, which should never have been written (stupid), because Putin likes me
5.18pm BST
17:18
Bernie Sanders supporters threaten VP insurrection
Delegates supportive of former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders are now openly threatening to push for a challenger to oppose Virginia senator Tim Kaine as Hillary Clinton’s running mate, a challenge that could potentially throw the Democratic National Convention into chaos.
In a press conference, Norman Solomon, a Sanders delegate from California and national coordinator of the Bernie Delegates Network, told reporters that “there’s serious interest right now and exploration as we speak of a formal challenge with an alternative candidate” to Kaine.
The Bernie Delegates Network, an ad hoc group of delegates independent of the campaign that advocates for Sanders, is currently polling its 1,250 members to gauge interest in nominating a challenger at the DNC.
5.15pm BST
17:15
The Guardian’s Dan Roberts is ensconced in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where supporters of Bernie Sanders are gathering for a closed-to-press meeting with the candidate himself.
In short: They seem pissed.
deafening chants of 'feel the Bern' outside Philly ballroom where Bernie is about to address several hundred of his delegates. no press :-(
The long line of delegates queuing up to see Bernie are now chanting: "this is what Democracy looks like". "Bernie, Bernie" "No TPP" etc etc
Updated
at 5.23pm BST
4.44pm BST
16:44
Sabrina Siddiqui
If you missed it, the Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui reported that Republican party leaders have seized on Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s resignation as head of the Democratic National Committee, pointing to Democratic party infighting as evidence that the primaries were “rigged” for Hillary Clinton from the get-go:
Top Republicans seized on the resignation of Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schulz on Sunday, to further their claim that the primary was rigged in favor of Hillary Clinton – an assertion presidential nominee Donald Trump has made repeatedly while seeking to draw votes from those who supported Bernie Sanders.
“What we already knew,” Republican chairman Reince Priebus, was “perfectly crafted” in the email leaks. At an appearance in Philadelphia ahead of the Democratic convention, which begins in the city on Monday, he added: “The DNC was tipping the scale the entire time for Hillary Clinton.”
“Today’s events show really what an uphill climb the Democrats are facing this week in unifying their party,” he said. “Starting out the week by losing your party chairman over longstanding bitterness between factions is no way to keep something together.”
While Priebus acknowledged that both parties were struggling to achieve unity over their chosen nominee, he added that success was defined by “how you lead and how you bring things together through times that aren’t the easiest”.
“We’re not sitting here believing that the DNC was impartial,” Priebus said. “We knew they weren’t and [the leak] just was a dramatic illustration of what we knew the truth was the whole time anyway.”
Related: Priebus and Manafort seize on Wasserman Schultz DNC resignation
4.39pm BST
16:39
Donald Trump, whose own national convention was marred by party infighting, onstage mutiny and a plagiarism scandal, is positively gleeful after the Democratic National Convention was kicked off by the resignation of the head of the Democratic National Committee and logistical issues that have forced reporters and staffers to work out of Philadelphia’s many coffee joints.
Wow, the Republican Convention went so smoothly compared to the Dems total mess. But fear not, the dishonest media will find a good spinnnn!