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Democratic convention live: first night's heavy hitters include Sanders, Warren Democratic convention live: Sarah Silverman tells Bernie or Bust: 'You're being ridiculous'
(35 minutes later)
2.29am BST
02:29
Paul Simon sings Bridge Over Troubled Water. Democrats sway. Many smile.
Maybe he’ll come back for America when Sanders speaks? We’re dreaming aren’t we.
2.28am BST
02:28
Paul Simon will be introduced by Sarah Silverman, the comedienne, joined by Al Franken, who’s coming back for seconds. Stage-hog.
“I’m Sarah Silverman and this past year I’ve been feeling the Bern,” she says. “Relax, I put some cream on it.”
Franken: What did you say?
Silverman: I put some cream on it.
“Oh Al, you’ve still got it,” she quips. Then she kicks him out of the camera shot so she can speak:
Some of you my know I support Bernie Sanders and the movement behind him. And Bernie’s already succeeded in so many ways.” She singles out opposition to Citizens United. “I’m very glad
You know my shrink says, we don’t get what we want, we get what we think we deserve. And Bernie Sanders has shown us that all Americans deserve quality health care and education, not just elites.
“As a pretty kick-ass woman once said, it takes a village,” she says.
She says the Democratic primary was so grown up, with omission of details like hand-size or “if they go to the bathroom.”
“Inside secret,” Silverman whispers. “They do.”
Then Silverman absolutely kills:
“That’s four-year-old stuff. That’s calling-people-names-from-inside-my-gold-encrusted-sandbox-because-I-was-given-money-instead-of-human-touch-and-coping-tools.”
Silverman continues: “Hillary is our Democratic nominee and I will proudly vote for her.”
Thunderous applause. And for each one of these lines:
“It’s so inspiring. Just a few months ago she was a secretary and now she could be president!
“She’s like the only person to be overqualified for the job as the president. So I tell you this, I will vote for Hillary with gusto.
“I am proud to be part of Bernie’s movement. And a big part of that movement is to make absolutely sure that Hillary Clinton is elected president of the United States.”
There it is: The first time of the night, a spontaneous “Hillary! Hillary! Hillary!” chant.
Then Silverman grabs the mic again. “To the Bernie or Bust people, you’re being ridiculous!”
The crowd loves her. She’s the first person – after Demi Lovato – to really light them up. The first person to really light them up.
Franken and Silverman have to vamp a bit while Paul Simon gets ready. Thank goodness it was them and not... Nita Lowey?
2.10am BST
02:10
Next up onstage: Paul Simon.
What’s he going to sing?
2.09am BST
02:09
Here now is Anastasia Somoza, who, along with her twin sister, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia when she was born and is an advocate for Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Somoza, who first met President Bill Clinton in 1993 at a town hall meeting for kids, is a former Hillary Clinton intern.
“I first met Hillary as First Lady on a visit to the White House,” she says:
I was 9 years old and I listened to her and my mom discuss healthcare and early intervention for children with disabilities. Over the past 23 years, she has continued to serve as a friend and a mentor… Championing my inclusion and access to classrooms, higher education and the workforce.”
Somoza says that Clinton’s opponent “shouts, bullies and profits off of vulnerable Americans.” She continues:
Donald Trump has shown us who he really is. And I honestly feel bad for anyone with that much hate in their heart. I know we will show each other, and the world, who we really are in November – when we choose genuine strength and thoughtful leadership – over fear and division. Donald Trump doesn’t see me, he doesn’t hear me, and he definitely doesn’t speak for me.
“I am confident that as president Hillary Clinton will do everything in her power to support the rights... and humanity of all Americans.”
The crowd is applauding Somoza, who is speaking from a wheelchair, with great warmth.
A sanding ovation for Somoza.
2.03am BST
02:03
Zero arrests, 55 ticketed, 17 hospitalized in heat
Philadelphia officials say 41 people have been treated for heat-related issues or other injuries during protests related to the Democratic convention, the AP reports. Seventeen of those treated have been taken to hospitals to be evaluated.
Additionally, Philadelphia police said 55 people have been cited for disorderly conduct after demonstrators tried to climb barricades near the Democratic convention.
Police say no one was arrested in the crowd of largely pro-Bernie Sanders protesters.
2.01am BST
02:01
Franken says that work by people to register voters in Minnesota is “the reason I am giving this speech here and not into my bathroom mirror.”
He continues:
This week is about passion. Starting Friday morning, it’s all about work. Hard work.
Many of you have jobs. Many of you have families. Ignore them.
Let me tell you something. Kids love it when their parents aren’t home. They love it!
An eight-year-old kid knows how to use a microwave oven. And let me tell you something else. And 8-year-old kid can teach a 4-year-old kid how to use a microwave oven.
It’s a chucklefest.
1.57am BST
01:57
Franken notes that Trump has claimed his business experience qualifies him for the presidency. And “if you believe that, I’ve got some delicious Trump steaks to sell you.”
Ba-dum-bum.
“I think rather than voting for someone who’s never done anything other than himself, maybe we should vote for a candidate” who’s devoted her life to improving the lives of other people, Franken says.
“I am proud to call Hillary Clinton my friend and I can’t wait to call her madam President.”
Pretty good applause there from Franken.
1.55am BST
01:55
Franken returns to comedy to grill Trump
Here now is Minnesota senator Al Franken.
His introduction is built for a laugh, unlike anything he says in the senate:
I’m Al Franken. Minnesota Senator and world renowned expert on right wing megalomaniacs: Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, and now, Donald Trump…”
Franken then eases into a standup routine:
I got my doctorate in megalomania studies from Trump University,” Franken says. “As a proud alum of Trump U, I think we may be misunderestimating Mr Trump. Sure he’s scammed a lot of people, but did you know that Mr Trump’s school of ripping people off is ranked second in the nation? Right behind Bernie Madoff University. ...
It’s also about learning from success experts like Scott Baio, Mike Tyson and of course a life-sized cardboard cutout of Mr Trump himself.
1.51am BST1.51am BST
01:5101:51
Here now is New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand.Here now is New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
She’s talking about Clinton’s work on behalf of children and families – that’s verbatim the theme of the night, Hillary Clinton’s work on behalf of children and families.She’s talking about Clinton’s work on behalf of children and families – that’s verbatim the theme of the night, Hillary Clinton’s work on behalf of children and families.
“You see, Hillary Clinton’s life’s work has been defined by one question: ‘How we help those who need it most?’” Gillibrand says, continuing:“You see, Hillary Clinton’s life’s work has been defined by one question: ‘How we help those who need it most?’” Gillibrand says, continuing:
Donald Trump’s has been defined by a very different question: ‘How can I help myself most?’”Donald Trump’s has been defined by a very different question: ‘How can I help myself most?’”
Donald Trump actually stood on a debate stage and said that wages are “too high”. Hillary knows that in the richest country in the world, it’s unacceptable that a mom with two kids working full-time still lives in poverty.Donald Trump actually stood on a debate stage and said that wages are “too high”. Hillary knows that in the richest country in the world, it’s unacceptable that a mom with two kids working full-time still lives in poverty.
Donald Trump says that when it comes to paid family leave, “you have to be careful of it.” Hillary knows that it’s long past time for guaranteed paid family leave.”Donald Trump says that when it comes to paid family leave, “you have to be careful of it.” Hillary knows that it’s long past time for guaranteed paid family leave.”
The paid family leave line gets a bit of clapping. Gillibrand continues:The paid family leave line gets a bit of clapping. Gillibrand continues:
Donald Trump thinks that women should just work harder because – and I’m quoting – “You’re gonna make the same if you do as good a job.” Every woman in America knows that’s not true! Hillary believes that women deserve equal pay for equal work.Donald Trump thinks that women should just work harder because – and I’m quoting – “You’re gonna make the same if you do as good a job.” Every woman in America knows that’s not true! Hillary believes that women deserve equal pay for equal work.
“The choice in this election couldn’t be clearer,” the senator concludes. Her call for support for Hillary Clinton is applauded with moderate warmth.“The choice in this election couldn’t be clearer,” the senator concludes. Her call for support for Hillary Clinton is applauded with moderate warmth.
1.45am BST1.45am BST
01:4501:45
1.42am BST1.42am BST
01:4201:42
"How's the convention going, honey?" pic.twitter.com/gSyix4kiLG"How's the convention going, honey?" pic.twitter.com/gSyix4kiLG
1.37am BST
01:37
Scott Bixby
Singer Demi Lovato, in addition to a rendition of one of her chart-toppers, used her time onstage to address mental-health issues, citing her personal struggle with mental illness as a motivating factor for encouraging politicians “to support laws that will provide access to better healthcare.”
“This is not about politics - it’s simply the right thing to do,” Lovato said, to enthusiastic applause. “I’m proud to support a presidential candidate who will fight to ensure all people living with mental-health conditions get the care they need to live fulfilling lives. That candidate is Hillary Clinton!”
Lovato then launched into her smash hit “Confident,” complete with backup dancers, which even had members of the perpetually angry California delegation dancing. (Sample lyrics: “Bitch, I run this show / So leave the lights on / No, you can’t make me behave”).
1.19am BST
01:19
Apologies for the interruption, we’ve had some further interruptions of our internet service inside the hall.
12.28am BST
00:28
On night one of the Democratic convention, Democrats are advised to take cover:
#DemsInPhilly please take cover. https://t.co/0uE8YP1QS9
be the person who doesn't use a storm metaphor in your lede
PHILADELPHIA — As a storm rolled through here on day one of the Democratic National Convention, a tempest of sorts r https://t.co/Pv0qTuDhmY
Updated
at 12.29am BST
12.26am BST
00:26
Heck of a storm. Via C-Span:
And here's the storm pic.twitter.com/S13Kbf00uM
12.25am BST
00:25
Next up is Rich Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO.
He launches the most effective and exciting – for the crowd – attack on Trump of the night.
“Working people are strong, and Donald Trump is wrong, wrong, wrong,” he says.
He thinks he’s a tough guy. Well Donald, I worked in the mines with tough guys. I know tough guys, they’re friends of mine. And Donald, You’re no tough guy, you’re a phony!
Cheers.
12.23am BST
00:23
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh just won some cheers, and got into what may have been the first cooperative call-and-response with the crowd, with a call to stop Donald Trump from “stiffing” working families.
He began his talk by saying “I’m Marty Walsh and I’m an alcoholic,” to some mirth in the auditorium, before the crowd realized he was perfectly serious and meant to tell his story of recovery with the support of the labor movement and his family.
12.20am BST
00:20
Flash flood alert hits convention; media tent evacuated
No shortage of action here in Philadelphia tonight. The emergency alert system has just dispatched a flash flood notification:
Uh oh. pic.twitter.com/vpxzt44VEf
And they’re evacuating the media tents:
DNC now evacuating media tents due to lighting storms #DemsInPhilly
And the storm has broken up a rally with Green party candidate Jill Stein:
Pounding thunderstorm in Philly is shutting down a Jill Stein rally. The DNC's nefarious methods know no bounds.
Let the good times roll...
12.14am BST
00:14
Looks like trouble’s brewing outside, too:
A major storm is approaching the DNC Convention. pic.twitter.com/LIIknkjuJF
There’s some concern the media tent could blow over:
Meanwhile, worry press tent may collapse as giant storm hits #DNCinPHL pic.twitter.com/ZTkUTHqejO
Updated
at 12.15am BST
12.10am BST
00:10
Here’s video of the booing earlier, as Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge, the permanent chairwoman of the convention, spoke:
12.05am BST
00:05
Here’s Clinton campaign chair John Podesta.
He thanks volunteers and donors. “You have voted to make Hillary Clinton the nominee of the Democratic party, this is your victory. And to everyone who supported senator Sanders, this is your victory too!”
There were cheers at first but the Sanders supporters did not seem convinced. In any case the booing has definitely died down.
Many in the crowd seem simply to be ignoring Podesta, as the last speakers were largely ignored. There’s a lot of background noise in the crowd – loud talking – and kind of perfunctory cheering, less-than-thrilled cheering. The crowd has gone from sharply and passionately divided against itself to just kind of flat.
Podesta isn’t saying much memorable. But he sounds busy:
“If we work overtime for the next 105 days we will succeed in making history, and elect the first woman president of the United States!” he says.
That gets some chering.