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FBI investigating DNC email hack as convention opens – live DNC chairwoman will not take stage at national convention – live
(about 1 hour later)
7.24pm BST
19:24
Adam 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 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.
“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.
“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”.
“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.
7.18pm BST
19:18
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.
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)
including, especially, the global climate crisis, I encourage everyone else to do the same. (3/3)
Notably missing: The word “endorse.”
7.15pm BST
19:15
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...”
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 BST5.45pm BST
17:4517:45
Nigel M SmithNigel M Smith
The Democratic National Committee email hack has claimed another victim, according to the Guardian’s Nigel M. Smith: Ariana Grande.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.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.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.”“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.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 HouseRelated: Ariana Grande's donut-licking incident cost her a gig at the White House
5.36pm BST5.36pm BST
17:3617:36
Video of the long, passionate lines awaiting to see Bernie Sanders speak:Video of the long, passionate lines awaiting to see Bernie Sanders speak:
5.31pm BST5.31pm BST
17:3117:31
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.”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 meThe 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 BST5.18pm BST
17:1817:18
Bernie Sanders supporters threaten VP insurrectionBernie 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.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.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.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 BST5.15pm BST
17:1517:15
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.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.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 :-(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 etcThe long line of delegates queuing up to see Bernie are now chanting: "this is what Democracy looks like". "Bernie, Bernie" "No TPP" etc etc
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.23pm BSTat 5.23pm BST
4.44pm BST4.44pm BST
16:4416:44
Sabrina SiddiquiSabrina 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: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.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.”“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.”“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”.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.”“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 resignationRelated: Priebus and Manafort seize on Wasserman Schultz DNC resignation
4.39pm BST4.39pm BST
16:3916:39
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.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!Wow, the Republican Convention went so smoothly compared to the Dems total mess. But fear not, the dishonest media will find a good spinnnn!
4.33pm BST
16:33
FBI investigating 'cyber intrusion' of DNC
The FBI issued a statement this morning announcing an investigation into the hack of the Democratic National Committee’s email servers, calling the hack a “cyber intrusion” that poses “a threat to cyberspace.”
“The FBI is investigating a cyber intrusion involving the DNC and are working to determine the nature and scope of the matter,” an FBI spokesperson stated in a release this morning. “A compromise of this nature is something we take very seriously, and the FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who pose a threat to cyberspace.”
On the eve of the Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton’s campaign accused Russia of meddling in the 2016 presidential election, saying its hackers stole DNC emails and released them to foment disunity in the party and aid Donald Trump.
Clinton’s campaign manager, Robby Mook, said on Sunday that “experts are telling us that Russian state actors broke into the DNC, stole these emails, [and are] releasing these emails for the purpose of helping Donald Trump.”
Updated
at 4.33pm BST
4.23pm BST
16:23
Philadelphia is already seeing more fervent protests than any we witnessed in Cleveland last week, with supporters of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders marching through the streets, demanding his nomination.
4.16pm BST
16:16
More on today's DNC speakers
The theme of the first day of the Democratic National Convention will reportedly put a focus on presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s “lifelong work and commitment to putting families first,” in a bid to contrast Cinton’s messaging with Donald Trump’s claim that he alone could solve America’s problems.
The roster tonight will feature “some of the brightest stars” in the Democratic firmament, according to Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook.
The primetime speeches will begin during the 9pm EDT hour, with New Jersey senator Cory Booker, first lady Michelle Obama, Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren and, finally, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders highlighting “Secretary Clinton’s belief that America does best when the economy works for everyone, not just those at the top,” according to Mook.
“Sanders will stress that the most progressive platform in Democratic party history includes agreements he reached with Clinton to dramatically expand healthcare access and to make public colleges tuition-free for students from families with annual incomes up to $125,000 a year,” said Sanders spokesperson Michael Briggs.
“In his remarks, Sanders also plans to rip into Trump for siding with the Koch brothers and echoing fossil fuel industry claims that climate change is a hoax despite the virtually unanimous scientific consensus that the warming planet is causing devastating harm.”
4.08pm BST
16:08
Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook may have told reporters this morning that this week’s Democratic National Convention is “the most professionally run, the most competent convention I have ever experienced for myself,” but he clearly never got a chance to attend last week’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
With shuttle buses between the convention center - where press briefings are held - and Wells Fargo Center - where the press filing center is - delayed until 2:30pm EDT, reporters on deadline have scattered to various coffee shops, restaurants and street corners to file from this morning’s press briefing.
TL;DR: Greetings from the Panera at the corner of Arch and North 12th Street in downtown Philadelphia!
3.36pm BST
15:36
DNC press briefing
In a slightly delayed press briefing at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia, senior Clinton campaign staff and Democratic National Committee chiefs told reporters that despite an initial feeling of semi-controlled chaos in the wake of DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s resignation, this week’s Democratic National Convention will be “the most professionally run, the most competent convention” in the party’s history.
DNC CEO Leah D. Daughtry welcomed reporters to “the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection” - a slight elaboration on the city’s nickname - and declared that “our plans this week will convey a very stark contrast to what we saw last week in Cleveland, and will give the country a clearer vision of our plans... to move America forward.”
Robby Mook, Clinton’s campaign manager, declared on a morning filled with logistical nightmares for commuters and convention-goers alike that the Philadelphia convention has already been “the most professionally run, the most competent convention I have ever experienced for myself.”
“The theme of this first day of the convention is really kicking off a broader theme for the entire week and that is that Secretary Clinton has spent her entire life fighting for kids and families, fighting to provide opportunity for those who are given the least and breaking down barriers to opportunity,” Mook said.
“Senator Sanders is going to be closing us out tonight - he is going to be talking about how we are stronger together when we join forces as a party to take on the rigged system,” which Mook called a “big contrast” to the infighting on display at the RNC last week with Texas senator Ted Cruz’s refusal to endorse Donald Trump. “First of all, our convention is going to be optimistic, it is going to be hopeful, and it is going to talk about specific plans the secretary has to get our economy going.”
After touting a new convention app - “it’s available now on iTunes, so please download!” requested Clinton campaign press secretary Brian Fallon - the trio opened the floor up for questions, most of which involved the Schutlz’s resignation.
“This was the chairwoman’s decision,” Mook said, when asked whether the Clinton campaign had pressured the chair to resign. “She reached out to Secretary Clinton to notify her about that, and the secretary released a statement yesterday thanking her for her work.”
Asked about the hack of the Democratic National Committee’s email system, which led to Schultz’s resignation after the release of damaging communications within the upper reaches of the party, Mook was hesitant to blame the data breach on Russiam
“All we know right now is what experts are telling us - I would refer everybody here to the reporting today in the New York Times,” Mook said. “What the experts said when this breach initially happened at the DNC is that they believed it was Russian state actors who took these emails... what further experts are saying is that then because they released these emails, that Russian state actors were feeding these emails to hackers for the purpose of helping Donald Trump.”
Regarding Clinton’s beliefs on whether Russia was involved in the hack, Mook hedged. “She, like all of us, we are reading the same reporting that you all are seeing.”
Updated
at 3.36pm BST
2.54pm BST
14:54
Amanda Holpuch
Barack Obama’s half-brother said he was so disappointed with the Democratic party that he will vote for Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Malik Obama said he supports Trump because of his frustrations with the Obama administration – from its role in ousting Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to the administration’s support of same-sex marriage.
“I feel like a Republican now because they don’t stand for same-sex marriage, and that appeals to me,” Obama told the New York Post in a call from the Kenyanvillage of Kogelo.
Obama plans to return to Maryland in November to cast his vote for Trump, where he is registered to vote and used to work as an accountant in the state,according to other media outlets.
Obama’s disappointments with the Democratic party also include presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server while secretary of state. “She should have known better as the custodian of classified information,” said Obama.
Related: Barack Obama's half-brother Malik says he's voting for Donald Trump
2.42pm BST
14:42
The campaign of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump - yep, the “presumptive” is gone for good - has announced that the candidate will participate in a Reddit AMA, or “ask me anything,” on Wednesday evening.
The post will go live at around 6:30pm EDT, with Trump appearing at 7pm, in which users of the content-sharing site will be able to ask Trump darn near anything - although nobody’s guaranteed a response.
To submit, visit https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Donald/, which describes itself as “America’s uncucked media platform.”
2.33pm BST
14:33
Crowd explodes in anger as Debbie Wasserman Schultz addresses Florida delegates
Soon-to-be-former Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz was greeted with a chorus of jeering and boos when she attempted to address Democratic delegates from her home state of Florida this morning. Schultz attempted to forge on with the address, delivering remarks through the booing.
“I can see that there’s a little bit of interest in my being here and I appreciate that interest,” Schultz said, barely audible.
“And a little bit of interest from the press,” she continued accusingly, “but that really shows you that Florida is the most significant battleground state that will make sure that Hillary Clinton is elected president of the United States of America. We are the state that will deliver the White House to make sure that we can continue to make the progress that we have been able to make under Barack Obama for the last eight years.”
2.26pm BST
14:26
We’re ensconced in Room 108 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia, awaiting the appearance of DNC chieftains and Hillary Clinton’s senior campaign staff for the morning briefing today - we’re a little too excited about campaign manager Robby Mook, truth be told - but while we wait, here’s a great bit from John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight last night, in which he reams Donald Trump for his apparent use of unauthorized music during the Republican National Convention last week.
Key line: “Yes, that is Queen being played at the Republican National Convention, so it’s with a heavy heart that I announce Freddie Mercury dead again at age 69.”
1.27pm BST
13:27
Democratic national convention: day one
Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the Democratic national convention, coming at you live from steamy Philadelphia, where the onetime US capital has been turned into a hub for Democratic leaders, politicians, delegates and hangers-on – plus thousands of journalists and protesters, naturally.
Today’s program: After morning meetings of special-interest group councils and caucuses, the DNC officially gavels in at 4pm ET. The roster of speakers is not yet complete, but includes a New Hampshire grandmother struggling to fight opioid addiction in her family, a mother-and-daughter duo from Nevada with mixed immigration statuses, a former intern for then-senator Hillary Clinton whose sister has cerebral palsy, and a Dreamer who came to the US when she was four.
Then, the evening’s headliners begin speaking. Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, whose acolytes have already been making a louder ruckus in Philadelphia than any protests we saw in Cleveland last week, will urge supporters to consider how “far superior” Clinton is to the alternative as Democrats seek to defuse fresh outbreaks of tension at the start of their national convention.
In an opening night address seen as crucial to fomenting party unity after a bitter primary, Sanders will appear alongside first lady Michelle Obama to “make it clear that Hillary Clinton is by far superior to Donald Trump on every major issue from economics and healthcare to education and the environment,” according to his spokesman Michael Briggs.
But news of Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s resignation as DNC chair following an embarrassing email scandal plaguing Democrats on the eve of their convention may complicate those efforts. Schultz said she would step down at the close of this week’s convention after a leak of internal DNC emails showed officials actively favoring Clinton during the presidential primary and plotting against Sanders.
That’s what’s happening today – now, on to the morning press briefing at the Pennsylvania convention center, where the Rev Leah D Daughtry, the DNC’s CEO, Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook, Clinton press secretary Brian Fallon and DNC communications CEO April Mellody will brief the press on the news of the day, and the plans for the convention.
On with the show ...
Updated
at 2.04pm BST