PHILADELPHIA — Democrats’ dissension showed from the very start of their convention Monday, with supporters of Sen. Bernard Sanders jeering even overtop of the invocation prayer.
After the Rev. Cynthia Hale mentioned presumptive party nominee Hillary Clinton’s name in her prayer, many in the audience interrupted her to cheer. But Sanders supporters countered by chanting “Bernie!” — drowning Ms. Hale out and forcing her to pause.
“Unite us, oh God,” she said as she regained control.
Every mention of Mrs. Clinton’s name by speakers drew both cheers and jeers, with competing shouts of “Hillary” and “Bernie” roiling the Wells Fargo Center.
After her remarks were interrupted, Rep. Marcia Fudge, the permanent chair of the convention, scolded the audience.
“We are all Democrats, and we need to act like it,” she said.
Minutes earlier, with party chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz shunted to the side, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake gaveled the’ convention to order.
Hillary Clinton will accept Democrats’ presidential nomination on Thursday, and between now and then the convention will hear from dozens of party insiders and parts of the liberal coalition that powered President Obama to two consecutive White House victories.
Monday night’s speeches are devoted to labor unions — part of that liberal coalition — as well as to the party’s left flank. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernard Sanders are both slated to speak, as is first lady Michelle Obama.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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