PHILADELPHIA — The chairman of Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party pleaded with supporters of Sen. Bernard Sanders Monday to unite behind presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton on the first day of the Democratic National Convention.
Pennsylvania Democratic Chairman Marcel Groen asked Sanders’ supporters to stand up at a breakfast for the state’s delegates.
As they stood, Mr. Groen pleaded with them, “We want you to be united with us for Hillary Clinton. We need you. We will hug you. We need your thoughts. We need your ideas. We need your passion, and we need your ability to come together so we can speak with one voice.”
His plea came the day after DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned over an email scandal showing that some DNC officials tried to undermine Mr. Sanders’ candidacy, revelations that have left many Sanders’ supporters furious.
Mr. Groen said showing unity over the next four days is crucial.
“I’m not good about baloney,” Mr. Groen told the delegates. “That means we need you to help us create compromises [because] for those of you who are in politics for the first time, that is the single most difficult and important thing that we can accomplish.”
Sen. Cory Booker, New Jersey Democrat, made an unscheduled appearance at the breakfast and told the delegation that the Democratic Party will show a kinder face to the nation than Republicans.
“The vitriol and hate spewed there will not be what people hear this week,” Mr. Booker said. “We are a party that stands for something. This is a party with a purpose.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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