PHILADELPHIA — Disgruntled delegates who backed Bernie Sanders plan to show their dissatisfaction with the Democratic National Convention when Hillary Clinton delivers her acceptance speech.
Sanders delegates attending Thursday’s convention were sporting neon yellow shirts with the words “Enough is enough — Bernie Sanders,” printed in blue. The shirts glow in the dark and are aimed at sending a message to DNC officials, and especially Clinton, that despite the festive atmosphere at the last night of the convention, they are unhappy with the direction of the party.
Some of the delegates said they will stand on their chairs, turn their backs and hold up signs while Clinton is speaking. Others may walk out.
“The message to everybody here is that all this talk of unity is a sham,” Pennsylvania delegate Guy Anthony said. “This is not a united party. This election has split the party in two. And Hillary Clinton has been a major factor.”
The convention has been marked by party infighting and anger among Sanders backers who believed they would be able to contest the nomination of Clinton on Tuesday. Tensions were inflamed last weekend when leaked internal DNC emails revealed officials appeared to be working to derail the more liberal Sanders campaign and bolster the Clinton campaign.
Pennsylvania delegate Amanda Mcillmuray said some Sanders delegates planned to walk out during Clinton’s speech, but she argued they should stay “and fight for our values so that everybody’s voices are heard.”
Mcillmurray said she wants to send a message to Clinton “that we will hold you accountable for what you have promised.”
The Sanders shirts will stand out during the convention grand finale, when the lights are lowered and delegates are to raise placards for a large flag display. The Sanders delegates will not hold up the cards, they said, so that the shirts will glow in the arena.
“We are going to be peaceful about it,” Arkansas delegate Jason Thompson said. “We are just trying to send a clear message to the Democratic National Committee that we are not with them, and we are not unified, as they would suggest that we are.”
