After a first day shot through with a sense of betrayal and injustice at the Democratic national convention, it took a comedian to articulate the feeling of tragedy gripping Bernie Sanders supporters.
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Initially met by cheers, the comedian kicked off her speech by discussing her early support of Senator Sanders and his fervent belief that all Americans deserve “quality healthcare and education, not just the wealthy elite”.
During the first night of the Democratic National Convention, Silverman explained why she will “vote for Hillary with gusto” while still being “proud to be part of Bernie’s movement”.
As they were bantering to buy time while musician Paul Simon prepared to perform, chants of “Bernie” broke out in the convention hall, prompting Silverman’s comment.
She leaned into the mic and said “Can I just say, to the Bernie or bust people, you’re being ridiculous”. The controversy and fallout following the release of a trove of private Democratic National Committee communications have made tensions even worse. “In fact, he’s a United States veteran”.
The emails reinforced arguments from Sanders supporters that the party establishment worked against him during the primary. Many supporters of the Vermont senator view the primary not as a competition between two Democrats, but a fight between an honest and a morally corrupt figure.
Her argument echoed many other speakers’ reasonings: HIllary Clinton is tough, qualified – perhaps “the only person overqualified to be President”, Silverman said – and if she’s the Democratic candidate, then she’s the one to unite behind to defeat Donald Trump. In an April interview with Bill Maher, the actress was asked if she would vote for Clinton if she was chosen as the Democratic nominee.
Actor and activist Danny Glover of the “Lethal Weapon” film franchise addressed the convention’s black caucus, describing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as a fascist and urging caucus members to “listen to new voices that demand speaking truth to power”. “Use threats – if they vote for Barack Obama, they’re going to get another visit this year”, she suggested.
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Rendell also credited Rep. Keith Ellison, who introduced Bernie Sanders before his DNC speech, for calling for party unity. Franken and Silverman were left speechless on stage for another agonising minute, trying to come up with a way to fill the awkward silence.
