PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders is urging supporters to rally behind Hillary Clinton as the Democratic convention heats up in Philadelphia, but ardent followers seem intent on keeping his upstart campaign alive.
Hundreds of supporters marched for hours in punishing heat Monday to state their case while dozens risked arrest by climbing police barricades outside the convention site. Police instead only cited them for disorderly conduct.
Tuesday’s roll call of the states will make Clinton the first woman to lead a major party into a White House race.
Liberal favorite Elizabeth Warren, Sanders himself and Michelle Obama gave everyone something to cheer about Monday night.
Mrs. Obama offered a full-throated endorsement of Clinton and sideswiped Donald Trump without naming him.
Sanders implored his followers to swing behind the nominee, asking them to imagine what would happen if Trump shaped the Supreme Court.
Another series of protests and rallies was planned for Tuesday.
Sanders’ supporters have expressed disgust with party leaders after leaked emails suggested the party brass favored Clinton over the Vermont senator during the hard-fought primary race.
But on the convention floor Monday night, Sanders said Clinton “must become the next president of the United States,” based on her ideas and her leadership.
