Michelle Obama’s stirring speech brings crowd to tears
Sarah Silverman calls out Bernie or Bust crowd: ‘You’re being ridiculous’
Bernie Sanders’ supporters unconvinced by convention speech
DNC apologizes to Sanders amid convention chaos in wake of email leak
5.22am BST
The first day of the Democratic national convention is tied up with a bow. Here’s what happened:
I think this gif has potential to outlast the election season. @NBCNightlyNews pic.twitter.com/XZfx1B4U9S
5.10am BST
Here’s some data on the top trends in search tonight, thanks to the folks at Google data. Sanders was searched twice as much as Michelle Obama on Google; Paul Simon fell among the top search terms.
Making the list of top trending questions was, “did slaves build the White House?” Yes – saved you a click.
5.07am BST
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday brushed aside accusations that Moscow was behind the hacking of Democratic Party emails, Reuters reports:
“I don’t want to use four-letter words,” Lavrov told reporters, when asked whether Russia was responsible for the hacking of emails.
He was speaking at the start of talks with Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of a meeting of Southeast Asian nations in Laos.
5.06am BST
Bernie Sanders has sent an email to supporters announcing a new political vehicle. The email reads in part:
Our work will continue in the form of a new group called Our Revolution.The goal of this organization will be no different from the goal of our campaign: we must transform American politics to make our political and economic systems once again responsive to the needs of working families.
We cannot do this alone. All of us must be a part of Our Revolution.
4.54am BST
Sarah Silverman is talking to CNN about her “don’t be ridiculous” moment, in which she upbraided Bernie-or-bust supporters. “No it wasn’t scripted at all,” she tells Jake Tapper.
She says she loved that Bernie Sanders “wasn’t for sale.” Al Franken, who is there too, reminds the world that 90% of Sanders supporters have been polled as saying they will support Clinton.
4.42am BST
Here’s a clip of that Sarah Silverman moment earlier:
4.41am BST
Sanders for Trump: #nevertweet
Never tweet. https://t.co/DKvAhbDWqe
4.37am BST
The tabloids in New York hew to their ideologies:
STOP THE PRESSES! New front...
THE LADY IS HER CHAMP@FLOTUS speech brings down the house https://t.co/Vs2SmZ9m6z pic.twitter.com/G3VmZzk8Fe
DNC disarray is the foreshadowing of a Clinton administration https://t.co/Lrrd2XX5VH pic.twitter.com/U3Q8VxYQV2
4.29am BST
Not sure that Hillary Clinton could ask for anything more than Bernie Sanders than this speech.
Valiant effort by @SenSanders for @HillaryClinton, though it's beginning to feel like the Oscar speech that went on too long. #DNCinPHL
Bernie Sanders totally sold out to Crooked Hillary Clinton. All of that work, energy and money, and nothing to show for it! Waste of time.
Clinton got exactly what she needed from Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders. Good ending to the day for her
"Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding President. I'm proud to stand with her" – @BernieSanders #DemsInPhilly pic.twitter.com/e1r4TYrx4h
Bernie Sanders is no Ted Cruz
If my priorities were destroying the First Amendment, killing international trade, and further bankrupting the country I’d have loved that.
Was a rocky first 30 hours for Democrats in Philly (Sunday thru early afternoon).
But they got the primetime hour (and a half) they wanted.
4.23am BST
OK what do you think, did that work?
4.22am BST
As the end nears of this epic day at the Democratic convention, Sanders wins applause and cheers for lines that would have drawn layers of booing seven hours ago:
I have known Hillary Clinton for 25 years. I remember her as a great first lady who broke precedent in terms of the role that a first lady was supposed to play as she helped lead the fight for universal health care. I served with her in the United States Senate and know her as a fierce advocate for the rights of children.
Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here tonight.
Bernie Sanders gives firm endorsement of Hillary Clinton at DNC #demsinphilly https://t.co/hjNnyj6Ikg
4.20am BST
Sanders’ hand gestures here when he enunciated “significant coming together” were priceless. He was showing them what needed to happen:
It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about. But I am happy to tell you that at the Democratic Platform Committee there was a significant coming together between the two campaigns and we produced, by far, the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party.
This is crucial. Sanders is vouching for the post-primary process, saying it produced real results. And he's right.
4.19am BST
The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino is on the floor for the excitement:
Sporadic shouts of "we need you Bernie" as the senator speaks
Chants of "Hillary" drown out boos and Bernie chants after Sanders says Clinton is the best choice
New chant: "he's with her"
4.11am BST
Here’s the first departure from script by Sanders that we’ve detected. He adds a brothers and sisters here:
Brothers and sisters, this election is about overturning Citizens United, one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in the history of our country.
If you don’t believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country.
If you don’t believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out: you're wrong. Think about the future of the Supreme Court.
4.09am BST
Here’s video of the rapturous Sanders entry:
Bernie takes over three minutes just to quieten down the room, this is just a bit of that extraordinary welcome https://t.co/8NKhvLiocI
4.08am BST
Sad to watch Bernie Sanders abandon his revolution. We welcome all voters who want to fix our rigged system and bring back our jobs.
4.07am BST
Sanders is about to mention Hillary Clinton for the first time.
Let’s listen in. He’s in this graph:
We need leadership in this country which will improve the lives of working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor. We need leadership which brings our people together and makes us stronger – not leadership which insults Latinos, Muslims, women, African-Americans and veterans – and divides us up.
By these measures, any objective observer will conclude that – based on her ideas and her leadership – Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. The choice is not even close.
This election is about a single mom I saw in Nevada who, with tears in her eyes, told me that she was scared to death about the future because she and her young daughter were not making it on the $10.45 an hour she was earning. This election is about that woman and the millions of other workers in this country who are struggling to survive on totally inadequate wages.
4.01am BST
It’s a bit uncanny to hear Sanders deliver his speech verbatim to his prepared remarks – when it sounds so much like his stump speech:
Let me be as clear as I can be. This election is not about, and has never been about, Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders or any of the other candidates who sought the presidency. This election is not about political gossip. It’s not about polls. It’s not about campaign strategy. It’s not about fundraising. It’s not about all the things the media spends so much time discussing.
This election is about – and must be about – the needs of the American people and the kind of future we create for our children and grandchildren.
3.58am BST
Sanders is hewing precisely to his prepared remarks:
Together, my friends, we have begun a political revolution to transform America and that revolution – our revolution – continues. Election days come and go. But the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us and not just the 1 percent – a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice – that struggle continues. And I look forward to being part of that struggle with you.
3.57am BST
Finally Sanders is under way. He thanks supporters and delegates. He thanks delegates for “all of the work that you have done.”
They are chanting and jumping.
I understand that many people here in this convention hall and around the country are disappointed about the final results of the nominating process. I think it’s fair to say that no one is more disappointed than I am. But to all of our supporters – here and around the country – I hope you take enormous pride in the historical accomplishments we have achieved.
3.54am BST
The crowd won’t let Sanders speak. He tries to begin, “it is an honor,” but they keep cheering him. He tries again. “It is an honor to be here tonight” – but no chance, Sanders. The crowd is cheering and chanting. Immense energy in the room.
Thank you, he says. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
3.51am BST
Sanders gets fantastic applause. The delegates wave the blue ‘Bernie’ signs that just have been handed out.
He says thank you a few times. They keep cheering.
3.50am BST
Here’s the Simon/Garfunkel/ Sanders America video playing before the Bernie Sanders comes out to speak.
What are his supporter in the crowd feeling watching it in what they see as a moment of defeat ?
3.49am BST
More praise for Michelle Obama’s speech:
Couldn’t agree more, @POTUS. https://t.co/hvsfWLEqP3
3.47am BST
Some Sanders supporters continue to struggle with the whole unity thing:
California delegates are chanting "Goldman Sachs" as Warren speaks about Hillary Clinton
One Bernie supporter who shouted that Warren "sold out" wipes tears from her eyes as the senator speaks
A contingent of vocal Bernie supporters chant "tax Wall Street" during Warren's speech
3.41am BST
The Sanders
campaign
people have just circulated a copy of his prepared remarks.
Bernie Sanders has released his prepared remarks: https://t.co/KSXzu18vGj pic.twitter.com/PgHJsmGXtc
3.38am BST
Warren:
Trump’s entire campaign is just one more long Trump infomercial. Hand over your money... and the great Trump hot air machine will hand over all the answers. And for one low-low price, he’ll even throw in a goofy hat!
3.36am BST
Warren pivots to criticism of Trump:
Not once did he lift a finger to help working people... time after time, he preyed on working people, people in debt... he’s conned them, he’s defrauded them and he’s ripped them off.
Donald Trump set up a fake university to make money by cheating people and taking their live savings.
3.32am BST
Apparently they had that speech on at the White House:
Incredible speech by an incredible woman. Couldn't be more proud & our country has been blessed to have her as FLOTUS. I love you, Michelle.
3.30am BST
Warren says she’s worried that opportunity is slipping way. Americans “bust their tail” working multiple jobs but can’t make ends meet. Young people have student loans, social security doesn’t cover basics for the elderly. “This is not right. It is not.”
Corporate profits are at all-time highs, Warren says. “There’s lots of wealth in America, but it doesn’t trickle down to hard-working families like yours... people get it. The system is rigged. It’s true.”
3.28am BST
Huh?
If Cory Booker is the future of the Democratic Party, they have no future! I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.
3.27am BST
“We’re here today because our choice is Hillary Clinton, Warren says. I’m with Hillary. I’m with Hillary. I’m with Hillary”
Sanders supporters are trying to shout her down. Hard to make out what they’re chanting. Warren keeps right on talking.
"We Trusted You! We Trusted You! We Trusted You!" – Disgruntled delegates
3.26am BST
Who follows that? Senator Elizabeth Warren. She begins, “Bernie reminds us what Democrats fight for every day. Thank you Bernie. Thank you.”
Here are advance excerpts of Warren’s speech:
3.24am BST
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.
Sarah Silverman, started with a pretty obvious ‘Feel the Bern’ gag (‘I put cream on it’), but went on to make one of the speeches of the night, with one of the most thoughtful expositions of the argument for switching from Sanders to Hillary Clinton.
3.23am BST
Do you think Michelle Obama is Beyoncé's Beyoncé?
That speech by Michelle Obama was one for the ages. #DemsInPhilly
Best speech I've heard Mrs. Obama give. It reminds me why people used to say more than a decade ago that she is as (or more) talented.
NBC just showed Bill Clinton during Michelle's speech and he was mouthing "wow."
Michelle Obama just cast the mic through the earth's crust and into its molten core.
3.21am BST
Pretty powerful finish from the first lady:
I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves. And I watch my daughters, beautiful intelligent black young women, playing with their dog on the White House lawn.
And because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters and all our sons and daughters, now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States.
Rapturous reception for Flotus pic.twitter.com/Crfr5wHNYx
3.17am BST
The delegates have purple signs on sticks that looks like the markers in the hall for the state delegations but they all say “Michelle.”
“We lean on each other, because we are always stronger together,” Obama says. “I am here tonight because I know that’s the kind of president Hillary Clinton will be. And that’s why in this election, I’m with her.
3.14am BST
Michelle Obama is talking about Clinton’s reaction after losing the 2008 primary.
“There are plenty of moments when Hillary could’ve decided that this work was too hard... but here’s the thing. What I admire most about Hillary is that she never [folds] under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life....
3.11am BST
This election is “not about Democratic or Republican... this election is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives,” Obama says.
“In this election there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility.. and that is our friend Hillary Clinton.”
3.09am BST
The first lady talks about her daughters, “the joy of watching them grow.”
“I will never forget that winter morning as I watched our girls, just seven and ten years old, pile into those black SUVs with so many men with guns, their little faces pressed to the windows, and I thought, what have we done?”
3.06am BST
Here comes Michelle Obama, and once again we’ve called it – everyone claps.
She is smiling but she can’t talk yet because too many people are clapping too long.
3.04am BST
Now here’s a video about Michelle Obama produced by JJ Abrams. It’s kids talking about Michelle Obama (who speaks next), and lots of shots and video of Michelle Obama dancing and exercising with kids.
Prepare to hill a fairly rousing round of applause in the hall. Kids + first lady + hugs = happy Democrats.
3.02am BST
Next up is Cheryl Lankford, whose husband, an army sergeant major, died in Baghdad in 2007.
The Democrats air a video of Lankford telling the story of being taken for $35,000 by Trump University.
You just saw what happened to me. How Trump University cheated me out of the money I received after my husband’s death. How they broke their promises. How they stopped taking my calls. How the whole thing was a lie…
Conning me out of the money the military gave me after my husband died, I felt he was disrespecting my husband’s memory...
I’m here because America deserves to know the truth. This election isn’t about Democrat versus Republican. It’s about right versus wrong.
Donald Trump made big promises about Trump University. And I was fooled into believing him. Now he’s making big promises about America. Please don’t make the same mistake.”
2.58am BST
This is Booker’s famous We Will Rise speech, as perhaps it will become known.
Isn’t that a Jeb Bush super Pac?
Here in Philadelphia, let us declare again that we will be a free people. Free from fear and intimidation. Let us declare that we are a nation of interdependence, and that in America love always trumps hate. Let us declare, so that generations yet unborn can hear us. We are the United States of America; our best days are ahead of us.
We will rise!
2.54am BST
Good spot! What came of the plane ticket negotiation?
Spotted in the hall - a few rows behind Bill Clinton in a skybox: Debbie Wasserman Schultz #DNCinPHL
2.47am BST
Booker mounts a bit of an attack on Trump’s record in Atlantic City, not included in the advance excerpts:
[Trump] got rich while his companies declared multiple bankruptcies... he took out a lot of cash, but he stiffed contractors... we in America have seen enough of a handful of people growing rich at the cost of a nation, sending it into crisis.
2.45am BST
As Booker speaks, we’re going to take up Businessweek’s Joshua Green on this old college football footage:
Cory Booker flat-out steamrolling Notre Dame in Stanford's 1990 upset win https://t.co/olOTPNIusz
2.38am BST
We have advance excerpts of Booker’s speech. They’re a bit - well let’s assume the electricity will be in the delivery. Here they are:
“This is the high call of patriotism. Patriotism is love of country. But you can’t love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen. We don’t always have to agree, but we must empower each other, we must find the common ground, we must build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good. We can’t devolve into a nation where our highest aspiration is that we just tolerate each other. We are not called to be a nation of tolerance. We are called to be a nation of love…”
2.36am BST
Longoria finishes: “Guess what Donald? It turns out America is prety great already.”
Here comes New Jersey senator Cory Booker. Guess what? He looks happy to be there. He’s Cory Booker.
2.35am BST
Comedian Sarah Silverman displayed a flash of unscripted irritation which appeared to anger some of Bernie Sanders’ delegates in the room when she said: “To the ‘Bernie or Bust’ people, you’re being ridiculous.”
2.35am BST
Now Eva Longoria, actress and activist. She says she’s so proud to say “I’m with her!”
At this point in the night, the line is vigorously applauded.
When Donald Trump calls us criminals and rapists, he’s insulting American families. My father was not a criminal or a rapist. In fact he’s a United States veteran.
Hillary’s been fighting for us for decades. Now it’s time to fight for her!
2.29am BST
Paul Simon sings Bridge Over Troubled Water. Democrats sway. Many smile.
The combined themes of this convention: An old guy who Millennials love, but who was more popular in the 1990s
2.28am BST
Paul Simon will be introduced by Sarah Silverman, the comedienne, joined by Al Franken, who’s coming back for seconds. Stage-hog.
“I’m Sarah Silverman and this past year I’ve been feeling the Bern,” she says. “Relax, I put some cream on it.”
2.10am BST
Next up onstage: Paul Simon.
What’s he going to sing?
2.09am BST
Here now is Anastasia Somoza, who, along with her twin sister, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia when she was born and is an advocate for Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Somoza, who first met President Bill Clinton in 1993 at a town hall meeting for kids, is a former Hillary Clinton intern.
I was 9 years old and I listened to her and my mom discuss healthcare and early intervention for children with disabilities. Over the past 23 years, she has continued to serve as a friend and a mentor… Championing my inclusion and access to classrooms, higher education and the workforce.”
Donald Trump has shown us who he really is. And I honestly feel bad for anyone with that much hate in their heart. I know we will show each other, and the world, who we really are in November – when we choose genuine strength and thoughtful leadership – over fear and division. Donald Trump doesn’t see me, he doesn’t hear me, and he definitely doesn’t speak for me.
2.03am BST
Philadelphia officials say 41 people have been treated for heat-related issues or other injuries during protests related to the Democratic convention, the AP reports. Seventeen of those treated have been taken to hospitals to be evaluated.
Additionally, Philadelphia police said 55 people have been cited for disorderly conduct after demonstrators tried to climb barricades near the Democratic convention.
2.01am BST
Franken says that work by people to register voters in Minnesota is “the reason I am giving this speech here and not into my bathroom mirror.”
He continues:
This week is about passion. Starting Friday morning, it’s all about work. Hard work.
Many of you have jobs. Many of you have families. Ignore them.
1.57am BST
Franken notes that Trump has claimed his business experience qualifies him for the presidency. And “if you believe that, I’ve got some delicious Trump steaks to sell you.”
Ba-dum-bum.
1.55am BST
Here now is Minnesota senator Al Franken.
His introduction is built for a laugh, unlike anything he says in the senate:
I’m Al Franken. Minnesota Senator and world renowned expert on right wing megalomaniacs: Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, and now, Donald Trump…”
I got my doctorate in megalomania studies from Trump University,” Franken says. “As a proud alum of Trump U, I think we may be misunderestimating Mr Trump. Sure he’s scammed a lot of people, but did you know that Mr Trump’s school of ripping people off is ranked second in the nation? Right behind Bernie Madoff University. ...
It’s also about learning from success experts like Scott Baio, Mike Tyson and of course a life-sized cardboard cutout of Mr Trump himself.
1.51am BST
Here now is New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
She’s talking about Clinton’s work on behalf of children and families – that’s verbatim the theme of the night, Hillary Clinton’s work on behalf of children and families.
Donald Trump’s has been defined by a very different question: ‘How can I help myself most?’”
Donald Trump actually stood on a debate stage and said that wages are “too high”. Hillary knows that in the richest country in the world, it’s unacceptable that a mom with two kids working full-time still lives in poverty.
Donald Trump thinks that women should just work harder because – and I’m quoting – “You’re gonna make the same if you do as good a job.” Every woman in America knows that’s not true! Hillary believes that women deserve equal pay for equal work.
1.45am BST
1.42am BST
"How's the convention going, honey?" pic.twitter.com/gSyix4kiLG
1.37am BST
Singer Demi Lovato, in addition to a rendition of one of her chart-toppers, used her time onstage to address mental-health issues, citing her personal struggle with mental illness as a motivating factor for encouraging politicians “to support laws that will provide access to better healthcare.”
“This is not about politics - it’s simply the right thing to do,” Lovato said, to enthusiastic applause. “I’m proud to support a presidential candidate who will fight to ensure all people living with mental-health conditions get the care they need to live fulfilling lives. That candidate is Hillary Clinton!”
1.19am BST
Apologies for the interruption, we’ve had some further interruptions of our internet service inside the hall.
12.28am BST
On night one of the Democratic convention, Democrats are advised to take cover:
#DemsInPhilly please take cover. https://t.co/0uE8YP1QS9
be the person who doesn't use a storm metaphor in your lede
PHILADELPHIA — As a storm rolled through here on day one of the Democratic National Convention, a tempest of sorts r https://t.co/Pv0qTuDhmY
12.26am BST
Heck of a storm. Via C-Span:
And here's the storm pic.twitter.com/S13Kbf00uM
12.25am BST
Next up is Rich Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO.
He launches the most effective and exciting – for the crowd – attack on Trump of the night.
He thinks he’s a tough guy. Well Donald, I worked in the mines with tough guys. I know tough guys, they’re friends of mine. And Donald, You’re no tough guy, you’re a phony!
12.23am BST
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh just won some cheers, and got into what may have been the first cooperative call-and-response with the crowd, with a call to stop Donald Trump from “stiffing” working families.
He began his talk by saying “I’m Marty Walsh and I’m an alcoholic,” to some mirth in the auditorium, before the crowd realized he was perfectly serious and meant to tell his story of recovery with the support of the labor movement and his family.
12.20am BST
No shortage of action here in Philadelphia tonight. The emergency alert system has just dispatched a flash flood notification:
Uh oh. pic.twitter.com/vpxzt44VEf
DNC now evacuating media tents due to lighting storms #DemsInPhilly
Pounding thunderstorm in Philly is shutting down a Jill Stein rally. The DNC's nefarious methods know no bounds.
12.14am BST
Looks like trouble’s brewing outside, too:
A major storm is approaching the DNC Convention. pic.twitter.com/LIIknkjuJF
Meanwhile, worry press tent may collapse as giant storm hits #DNCinPHL pic.twitter.com/ZTkUTHqejO
12.10am BST
Here’s video of the booing earlier, as Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge, the permanent chairwoman of the convention, spoke:
12.05am BST
Here’s Clinton campaign chair John Podesta.
He thanks volunteers and donors. “You have voted to make Hillary Clinton the nominee of the Democratic party, this is your victory. And to everyone who supported senator Sanders, this is your victory too!”
11.59pm BST
Quote via CBS News’ Sopan Deb:
Trump on Elizabeth Warren: "She’s got a fresh mouth. Other than that, she’s got nothing going."
11.53pm BST
The liberal progressive group Democracy for America, which endorsed Bernie Sanders for president, is urging voters to back Hillary Clinton despite today’s backlash from Sanders supporters, writes Guardian Washington correspondent David Smith:
Charles Chamberlain, its executive director, asked reporters: “Is Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders? Absolutely not.” But he insisted that she is “phenomenally better” than Republican rival Donald Trump.
11.52pm BST
11.29pm BST
Here’s Tina Kotek of the Democratic legislative campaign committee, and also from Oregon.
She prompts the prompter. “Can we move the prompter a second?”
Hillary Clinton understands that the work to improve the lives of everyday Americans doesn’t just need to happen in Washington DC. It needs to happen in state capitols all across our country.
[...]
11.25pm BST
Additional Sanders surrogates spreading the word that whatever you want to say about the Democratic nominating process, Clinton... won.
Here’s Sanders’ former press secretary:
But let me be clear - NO ONE STOLE THIS ELECTION! Team Sanders we did AMAZING WORK. But we lost. It's a hard reality for some.
11.24pm BST
Lowey went for a Trump-stinks cheer there, but the crowd didn’t seem that into it. Relatively little fire-breathing about Trump from the stage so far. More clumsy Clinton boosting, alternating with giddy Sanders-talk.
New York representative Adriano Espaillat has just deployed the first Spanish of the event, culminating in “Si se puede!”
Si se puede!
Si se puede!
11.15pm BST
Next up, Representative Nita Lowey from New York. “It is my pleasure to join you in this city of Brotherly Love to nominate our first sister president!” she says.
That’s mostly cheered, though there are some lingering moans, or chants, groans maybe, in the crowd.
11.03pm BST
While our wifi was out (fascinating story – ask us later) – the Democrats approved the party platform by overwhelming acclaim, which was followed by merely whelming disclaim, meaning the ayes had it. Platform adopted.
10.52pm BST
Ben Jealous, former NAACP head and Sanders delegate, is next on stage. He also coaxes a mixed response for Clinton that is more applause than boos. Which is saying something:
“Bernie will be here tonight. And as he said to us today, today is our day to begin to unify so that we can defeat Donald Trump.”
10.49pm BST
Bernie Sanders has texted his delegate whips to get their delegations to stop floor protests.
“I ask you as a personal courtesy to me to not engage in any kind of protest on the floor,” said a text from Sanders. “It is of utmost importance you explain this to your delegations.”
one more time with feeling, folks:
the convention is not the election. pic.twitter.com/XedlVcB0hZ
10.41pm BST
Trump on Democratic chairwoman: ‘Hillary threw her under a bus’
10.38pm BST
Trump has just re-upped his invite to Sanders supporters to take the Trump train for a test-run:
Clinton betrayed Bernie voters. Kaine supports TPP, is in pocket of Wall Street, and backed Iraq War.
While Bernie has totally given up on his fight for the people, we welcome all voters who want a better future for our workers.
Hard to believe that Bernie Sanders has done such a complete fold. He got NOTHING for all of the time, energy and money. The V.P. a joke!
10.37pm BST
Biggest unified cheer of the afternoon now, when Cummings brings up Black Lives Matter.
“But we also realize that our communities work best when they work together,” he says. “Our party knows that diversity is not a problem but is a problem [sic].” [Solution he must have meant.”
10.29pm BST
Hoyer says “we are running together... to renew faith in government and help all our people make it in America.”
Hoyer riffs on this theme. Then he gets back to the concluding line of his prepared remarks: “All of us must band together for our country and elect Hillary Clinton president of the United States of America.”
10.22pm BST
Maryland congressman Steny Hoyer, the biggest Democratic wig yet to appear onstage, hits the lectern. How will the Sanders crowd treat him?
He’s almost immediately interrupted:
We’re here to nominate Hillary Clinton, because of her.... [boos, cheers]
...because of her ability, experience and vision for this country. We’re also here to show America why Democrats up and down the ticket are ready to lead.
10.20pm BST
Russell, the Maine representative and Sanders backer, gets closest to coaxing a full cheer from the crowd for Clinton yet.
“In the end, love does Trump hate. And in the end, I stand with my Democratic family in making sure we win this fall,” Russell says:
I do not want to see anyone like him become the president of this United State. Whether you support Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton, we are all in this together, and we will all have a voice in the Clinton administration.
We all know in our heart of hearts, a Donald Trump presidency will not just hurt our party. It will hurt our people. And I am not OK with that.
10.14pm BST
And now Webb’s hard work at getting the crowd to behave has gone out the window.
Diane Russell, a state representative from Maine and a self-described “proud delegate for Bernie Sanders,” takes the lectern and gets the Sanders supporters going again.
In opening hour, it sure feels like this is the Bernie Sanders convention
On behalf of senator Sanders and the political revolution, in strong, unequivocal support for the unity compromise, this plan gives us the opportunity to present a number of election reforms, including reducing the number of superdelegates by a full two-thirds. That is written right into the commission’s charter.
I want to be clear. We did not win this by selling out. We won this by standing up! We won this by standing together.
10.06pm BST
Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, a rules committee member, introduces himself as “a longtime supporter of Hillary Clinton.”
He’s describing the work of a “unity commission” formed to review the Democratic nominating process.
Just as we watched LeBron James and Steph Curry shake hands after a well-fought fight, we know that the country is eager to watch these two giants fight together.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are our champions. They both deserve our cheers.
They both deserve our cheers.
10.00pm BST
The Democratic national committee has released a statement apologizing to Bernie Sanders and his supporters for “the inexcusable remarks made over email.”
A leak of nearly 20,000 emails among party officials revealed them testing ways to challenge Sanders and disparaging him and his candidacy.
These comments do not reflect the values of the DNC or our steadfast commitment to neutrality during the nominating process. The DNC does not -- and will not -- tolerate disrespectful language exhibited toward our candidates. Individual staffers have also rightfully apologized for their comments, and the DNC is taking appropriate action to ensure it never happens again.
We are embarking on a convention today that — thanks to the great efforts of Secretary Clinton, her team, Senator Sanders, his team, and the entire Democratic Party — will show a forward-thinking and optimistic vision for America, as compared to the dark and pessimistic vision that the GOP presented last week in Cleveland. Our focus is on electing Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine and Democrats across the country, thanks to Democratic Party that is strong, unified, and poised for victory in November.
9.54pm BST
Fudge says, “Let the convention begin.”
Then she lectures the unruly crowd.
9.51pm BST
Every time Hillary Clinton’s name is mentioned on the stage – now by representative Fudge – the crowd is overtaken by a wave of boos, and countervailing cheers.
The crowd is restive. They’re trying to boo Fudge down. Until the Virginia and New York delegations up front there, stand to cheer.
9.44pm BST
Former congressman Barney Frank, co-chair of the rules committee, is introduced – and greeted with applause and some boos, presumably for the committee’s resistance to changing the party’s superdelegate nominating rules, a top demand of the Sanders camp.
“Thank you, or not, as the case may be,” he says. Rawlings-Blake conducts a voice vote on approving officers of the convention. There are some vocal nos but nowhere close to the crush of ayes.
9.39pm BST
Guardian Washington bureau chief Dan Roberts was on the floor for the extraordinary moment during the invocation, when a Hillary! chant ran into a Bernie! chant:
Mixed reception from California delegation at the first mention of Hillary Clinton, loud shout of 'Bernie' from back https://t.co/eGuYdxAxsJ
9.37pm BST
All-time gavel game.
I think this gif has potential to outlast the election season. @NBCNightlyNews pic.twitter.com/XZfx1B4U9S
9.35pm BST
There was the national anthem. They made it through the whole thing with no interruptions from outraged Sanders supporters. Steady as she goes...
9.32pm BST
If there were any question whether the Sanders backers would be restive, the invocation - the invocation – was just interrupted with chants of Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!
The pastor had made the mistake of veering away from the godtalk and mentioning nominating Hillary Clinton.
9.20pm BST
Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake emerges and calls the convention to order.
But she forgets to gavel it. A tech has to intercept her as she walks offstage and herd her back to the lectern.
9.17pm BST
Hello from inside the Wells Fargo arena, where Mother Bethel AME church choir has just finished an extraordinary medley culminating in Glory Glory Hallelujah.
So -who’s going to get this party started? Who will wield the gavel?
9.13pm BST
Watch live here:
9.11pm BST
A protest march is heading through downtown Philadelphia. Hundreds of largely Bernie Sanders-supporting demonstrators had gathered at city hall at 3pm, close to the DNC convention center, before walking south half an hour later.
“Bernie Sanders: not for sale” people are chanting, along with: “Clinton lied people died”.
Few hundred protesters outside Philadelphia city hall. Mostly Bernie Sanders supporters #dnc https://t.co/GSiQRhgWH9
9.00pm BST
Seeing outside Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia shows a larger and more fervent collection of protesters and protests then we ever saw in Cleveland.
8.39pm BST
A close aide to Hillary Clinton has accused leaders of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union of making “grandiose promises” that they reneged on as soon as they won last month’s referendum.
Jake Sullian, a senior foreign policy adviser to the Democratic nominee, predicted that Americans would learn the lessons of Brexit and not vote for her Republican rival Donald Trump.
8.15pm BST
The line for the shuttle from the Pennsylvania Convention Center - where press briefings are held - and Wells Fargo Center - where the actual convention will take place - is hundreds of people deep.
7.55pm BST
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the mayor of Baltimore, current secretary of the Democratic National Committee and president of the US Conference of Mayors, has announced that she will take DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s place as the master of ceremonies this afternoon, gaveling in the Democratic National Convention after Schultz declared that she would give up the role.
at 4pm today I will gavel in the start of the Convention #DemsInPhilly #outofmanyweareone #StrongerTogether
7.50pm BST
We happen to know that Better Midler employs a full-time comedian to writer her tweets - thanks, Gay Mafia: Los Angeles Chapter! - but this tweet referencing Melania Trump’s plagiarism scandal brings a question to mind: Will first lady Michelle Obama refer to her would-be successor’s speech tonight?
Michele Obama is speaking tonight #DemocraticConvention. Melania Trump is excited cause she's gonna get some new material!
7.47pm BST
A memo detailing the potential future plans of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign included the possibility of demanding a private plane, funded by the Democratic National Committee, for Sanders to visit swing states during the general election as a negotiating point during the wind-down of his pursuit of the Democratic nomination.
7.35pm BST
In an interview with Democracy Now, Wikileaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange compared choosing between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to choosing between two different infectious diseases and said that “personally, I would prefer neither.”
“Well, you’re asking me, do I prefer cholera or gonorrhea,” Assange said, in response to a question on his stance regarding Trump. “We know how politics works in the United States. Whoever - whatever political party gets into government is going to merge with the bureaucracy pretty damn fast. It will be in a position where it has some levers in its hand. And so, as a result, corporate lobbyists will move in to help control those levers. So it doesn’t make much difference in the end.”
7.24pm BST
Bernie Sanders supporters adopted one of Donald Trump’s attack lines against Hillary Clinton at the opening of the Democratic national convention today, chanting “lock her up” at protests in downtown Philadelphia.
Bernie Sanders supporters chant: "Lock her up" outside Philadelphia city hall https://t.co/ANA5CkybqJ
7.18pm BST
Former vice president and almost-president Al Gore has been radio silent on the shape of the Democratic presidential field this cycle, but less than two hours before the Democratic National Convention is gaveled into order, Gore tweeted that he intends to vote for former secretary of state - and his ex-boss’ wife - Hillary Clinton.
I am not able to attend this year’s Democratic convention, but I will be voting for Hillary Clinton. (1/3)
Given her qualifications and experience -- and given the significant challenges facing our nation and the world, (2/3)
including, especially, the global climate crisis, I encourage everyone else to do the same. (3/3)
7.15pm BST
Jane Sanders, wife of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, was caught on a hot mic after his speech to supporters at the Pennsylvania convention center this afternoon saying: “They don’t know your name is being put in nomination, and that’s the concern...”
Jane Sanders after @BernieSanders speech caught on mic saying: https://t.co/IgszqduMQA
7.00pm BST
Even Vermont senator Bernie Sanders seems unable to control some of his more passionate supporters, judging from the mood at a meeting of delegates that has just broken up at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Loud boos could be heard from within the closed-room as the Vermont senator told them: “We have got to defeat Donald Trump and we have got elect Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine... this is the world we live in.”
6.53pm BST
In an interview with the Orlando Sun-Sentinal, Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz has declared that she will not gavel in the convention this afternoon, despite previous pledges to continue with her ceremonial duties during the DNC despite her resignation at the end of the week.
6.50pm BST
A network of delegates pledged to Bernie Sanders has vowed to send a message of defiance inside the Democratic convention hall Monday, where Sanders was expected to make a call for unity behind presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
5.45pm BST
The Democratic National Committee email hack has claimed another victim, according to the Guardian’s Nigel M. Smith: Ariana Grande.
Related: Ariana Grande's donut-licking incident cost her a gig at the White House
5.36pm BST
Video of the long, passionate lines awaiting to see Bernie Sanders speak:
5.31pm BST
Donald Trump has tweeted - we know, we know - about the reporting implicating the Russian government in the hacking and subsequent leaking of unflattering Democratic National Committee emails, calling reports that the cyber intrusion was perpetrated by Russian state actors a “joke.”
The new joke in town is that Russia leaked the disastrous DNC e-mails, which should never have been written (stupid), because Putin likes me
5.18pm BST
Delegates supportive of former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders are now openly threatening to push for a challenger to oppose Virginia senator Tim Kaine as Hillary Clinton’s running mate, a challenge that could potentially throw the Democratic National Convention into chaos.
In a press conference, Norman Solomon, a Sanders delegate from California and national coordinator of the Bernie Delegates Network, told reporters that “there’s serious interest right now and exploration as we speak of a formal challenge with an alternative candidate” to Kaine.
5.15pm BST
The Guardian’s Dan Roberts is ensconced in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where supporters of Bernie Sanders are gathering for a closed-to-press meeting with the candidate himself.
In short: They seem pissed.
deafening chants of 'feel the Bern' outside Philly ballroom where Bernie is about to address several hundred of his delegates. no press :-(
The long line of delegates queuing up to see Bernie are now chanting: "this is what Democracy looks like". "Bernie, Bernie" "No TPP" etc etc
4.44pm BST
If you missed it, the Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui reported that Republican party leade