PHILADELPHIA >> The morning after Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders officially lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Hillary Clinton, Pennsylvania Democrats were eager to recognize the former candidate for his work in championing progressive ideals, but were just as eager to unite behind Clinton for president.
During a delegation breakfast inside the Ormandy Ballroom of the Doubletree Hotel (where Sanders had been scheduled to speak before canceling) delegates for both candidates offered their thoughts on the Sanders campaign and his passionate supporters.
As a Sanders delegate, Jim Savage, of Upper Chichester, said he came to the convention knowing full well the Sanders campaign was over.
“There was an election, she got several million more votes than he did, so that’s the way it goes, that’s what you do,” he said. “I thought it was handled excellently letting everyone put their votes on the record. But I’m ready to get to November and beat Trump.”
“It’s the end of an era,” said former Sanders delegate Sawyer Neale, 19, of Elizabethtown, the youngest PA delegate. Sanders’ campaign brought issues like criminal justice reform and income inequality to the forefront of the national conversation which “really has improved our party.”
“I was disappointed he lost the Pennsylvania primary and it’s kind of been coming since then,” said Branin Boyb, of Liberty, Tioga County. The Sanders delegate was impressed with how close the candidate came to winning the nomination.
Clinton supporters also recognized the hard work of Sanders and his supporters.
Alex Reber, of Harrisburg, said he was disappointed Sanders couldn’t make it to the breakfast adding he felt the senator conducted himself really well the first two days of the convention.
“I’ve always been a fan of Bernie Sanders,” he said. “I just happen to prefer Hillary Clinton in this election.”
Reber credited Sanders for helping to bring new people into the election process and hoped his supporters would continue to stay involved behind Clinton.
Bea Brown, of Mt. Gretma, Lebanon County, called Sanders’ supporters young, inexperienced and excited.
“I’m not going to argue with youth,” she said. “Youth is where the future is.”
Josh Shapiro, candidate for Attorney General and chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, thanked Sanders’ supporters for “strengthening our party.”
“They’ve brought important issues to light,” he said. “They understand, as I do, that this is far bigger than anyone candidate. This has to do a lot more with the issues that join us together. I’m hopeful those issues will be the thing that continues to bring us together.
When told Sanders’ protesters stormed out of Wells Fargo Center and forced police to shut down a nearby press tent shortly after Clinton clinched the nomination, most understood the reaction but agreed it was time to accept defeat with dignity.
“This isn’t acceptable,” Neale said. “We are here as members of the Democratic party who are trying to improve the Democratic party. We’re being brought into the fold. The Democratic party is actively trying to make us a part of the conversation. I was just as sad when Bernie lost but we need to be respectful.”
“I’m sorry that if they’re gone for good from the Democratic party, I think that’s a shame,” said Boyb adding the Democratic party needs people who will continue to push its platform forward. He still favored unity over splitting away toward a third party.
Savage agreed.”I guess they did what they felt they needed to do,” he said. “I think it’s pointless to an extent. To leave and do what? What are you doing next? … I’m a firm believer in protest. If you want to protest, go protest. But what are you going to do tomorrow?”
