Democratic Unity urged ‘come November’

Despite frequent calls for unity throughout the evening, the disagreements between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders supporters was on full display at the McIntyre-Shaheen Dinner at the Verizon Center in Manchester, New Hampshire, last night.

The $100 a plate fundraiser was hosted by the New Hampshire Democratic Party. The night included speeches from DNC Chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Gov. Maggie Hassan and both Democratic presidential candidates.

Most of the speakers stressed the need for party unity, and expressed support for all the candidates. Many, like Shaheen and Hassan, thanked Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who had been been a Democratic presidential contender before dropping out of the race, and emphasized their support for the party.

Shaheen and Hassan both noted their endorsements for Clinton in their speeches, but emphasized the importance of party cohesion in November.

Sanders supporters were not placated, however, and frequently interrupted speakers with booing and heckles. Shortly after Sanders spoke midway through the program, a crowd of his supporters flooded out of the main auditorium, leaving the Sanders’ section almost half empty for the second part of the evening, which included speeches by Shaheen and Clinton.

Some of those Sanders supporters who remained were still able to emphasize their displeasure with Clinton and the officials who support her. The interruptions became notable enough that Shaheen stopped her speech to address the Sanders supporters directly.

After interrupting her prepared remarks to wryly note that she loved New Hampshirites for their tolerance of opposing ideologies, Shaheen again emphasized the importance of unity.

“I hope everyone will be respectful of whatever choices each of us make in this primary election,” Shaheen said. “Because we need each other come November.”

Whether Democrats will heed the call remains to be seen.