An historic roll call was underway at the Democratic Convention Tuesday afternoon, as the party was set to expected to nominate Hillary Clinton.
Bernie Sanders supporters made an emotional final tribute to their candidate ahead of the roll call vote to select the party's nominee.
The speeches for both candidates, including calls for unity, were met with rollicking applause from the audience.
The roll call comes as party leaders fight for unity in the aftermath of a bruising primary campaign between Clinton and Sanders.
Tulsi Gabbard, a Sanders delegate from Hawaii, and a vocal supporter of his throughout the race, spoke before the start of the roll call vote about the potential legacy of Sanders’ campaign, calling it a “movement of love.”
Some Sanders’ supporters raised their fists in solidarity while Gabbard spoke. A woman waved a sign that read, “Hey DNC save the party—nominate Sanders.”
“I am truly honored to nominate Bernie Sanders for president of the United States,” Gabbard concluded.
Gabbard was the first of several Sanders supporters to testify on his behalf at the start of the roll call. Sanders could be seen smiling warmly while listening to the speakers.
Sanders supporters in the crowd could be seen weeping during the testimony.
Rep. John Lewis, from Georgia, a prominent Clinton backer and civil rights activist, said “we are not going back, we are going forward” in endorsing his candidate, and called Clinton “one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for president.”
Competing chants of “Bern-ie” and “Hill-a-ry” broke out as states announced their votes. Larry Sanders, brother of Bernie Sanders, spoke emotionally of his brother and their family while Democrats Abroad announced their tally.
Sen. Sanders appeared to well up while listening to his brother speak.
A 102-year-old woman from the Arizona delegation enthusiastically announced the state’s support of Clinton.
The opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday was a rowdy one, underscored by disagreements between supporters of the two candidates.
Delegates and supporters of Sanders jeered at several speakers including perceived progressive allies like Elizabeth Warren and even Sanders himself for voicing their support for Clinton.
Outside of the convention floor yesterday, protesters voiced anger with the DNC and with Clinton on a number of issues, including the environment, legalized drugs, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Some observers viewed today's roll call as the final opportunity for Sanders supporters to voice their displeasure with Clinton. Both Clinton and Sanders were up for the nomination at the DNC, which was largely considered to be a symbolic gesture for Sanders supporters. Each candidates' supporters will have 20 minutes of floor time to make speeches in support of their candidates.
Meghan Keneally and Ryan Struyk contributed to this report.
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