Deep divisions between Sanders and Clinton supporters at convention

Sanders supporters boo Clinton and the TPP (Patrick Gower / Newshub.)
Sanders supporters boo Clinton and the TPP (Patrick Gower / Newshub.)

Bernie Sanders, who lost the Democratic presidential race to Hillary Clinton, has urged his supporters not to demonstrate on the floor of the Democratic National Convention.

He's sent out text messages and emails with his request, characterising it "as a personal courtesy to me" and urging his followers to "not engage in any kind of protest on the floor".

On the streets outside the convention however, Newshub political reporter Patrick Gower spoke to Sanders supporters who are bitterly opposed to Hillary Clinton's campaign.

When asked about the leaked Democratic Party emails that showed efforts to stifle Sanders' campaign, one protestor said: "We knew that was happening and it was denied. What's frustrating is I almost feel slightly apathetic… Everyone's now talking about it and nothing is happening.

"There is no radical legislation, there are no changes happening today, right now.

"[Clinton's] been lying since the '90s. It's frustrating but I still feel kind of stuck. She's not going to step down, the DNC isn't going to change, it seems like it might be business as usual."

Sanders said in his message "our credibility as a movement will be damaged by booing, turning of backs, walking out or other similar displays".

For a lot of Sanders supporters though, the desire for change has gone beyond loyalty to the Democratic Party.

Another protestor outside the convention said: "This administration is going to go down in history for creating a viable third party. They don't understand that, they're not recognising it with the media but there's going to be a third party that comes out of this.

"And that should scare the democrats because they're no longer the party of the people. It's a shame, it's a shame."

Aides to Clinton and Sanders have met in hopes of forming a plan to avoid excessive disruptions on the convention floor.

Newshub. / Reuters