PHILADELPHIA — The first night of the Democratic National Convention featured a whirlwind of big names. Unity among the two groups of supporters — which was brought up in nearly every speech — has become a major conversation within the party.
First Lady Michelle Obama spoke personally about the impact of both Hillary Clinton and her husband. The crowd held up purple staffs that simply said, "Michelle."
Her speech garnered a near silent crowd except for the cheers in agreement.
Obama spoke about her daughters and how Clinton's dedication to the nation's children is why she's with her.
"I am here tonight because in this election there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility, only one person who I believe is truly qualified to be president of the United States, and that is our friend Hillary Clinton," Obama said.
"What I admire most about Hillary is that she never buckles under pressure," Obama said. @thesnews #DemsInPhilly
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 26, 2016
"Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life," Obama said. She took a dig at Donald Trump and his "140 characters."
She transitioned to discuss what Obamas and Clintons in the White House meant and will mean that future children will see it as a possibility for themselves. She referred to glass ceilings being broken for countless children.
"That is the story of this country, the story that has brought me to this stage tonight, the story of generations of people who felt the lash of bondage," Obama said. "But who kept on striving and hoping and doing what needed to be done so that today I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves."
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren used her speech to praise Clinton and denounce Republican nominee Donald Trump.
“Trump thinks he can win votes by fanning the flames of fear and hatred, by turning neighbor against neighbor, by persuading you that the real problem in America is your fellow Americans."
"His whole life has been about taking advantage of that rigged system," Warren said on Trump. @thesnews
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 26, 2016
"When we turn on each other, we can’t unite to fight back against a rigged system," Warren said.
Warren shared her personal story and said America holds opportunity for those even in middle class families, like her own.
"I’m with Hillary," Warren said. "For me, this choice is personal."
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker focused on the future of America under Clinton's leadership, citing Maya Angelou's work, "Still I rise."
"America we will rise," Sen. Booker said. @thesnews #DemsInPhilly
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 26, 2016
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Booker was considered as a vice presidential candidate for Hillary Clinton, his recruitment a rumor throughout discussion. Ultimately, the position went to Virginia Sen.Tim Kaine.
“She knows that debt-free college is not a gift, it’s not a charity, it’s an investment," Booker said. "It represents the best of our values, the best of our history, the best of our party, Bernie’s ideas, Hillary’s ideas, our shared ideas. Our shared values.”
"You can't love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen," Sen. Booker said. @thesnews #DemsInPhilly
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 26, 2016
His nearly 20-minute-long speech, seemed to excite the crowd as the first headlining speaker of the night.
"It is you and I together, interdependent, interconnected with one single interwoven American destiny,” Booker said.
