Actor and comedian Sarah Silverman addressed the Democratic National Convention (DNC) Monday night. The Bernie supporters’ speech had a balance of her typical comical snark and a straight forward attitude. To everyone’s surprise, she came out strongly in favor of Hillary Clinton and called Bernie-hold-outs ridiculous.
“Hillary is our Democratic nominee and I will proudly vote for her,” Silverman said. The DNC crowd had a mixed response. Camera pans of the event show audience members holding pro-Bernie signs and pro-Hillary signs. However, she continued her declaration.
“I will vote for Hillary with gusto, as I continue to be inspired and moved to actions by the ideals set forth by Bernie who will never stop fighting for us,” Silverman said. “I am proud to be a part of Bernie’s movement. And part of that movement is making sure Hillary Clinton is the next President of the United States.”
Silverman finished her statement while former comedian Senator Al Franken joined her on stage . “To all you Bernie-or-bust people: you are being ridiculous.” Although it seemed a divisive thing to say, the comment drew a loud seemingly unified applause from the crowd.
However, in response to the applause, a “Bernie” chant from the left side of the room started. In answer to that chant a “Hillary” chant came from the other side of the room. Meanwhile, Franken and Silverman riffed awkwardly for about two minutes of airtime.
Fortunately, awkward spaces and jeering crowds are not unknown to comedians. The two reflected on what they represent in the current convention. With Franken, a Clinton supporter and Silverman, a Sanders supporter both form a bridge according to the comedians.
Silverman’s awkward speech is representative of the entire beginning of the convention. The crowds were generally unhappy with the state of the Democratic Committee following Sunday’s revelations. Debbie Wasserman Schultz stepped down and recused herself from the convention after leaked emails showed the committee had favored Clinton.
However, the convention atmosphere took a turn after Michelle Obama’s speech. From that point, Sanders supporters were less contentious. Although people received Silverman’s message poorly, her point echoed throughout the night.
