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Letter From Convention: 'Emotional Day' For Sanders Delegate From Stamford

STAMFORD, Conn. — Stamford resident Nina Sherwood is attending the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia as a Connecticut delegate. Here are her reflections on her experience Tuesday at the convention in her own words:

Connecticut delegates Christopher Yerinides, Luis Magana and Nina Sherwood pose for a photo on the bus to the convention.

Connecticut delegates Christopher Yerinides, Luis Magana and Nina Sherwood pose for a photo on the bus to the convention.

Photo Credit: Contributed/Nina Sherwood
Sanders Delegate Nina Sherwood offers a view of the floor at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Sanders Delegate Nina Sherwood offers a view of the floor at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Photo Credit: Contributed/Nina Sherwood
Police stand guard outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Police stand guard outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Photo Credit: Contributed/Nina Sherwood
A sign reads "Bernie Sanders for President Not for Sale" outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

A sign reads "Bernie Sanders for President Not for Sale" outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Photo Credit: Contributed/Nina Sherwood
Protestors demonstrate outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Protestors demonstrate outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Photo Credit: Contributed/Nina Sherwood
A protestor holds a sign "This is a commercial not a convention" at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

A protestor holds a sign "This is a commercial not a convention" at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Photo Credit: Contributed/Nina Sherwood

Wow! Day 2 was an emotional one. Roll call, which I thought would be fairly boring, was actually a lot of fun. Each state got to say a few interesting things about themselves and then announce how many of their delegates went to each candidate. 

Luis Magana, another Bernie Sanders delegate from District 4, and I walked down from our seats on to the floor so that we could get a better feel and view of each of the delegations. When Vermont was announcing their votes, as you know, Sanders gave his delegates to Secretary [Hillary] Clinton. People were screaming, cheering and booing.

After a few minutes, we looked up and noticed that about half of the seats in the convention center were empty. I figured people were going to the bathroom and getting food, etc., but I was wrong. We walked out into the hallway and there was a sea of Sanders delegates walking toward the exit. 

I was shocked. I have heard the rumors that Bernie delegates planed to walk out, but I didn't actually think anyone would do it. We walked with them out into the hallway where Jill Stein — of the Green Party — was chatting with Bernie delegates.

Soon after that, Luis got a phone call from a Texas delegate telling us to go to the outdoor press tent. Bernie delegates were conducting a silent protest there and some had even been locked inside the press tent by law enforcement officials. There were so many cops I could hardly believe it. Luckily, none of the protesters were violent or causing trouble. Eventually, the cops let out the delegates from inside the tent. 

From there, everyone walked out into the street where thousands of Bernie supporters and Black Lives Matter activists were united in protest of the convention. We saw everything from a candlelight vigil to singing and chanting. There was no violence — only peaceful demonstrations.

Thinking back on the events of today — I am concerned for my party and for my country. There is a real divide between the people inside the convention center and the people outside of it. I'm worried that if Hillary Clinton does not pull this party together by championing a strong progressive agenda, this country is going to end up with a Donald Trump presidency.

Nina Sherwood

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