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Michigan helps Dems nominate Clinton for president; Sanders delegates walk out

Michigan helped put Hillary Clinton over the top last night, officially making her the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.

“The next president of the United States, Hillary Clinton,” U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow said as she delivered Michigan’s official vote at the Democratic National Convention. 

Stabenow says she was overcome by emotion seeing her party choose the first woman to be a major party presidential nominee.   

Clinton delegate Sunny Sahu expects now the divisions within the party can heal.

Hundreds of Bernie Sanders delegates and supporters walked out of the Wells Fargo Arena to protest the way the Democratic Party has treated their campaign

“I think by the time this voting process in done that we’ll have unity,” Sahu said as the roll call of the states continued. “I really think the next couple of days will be great days where we come together.”

But it's not clear yet how unified the party will be going forward. Many Bernie Sanders supporters remain bitter about the way the party has treated their campaign.

And after the roll call finished, hundreds walked out of the Wells Fargo Arena.

Michigan delegates were among the Bernie Sanders supporters who walked out of the Democratic National Convention.

“For me personally, I will not be voting for Hillary or Trump,” Melissa Arab said as she stood in one of the press tents across from the arena. “Where I go beyond that I still have to consider. But I can promise I won’t vote for either of those two. I just know too much.”

Arab is not sure if she’ll return to the convention today. Other Sanders delegates are also considering leaving Philadelphia. 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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