PIERRE (AP) - For some South Dakota delegates who support Bernie Sanders, outbursts at the Democratic National Convention are cause for embarrassment. For others, the outcries from attendees are a way to express concerns in the messy Democratic process.
Tensions between Sanders' left-leaning supporters and party rank-and-file who back presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton have been on display at the convention in Philadelphia. The South Dakota delegation consists of 10 Clinton delegates, 10 for Sanders and five superdelegates supporting Clinton.
"I didn't boo because that's not what I'm about," said Sanders delegate Rachel Caesar. "But I respect their ability to have their voices heard too."
Democrats are in part trying to overcome anger from Sanders supporters over leaked emails indicating staffers at the Democratic National Committee favored Clinton over Sanders.
Many of Sanders' supporters weren't appeased Monday and jeered as speakers lauded Clinton. Some of the outbursts were "embarrassing" to Cully Williams, a Sanders delegate.
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The outcries can be "incredibly healthy" to allow people to express concerns, but it can be risky if too much division is broadcast because it could be detrimental to the entire party, said Sanders delegate Margaret Potts.
"It's certainly not something that I find in the South Dakota delegation," said state Democratic Party Chairwoman Ann Tornberg, a superdelegate supporting Clinton. "We don't have that kind of rancor within our group."
Former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, a superdelegate supporting Clinton, spoke to South Dakota attendees Tuesday morning. He was "eloquent and enthusiastic," talking of party unity and the pivotal importance of the fall election, Tornberg said.
If there's any history lesson from the last 50 years, it's that "unity is the only pathway to success," Daschle said.
