DNC Pens Official Apology To Bernie Sanders After Email Leak
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In the wake of the DNC email leak and Debbie Wasserman Schultz's impending resignation, the DNC has issued a statement apologizing to Bernie Sanders.
"On behalf of everyone at the DNC, we want to offer a deep and sincere apology to Senator Sanders, his supporters, and the entire Democratic Party for the inexcusable remarks made over email. These comments do not reflect the values of the DNC or our steadfast commitment to neutrality during the nominating process. The DNC does not -- and will not -- tolerate disrespectful language exhibited toward our candidates. Individual staffers have also rightfully apologized for their comments, and the DNC is taking appropriate action to ensure it never happens again."
The "inexcusable remarks" refer to the comments made about faith and discussion about how the party could weaken him in the eyes of Southern voters. Other emails talked about ways Hillary Clinton's campaign could combat accusations made by Sanders including a dispute over how much money Clinton had raised for state parties.
One email appears to show DNC staffers asking how they can reference Bernie Sanders' faith to weaken him in the eyes of Southern voters. Another seems to depict an attorney advising the committee on how to defend Hillary Clinton against an accusation by the Sanders campaign of not living up to a joint fundraising agreement.
"We are embarking on a convention today that — thanks to the great efforts of Secretary Clinton, her team, Senator Sanders, his team, and the entire Democratic Party — will show a forward-thinking and optimistic vision for America, as compared to the dark and pessimistic vision that the GOP presented last week in Cleveland," the statement continued. "Our focus is on electing Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine and Democrats across the country, thanks to Democratic Party that is strong, unified, and poised for victory in November."
Despite many Sanders' supporters flocking to Philly to protest the DNC's actions against Sanders, the Vermont Senator called on his convention delegates to vote for Hillary Clinton.
"Brothers and sisters, this is the real world that we live in," Sanders told his audience, raising his hand in an effort to quiet them. Republican nominee Donald Trump is "a bully and demagogue," he said, who must not win the White House.
