Reporting from Philadelphia — Hillary Clinton made history Tuesday as the first woman chosen to lead a major-party presidential ticket as family, friends and old political allies took turns extolling her as a leader with the experience to keep the country safe and the heart to help those who have been forgotten.
“I give you a leader who can unite us as a nation, a leader who can break down barriers and build a better future for every American,” said Democratic Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a civil rights hero, as he helped formally place Clinton’s name in nomination for the White House. “She will fight for us all with her heart, soul and mind.”
The longest and most lavish testimonial was delivered by Clinton’s husband, former President Bill Clinton, who offered a tribute that began, “In the spring of 1971, I met a girl,” and traced her career through her time as first lady and years as secretary of State.
“We’ve been walking and talking together ever since,” he said. “Hillary opened my eyes to a whole new world of public service by private citizens.”
Pivoting to the election, he addressed one of greatest challenges facing his wife: overcoming the image of a candidate who’s been in the public eye for decades when so many voters want something new. “People say, ‘Well, we need to change. She’s been around a long time.’”
“She sure has,” Clinton said, wagging a finger in emphasis, “and she’s sure been worth every single year she’s put into making people’s lives better.”
“She’s still the best change-maker I have ever known,” he said.
While Hillary Clinton has been pioneering, she has also been controversial, her achievements tainted by scandal.
Polling over the years has found the former first lady, New York senator and Cabinet secretary to be one of the most admired women in the country — but more recently, one of the most disliked and mistrusted.
History was given its due. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, joined onstage by a number of women in Congress, placed Clinton’s victory in the arc that began in Philadelphia in 1776 and continued nearly a century ago when women were given the right to vote.
“We are preparing to shatter the highest, strongest marble ceiling in our country,” the San Francisco lawmaker said.
But most of the night was devoted to remedial repair work on Clinton’s image.
One speaker after another from the assorted worlds Clinton has inhabited — politics, women’s advocacy, child welfare, education reform — sought to offer a more human portrayal than that of a striving and scheming politician, embattled lately over her use of a private email server to conduct government business.
There was talk of playing make-believe on family vacations. Comforting women whose children died violently. Fighting for health benefits for police and firefighters after Sept. 11. Hiring a foster child, who used a trash bag as his suitcase, to work as an intern in her Senate office.
“I felt seen and heard for the first time in my life,” said the young man, Jelanie Freeman.
The protest and anger that suffused the convention’s first day seemed to fade — at least inside the hall.
Cheered instead of booed, as she was by some delegates Monday, Clinton officially secured the nomination after the suspense-less 90-minute roll call.
The result was preordained when Clinton’s chief rival, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, abandoned his candidacy and gave an enthusiastic endorsement, then followed up Tuesday by urging his backers to end their rowdy resistance.
“It is easy to boo, but it’s harder to look your kids in the face who would be living under Donald Trump,” Sanders said of the GOP nominee at a breakfast with California delegates. “Trump is the worst candidate for president in the modern history of this country.”
It was a harsh view widely shared inside the convention hall, where repeated speakers characterized the Manhattan business tycoon as a heartless bigot who refused to rent apartments to minorities and a sexist who has incessantly demeaned women.
“Donald is not making America great again,” said actress America Ferrera, one of a number of Hollywood celebrities sprinkled through the evening. “He’s making America hate again.”
South Dakota’s votes delivered the prize that eluded Clinton eight years ago when she first ran for president.
The state-by-state balloting, traditionally a chance for local boosterism and some good-natured bragging — the birthplace of pizza, the home of tax-free shopping — briefly turned emotional when Sanders’ brother, Larry, cast his ballot as a delegate for Democrats living abroad.
A politician in Britain, Larry Sanders’ voice grew thick as he discussed his parents, their hard life and how proud they would be of “Bernard,” the candidate for president.
Bernie Sanders teared up as he watched.
Hillary Clinton officially becomes the Democratic Party nominee for president. More coverage at latimes.com/trailguide.
In a bit of stagecraft to promote the image of Democratic harmony, an announcement of the tally was delayed until Vermont — which passed on its turn in the alphabetical order — concluded the roll call by casting 22 of its 26 votes for Sanders.
He immediately rose to his feet, took the delegation microphone and moved that the vote be made unanimous. As his wife, Jane, briefly embraced him, a sea of blue and gold Clinton signs blossomed on the convention floor and delegates, on a voice vote, roared their approval.
“Finally, finally it’s happening,” said Ruth Musser-Lopez, 63, a Clinton delegate from Needles, Calif., who threaded her way through the state’s delegation, shaking hands and hugging strangers as tears streamed down her face.
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Hillary Clinton celebrates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times )
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Balloons and confetti fall as Hillary Clinton and Senator Tim Kaine appear before the crowd at the end of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
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Hillary Clinton and Senator Tim Kaine celebrates after accepting her party’s nomination at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
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Hillary Clinton embraces her daughter, Chelsea Clinton, after wrapping up the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton stands with her husband former President Bill Clinton on stage with Vice President nominee Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton at the end of the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman to win the nomination for President for any party in America. Celebration begins after she finished her address to the delegation on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman to win the nomination for President for any party in America.
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Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman to win the nomination for President for any party in America. Celebration with her family begins after she finished her address to the delegation on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Hillary Clinton gets a hug from President Bill Clinton after becoming the first woman to win the nomination for President for any party in America.
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Hillary Clinton and Senator Tim Kaine appear before the crowd at the end of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman to win the nomination for President in America. Celebration begins with Senator Tim Kaine after she finished her address.
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Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks on stage during the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention. (Nicholas Kamm / AFP / Getty Images)
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Hillary Clinton on the final night of the Democratic National Convention. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton delivers remarks during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Hillary Clinton addresses the delegation on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton acknowledges the crowd as she arrives on stage during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Hillary Clinton enters after her daughter Chelsea Clinton introduces her on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Chelsea Clinton, embraces her mother, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, during the final day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Marc Mezvinsky, from left, President Bill Clinton, Senator Tim Kaine, and Anne Holton watch a video about Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
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Chelsea Clinton speaks on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Chelsea Clinton’s husband Marc Mezvinsky, former President Bill Clinton applaud as they listen to Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Chelsea Clinton arrives on stage to address delegates during the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
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General Tim Allen speaks on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen speak during the final day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention
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Former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabaar speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Members of the California delegation support Senator Barbara Boxer as she leaves the stage after speaking on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Representative Nancy Pelosi speaks on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Members of the California delegation cheer for Representative Nancy Pelosi as she speaks on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Some of the United States Senate Women appear together after speaking at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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California delegate holds up at sign that reads, “A Woman’s Place Is In The White House,” at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Senator Barbara Boxer speaks to the delegates as one of the other U.S. Senate Women on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Senator Barbara Boxer addresses the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Delegates embrace each other during the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Singer Carol King performs “You’ve Got a Friend” on the final night of the DNC in Philadelphia.
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Delegates hold up signs on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Kim Frederick, a delegate from Texas, wears a cape during the final day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
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Delegates cheer for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Wisconsin delegates cheer during the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA--JULY 28, 2016--Los Angeles Mary Eric Garcetti speaks on the accomplishments of Los Angeles on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 28, 2016. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times) (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
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Political fashion styles on the floor of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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An anti-Trump fashion statement on the floor of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Delegates embrace each other 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Mayor Eric Garcetti, shown at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, is in Rio de Janeiro trying to gain support for Los Angeles’ bid to host the Olympics in 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
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Wisconsin Delegates watch videos on the mega screen at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Former California Assembly member and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks to delegates on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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John West wears a suit with a picture of Hillary Clinton on the back at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Members of the 3rd Regiment Intantry United States Colored Troops conduct the presentation of the colors on the final of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Delegate Danielle Adams, of Durham, North Carolina, center, listens to the invocation on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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President Obama hugs Hillary Clinton at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.
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President Barak Obama is joined by Hillary Clinton at the end of his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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President Barack Obama hugs the Democratic nominee for President, Hillary Clinton, at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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President Barak Obama is joined by Hillary Clinton at the end of his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee for President Hillary Clinton wave at the crowd at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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President Barak Obama is given a huge applause at the end of his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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President Barack Obama speaks at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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President Barak Obama speaks to the delegates on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Delegates listen to President Barak Obama deliver his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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President Bill Clinton cheer as praises are sung about his wife Hillary Clinton, at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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President Barack Obama waves to the crowd at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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President Barack Obama arrives at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Democratic Nominee for Vice President Tim Kaine is joined by his wife at the end of his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Tim Kaine, Democratic nominee for vice president, speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine acknowledges the audience.
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Tim Kaine. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
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American flags are visible on stage as Tim Kaine arrives to speak on the third night of the convention. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times )
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Tim Kaine walks onstage.
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Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, exit the stage.
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Vice President Joe Biden and wife Jill.
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Vice President Joe Biden.
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Vice President Joe Biden speak at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Lenny Kravitz performs at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Lenny Kravitz performs at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Actor Bryan Cranston watching the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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A delegate sports a political hat at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
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Musical Performance - What the World Needs Now at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA. -- WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2016: Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly speak at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
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A member of the Florida delegation shouts her support for gun control on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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California governor Jerry Brown speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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California Governor Jerry Brown at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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California Governor Jerry Brown at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Senator Chris Murphy speak about the tragedy of Sandy Hook massacre at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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A member of the Florida delegation gets emotional during the section on gun control and the shooting in Orlando on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Director Lee Daniels, Christine Leinonen, mother of Christopher “Drew” Leinonen killed in the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando, Florida, and survivors Brandon Wolf and Jose Arriagada leave the stage during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
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California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, in Philadelphia.
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Brandon Wolf, from left, Christine Leinonen and Jose Arraigada at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, in Philadelphia.
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Representative Maxine Waters appears with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
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Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid speaks at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, in Philadelphia.
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Sen. Harry Reid waves to the crowd before delivering remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Flint, Michigan Mayor Karen Weaver delivers remarks at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Civil Rights Leader Reverend Jesse Jackson at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Actress Star Jones waves at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Louisiana delegates Rodney Mcfarland and Jim Harlan sing the national anthem during the third day session of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio waves to the crowd after speaking on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the 2016 in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
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An attendee holds a sign that reads “Girl Power” on the third day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphiaon Wednesday.
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Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, Chair, Democratic National Convention, calls the convention to order on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
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Florida delegate Dianne Krumel from Pensacola shows her support for Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton before the start of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
(Matt Rourke / AP) But the careful choreography — and the joy many felt — did not ease the anger and disappointment of a relatively small but stubborn band of hard-core Sanders supporters.
Several dozen delegates marched out of the hall into the nearby media center, where — quickly swallowed up by a swarm of reporters — they chanted, “This is what democracy looks like!” then sat down in silent protest.
The state-by-state roll call was a concession to Sanders and his backers and an effort to help unify Democrats after the fractious primary fight carried over into the opening day of the convention.
In contrast to Monday, when the mere mention of Clinton’s name drew jeers among some of them, Sanders supporters seemed more interested Tuesday in delivering one last hurrah for their candidate, cheering lustily when his name was formally placed into nomination. When it was their turn, Clinton supporters responded in kind.
The more amicable atmosphere was due in no small part to Sanders.
Hours after delivering a wholeheartedly pro-Clinton speech in Monday night’s finale, he paid an unexpected breakfast call on the California delegation, a hotbed of resistance to Clinton’s pursuit of the nomination.
“As goes California, so goes America, so I know that you know that you have an enormous responsibility,” the Vermont senator said, urging resistors to lay down their grievances and rally behind Clinton as he had.
Not all were convinced.
Victoria Thompson, 56, a Sanders delegate from Citrus Heights, outside Sacramento, welcomed Sanders’ visit but said she was not moved to overcome her resistance to Clinton.
“I can’t vote for her. I will not vote for her,” Thompson said. If Sanders was not an option, she said, she would defect to the Green Party.
Times staff writers Evan Halper, Colleen Shalby and Sarah D. Wire contributed to this report.
mark.barabak@latimes.com and chris.megerian@latimes.com
For more political news follow @markzbarabak and @ChrisMegerian
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UPDATES:
8:30 p.m.: This story was updated with more comments from former President Bill Clinton.
7:30 p.m.: The story was updated with comments from former President Bill Clinton and others.
4:50 p.m.: The story was updated with details on a few dozen Sanders delegates marching out of the hall.
4:10 p.m.: The story was updated with Clinton winning the nomination.
2:40 p.m.: The story was updated with details about the convention hall atmosphere.
The story was originally published at 2:30 p.m.
