Hillary Clinton made history Tuesday evening, becoming the first woman to be nominated for president by a major American political party.
Unlike at last week’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland, both major contenders for the candidacy had their names put into the field for nomination, even though it was clear that Clinton would end up the victor. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, an early Bernie Sanders supporter who was allegedly forced out of a leadership position within the Democratic National Committee last year for disagreeing with recently resigned chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, nominated the senator. Clinton, meanwhile, had her name put into contention by Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland. Her nomination was seconded by Rep. John Lewis, and supporter Na’ilah Amaru.
The nominating process was also a further attempt at unifying the party. Paul Feeny, a legislative director for an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local union, seconded Sanders’ nomination and called on all Sanders supporters to vote for Clinton in the general election.
After all of the states had cast their votes, Sanders appeared with the Vermont delegation, moving to suspend the rules and nominate Clinton by acclimation, which done shortly thereafter.
There were a number of memorable moments during the roll call of the states. A woman from Arizona born before women had the right to vote helped cast here delegation’s votes for Clinton. When Democrats Abroad cast their votes, Bernie Sanders’ brother Larry spoke.
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine will be nominated for vice president later Tuesday evening.