There's been a lot of heartburn at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia as Bernie Sanders supporters bemoan the lack of respect they think their candidate has been getting. But Ramsay McLauchlan of Pinellas County, the Deputy Whip of the Florida delegation, said that's changing.
"This morning, Bernie actually made an unscheduled visit to the Florida delegation," he said from Philadelphia. "And that was really his message - that all the important things that he was fighting for, Hillary is fighting for, and if we want to move that agenda forward, we have to elect Hillary as president."
During the event at a Philadelphia hotel, Sanders took the microphone from Tampa Congresswoman Kathy Castor.
"We did not do particularly well in Florida, but I want to thank all of you who were there with us. Now, whether you supported me or you supported Secretary Clinton, we all know what our task is and that is to make sure Donald Trump is not elected president."
McLauchlan said Sanders' surprise visit highlights the importance of Florida - to both parties.
"Florida's critical to Hillary, but there are many options, other ways she could become president without winning Florida. Ohio and Pennsylvania are going to be critical for her, as well," he said. "But for Donald Trump, it's an absolute must-win. If we loses Florida, he cannot win the presidency."
McLauchlan believes that any revolt by Sanders supporters will be short-lived, and Clinton will get most of their votes.
"They worked very hard to get Bernie elected. They're going to be voting for him in the nomination today, and then most of them are going to be moving forward in a unified way and will be supporting Hillary and will be supporting the agenda that both Bernie and Hillary Clinton support."
