Florida Democrats Sharply Divided Over Wasserman Schultz

ByJORDYN PHELPS ABCNews logo
Monday, July 25, 2016

After Debbie Wasserman Schultz was greeted with boos by many of her home state's delegation at the Democratic National Convention this morning, some Florida Democrats are going so far as to accuse the outgoing DNC chair of "destroying our democracy."

"She is not welcome! She's worked against us!" Seth Alexander, who wore a Bernie Sanders shirt, shouted at the breakfast where Wasserman Schultz garnered boos as she addressed her home state delegation.

Speaking to ABC News' Jonathan Karl after the breakfast, Alexander defended the outburst by him and others, pointing to the recently leaked Democratic National Committee emails as evidence that Wasserman Schultz and other DNC officials actively worked against Bernie Sanders in their official roles.

"Absolutely, she is not welcome," Alexander said of the DNC chair. "She was not welcome within our meeting because she has worked against democracy."

"Not welcome, absolutely unwelcome," said another woman who also identified as a Sanders' supporter. She said Wasserman Schultz's presence at the breakfast was an insult to those who had backed Sanders. "It's pretty much just like a pie in the face of the Bernie supporters," she said. "I don't believe that they have her here and they want us to unify."

"They're destroying our democracy," another Florida man chimed in about DNC. "We have to protest. Our democracy is crumbling."

Among those who protested, there was a split over supporting Clinton in the general election. Some said they would not vote for her while others said they are not sure.

Some at the breakfast defended Wasserman Schultz and described the protest against her as unnecessarily heated.

Elaine Geller, an avowed supporter of Wasserman Schultz and Hillary Clinton, claimed that she was threatened by one woman protesting against Wasserman Schultz.

"This woman was cursing and screaming and threatening to punch me in the face," Geller said. "It was just unbelievable."

Another man also expressed his strong support for Wasserman Schultz, saying she helped President Obama win his re-election bid and has been an effective leader.

"She's helping to put the most qualified candidate in the history of our union" in good stead to win the presidency, the man said, referring to Clinton. "It's important Hillary gets in there, and Debbie's been a great ally."

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