DNC 2016: Sarah Silverman tells ‘Bernie or Bust’ supporters ‘You’re being ridiculous’

US comedian frustrated during attempts to heal divided Democratic party

US comedian Sarah Silverman addressed a fractured Democratic National Convention on Monday to call for unity within the party.

Previously a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders throughout his campaign, Ms Silverman sought to impress on the crowd the impact Mr Sanders’ had made on the Democratic Party, but called for supporters to rally behind the party’s presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton.

The move was not received well by ardent supporters of Mr Sanders, who erupted in boos and jeers.

As competing chants of Bernie and Hillary swamped the room, an increasingly exasperated Ms Silverman said: “To the ‘Bernie or Bust’ people, you’re being ridiculous.”

Her remark followed a speech in which she derided Donald Trump’s “arrested development” campaign, and won loud cheers for her praise of Mr Sanders.

“As some of you may know, I support Bernie Sanders and the movement behind him,” Ms Silverman said.

“And Bernie’s already succeeded in so many ways.”

“Not only did Bernie wake us up, he made us understand what is possible and what we deserve. My shrink says we don’t get what we want, we get what we think we deserve, and Bernie showed us that all of America’s citizens deserve quality health care and education, not just the wealthy elite.”

She went on to praise the party’s selection process at the expense of the Republican battle that saw Mr Trump triumph.

“This Democratic primary was exemplary,” Ms Silverman said. “No name calling, no comments about the size of candidates’ hands or ethnicity or how much they sweat or if they go to the bathroom… That’s like major arrested development stuff. That’s ‘I’m still emotionally four, and calling people names from my gold-encrusted sandbox because I was given money instead of human touch and coping tools'.”

“Hilary heard the passions of the people behind Bernie and brought those passions into the party’s platform, and that is the process of democracy at its very best,” she added, before throwing her full support behind Ms Clinton.

“Hillary is our Democratic nominee, and I will proudly vote for her,” Ms Silverman said.

“A few years ago she was secretary, and now she’s going to be president. She’s like the only person who’s over qualified for the job as president.

“So I will vote for Hillary with gusto, as I continue to be inspired and moved to action by the ideals set forth by Bernie who will never stop fighting for us.”