Democratic convention kicks off with massive internal strife

The tensions in the Democratic Party hit a fever pitch on Monday when supporters of Bernie Sanders inside the Wells Fargo arena in Philadelphia repeatedly broke out in chants and protests as party leaders kicked off the convention.

Within minutes of the opening gavel, opponents of Hillary Clinton's within the arena began chanting and booing in opposition.

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The repeated outbursts came despite DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz's decision to remove herself from any formal role during the convention and resign at the end of the week. The outgoing chair was largely forced to make the move after thousands of leaked DNC emails suggested she oversaw an operation within the party structure that favored the former secretary of state -- inspiring a massive outcry from Sen. Sanders' supporters.

Boos erupted when Rep. Marcia Fudge mentioned the Clinton-Kaine presidential ticket, inspiring her to retort back, promising and demanding respect.

Go inside the tense convention:

"We're all Democrats and we need to act like it," Fudge, who is serving as convention chairwoman, shouted at one point.

An influx of signs reading "love trumps hate" soon flooded the crowd in an attempt to restore unity, but at least some delegates within the audience chose to write over the signs with pro-Sanders messages. At least one spotted on the floor read "Bernie trumps hate."

The discord within the arena came despite efforts by the Democratic National Committee to appease Sanders' supporters. Party leadership issued a formal apology to "Senator Sanders, his supporters, and the entire Democratic Party" as the convention got started.

Sanders' backer Ben Jealous, former president and CEO of the NAACP, made an attempt to quell the audience by acknowledging the Sanders campaign's success while also making a strong endorsement for Clinton.

All eyes will be on the Vermont senator Monday night, as his primetime speech backing Clinton is expected to include a strong call for the still-elusive party unity the Democrats hope to secure.