PHILADELPHIA—Bernie Sanders ran one hell of a campaign, but his run has come to an end here at the Democratic National Convention. The roll call has begun, and Hillary Clinton is steadily heading towards officially clinching the nomination. But fate allowed Sanders one more moment to savor. His brother, Larry, lives in the UK, but is a delegate in the Democrats Abroad delegation. When it came time to tally the votes from the expats, Larry stepped up to the mic to praise his little brother, "Bernard," and their parents for all the opportunities they were afforded.

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At one point, the wrenching pride of announcing just how many votes his brother has received to be the nominee of a major American political party seemed to overcome him. He choked up—and, when the camera cut to him, so did his little brother.

"I want to bring before this convention the names of our parents: Eli Sanders, Dorothy Sanders," said Larry. "They did not have easy lives, and they died young. They would be immensely proud of their son and his accomplishments. They loved him." He added: "They loved the New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt and would be especially proud that Bernard is renewing that vision. It is with enormous pride that I cast my vote for Bernie Sanders."

It's a great reminder that our elections have monumental consequences for our nation, but also for the families who watch with pride as one of their own sets out to lead the world.

Headshot of Jack Holmes
Jack Holmes
Senior Staff Writer

Jack Holmes is a senior staff writer at Esquire, where he covers politics and sports. He also hosts Unapocalypse, a show about solutions to the climate crisis.