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What to watch at the DNC on Monday: Bernie Sanders' big moment

The convention officially opens today with all eyes on whether the party can heal from a bitter primary and counter Donald Trump's performance at the GOP convention last week

The Democratic National Convention officially opens Monday with all eyes on whether the party can heal from a bitter primary and counter Donald Trump's performance at the GOP convention last week in Cleveland. Here's what we'll be watching for on day one:

 Pa. in Play? Trump and his allies showered Pennsylvania's GOP delegation with attention in Cleveland: House Speaker Paul Ryan, Donald Trump Jr. and vice presidential nominee Mike Pence all addressed the group in a clear sign of how much they want to win the Keystone State. Do Democrats push back as hard? Or do they rely on recent history in a state they haven't lost since 1988? The party's national chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, was supposed to speak to the Pennsylvania delegation Monday morning, but that was nixed by her decision Sunday to resign. Instead, the delegation will hear from John Podesta, a longtime Clinton political advisor and member of her inner circle.

 Bern-ers: Thousands of protesters took to the Philadelphia streets Sunday  to protest fracking and support Sanders in a show that must have had planners a little uneasy. Many Republican elites have problems with Donald Trump, but there was no grassroots rebelliousness in the streets of Cleveland last week. Will scenes outside the Wells Fargo Center overshadow the message of togetherness coming from inside? And how will Philadelphia handle the protests?

You can follow Tamari on Twitter or email him at jtamari@phillynews.com.