Unity only goes so far

By Susan Milligan, Globe Staff

DENVER -- The Democratic dictate at this week's convention is clear: there will be unity. There will be an abandonment of all ill feelings. There will be a rock concert-like swaying of crowds to live performances of 1970s hits.

In politics, sure, the Democrats are getting there.

But in sports? As a Yankees fan might say, fuhgedaboudit.

During today's roll call that made Barack Obama the Democratic presidential nominee, representatives of various states -- as is common -- opened with tributes to the mountains, the seas, and the sports teams associated with their homes. The boasts mostly received polite applause, and sometimes cheers, from other delegates.

That was until Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray opened her Bay State tribute by mentioning the Red Sox, the Celtics, and the New England Patriots.

"Booooooooo,'' a few disgruntled convention-goers uttered, presumably in a good-natured fashion.

Even the Duluth women's hockey team, praised by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, got a more uniformly positive response.

Senator Jon Corzine of New Jersey claimed the New York Giants as his own since they play in his home state, crowing about the team's Super Bowl win, but if Massachusetts delegates were unhappy, they kept their mouths shut.

Senator Hillary Clinton -- who called for Obama to be made the nominee by acclamation -- avoided further controversy when she spoke on behalf of New York. She didn't make one mention of the Yankees.

Let the healing begin.