Bernie Sanders dominates first night of Democratic primary

He was given longest applause of the evening.

The first night of the Democratic convention in Philadelphia was much better than the first night of the Republican convention. It was also the most dangerous one. Fortunately, the evening was masterfully handled by Bernie Sanders in particular.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Whereas the first night of the Republican convention appeared amateurish with a parade of private citizens speaking before a mellow crowd, the Democratic convention was on fire. Labor organizers, minor politicians and other who had clear experience in public speaking took the stage. If we set aside their convictions, we can appreciate the skill of the speakers and organizers.

And the Democrats needed that for their opening night.

The Democratic party has been in a state of near-civil war since Hillary Clinton became the presumptive nominee. Accusations flew that Clinton was a virtual Republican. She was accused of unethically colluding with the DNC to rig the primary. Both accusations have turned out to be true. Her choice of a centrist, globalist running mate and the Wikileaks emails have demonstrated both.

About 40 percent of Democrats supported Bernie Sanders (I/D-VT), which makes it bizarre to consider Clinton would neglect this constituency in pursuit of power.

All of this threatened to explode on Monday. The media circled the convention wondering if the disaffected Bernie supporters would sabotage things by behaving like hooligans.

There was talk of doing precisely that. One pro-Sanders group has literally organized a "fart in" for July 28. After a free bean dinner, supporters are invited to make their presence known by odor, a protest of the way the DNC has treated Bernie Sanders.

Like good socialists, the Sanders crowd isn't nice. When Elizabeth Warren was seen meeting with Hillary Clinton, her supporters turned on her, unliking her Facebook page and rageposting memes suggesting she was a traitor who had sold her soul.

Even Bernie Sanders lost supporters when he offered his first endorsement of Clinton. Others swore to "Bern" down the convention. Some Sanders supporters have pledged to vote for Trump, not because they believe in his policies, but to punish their own party. Tea Party Republicans did a similar thing in 2008 which contributed to the election of Barack Obama.

So the stakes were high for the Democrats on Monday.

The convention was cleverly planned with plenty of music and entertainment. Donald Trump was repeatedly skewered, which pleased the crowd.

By the end of the night, the crowd became impatient. Elizabeth Warren took the stage and it was uncertain how Sanders supporters, who had taken over the floor of the convention, would respond.

While a few voices attempted to interrupt her, the Senator did well in her speech. She endorsed Clinton, but also mentioned those causes that were dear to progressives. In her own way, Warren explained that the best hope of raising minimum wage, getting and handle on college debt, and blocking the Trans Pacific Partnership lay with Hillary Clinton.

The crowd let her pass.

Then came Bernie Sanders as the final act.

His arrival on stage was electric and the crowd gave him a very long standing ovation, much longer than any offered to anyone else so far. The moment was almost "Castroesque." For as long as five minutes, Sanders himself could not calm the crowd. Many people broke out in tears. Bernie Sanders has been no ordinary candidate.

Eventually he was able to begin his remarks. While warning against a Trump presidency, the elder socialist also explained that he and Clinton had worked out the most progressive platform in the party's history. He mentioned a plan to make college free for most Americans, and a plan to raise the minimum wage.

Sanders also unveiled a new movement called "Our Revolution" which would continue his advocacy well into the future.

And while he did, in fact, endorse Hillary Clinton, he did not concede either. He told the crowd, "I look forward to roll call" referring to the actual vote when the nominee would be decided.

Although Clinton has a majority of delegates pledged to her, the convention will be contested. Clinton does not have enough delegates to win on the first roll call. It is possible that enough delegates could defect in the second roll call and nominate Sanders instead. FDR was chosen this way in 1932.

It's a far-fetched possibility, but it is conceivable. Clinton is now slipping in the polls against Trump, Wikileaks has proved corruption and collusion, and the DNC could clearly see how the people reacted to Bernie Sanders. Sanders also beats Trump by at least 10 points in every poll. This makes Sanders the easy bet and the sure win. Clinton is the risk.

But this is fantasy.

The machinery of the party has always moved at a steady, slow pace to nominate Hillary Clinton, and she will not be denied her spot.

The good news for Democrats is that smart speeches by Warren and Sanders have defused the ticking time bomb that was Sander's movement.

Now the nation can move on from one of the most acrimonious primary seasons in history, and get to work deciding which person to elect president.

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