With a larger television audience watching the US Democratic Party national convention than the republican version a week earlier, the Democrats put on a powerful line of speakers to boost former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and bury fascist demogague Donald Trump.

Former Defense Secretary and CIA Chief Leon Panetta overcame a loud group of anti-war protesters in the rafters to savage Trump's almost treasonous call for a Russian hack on Clinton’s emails: "Donald Trump cannot become commander-in-chief."  He added, "We cannot put an erratic finger on our nuclear weapons," and, "This is no time to roll the dice and gamble."  Panetta also criticized Trump for irresponsible statements such as endorsing torture and war crimes.

Former New York City Mayor and billionaire publisher Michael Bloomberg - who was once a Democrat, then a Republican, and now an Independent - went after Trump's supposed business acumen:  "We've heard a lot of talk in this campaign about needing a leader who understands business.  I couldn't agree more.  I've built a business, and I didn't start it with a million-dollar check from my father," the self-made Bloomberg said in a clear slam to vulgar rich kid Trump.  "Through his career, Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, angry shareholders and contractors who feel cheated, and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off," Bloomberg added.  "Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's run his business.  God help us."

America's favorite cool Uncle, Vice President Joe Biden thrilled the crowd with a vision of a positive and hopeful America that contrasted sharply with the Mad Max/Gotham City deathscape painted by the fearful, xenophobic party of Trump a week earlier.  The Veep played on his middle class bona fides to remind viewers that Trump has "no clue" about the needs and struggles of the middle class, which he frequently stiffs in his lousy business dealings.  But Uncle Joe silenced the crowd, asking for no cheers nor boos as he asked America to consider seriously Trump's sociopathy:  "His cynicism is unbounded, his lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in a phrase I suspect he's most proud of having made famous, 'You're fired!'  Think about that," Biden said.  "He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class, give me a break.  That's a bunch of malarkey," the Veep added.

Next up was Vice Presidential candidate Tim Kaine, whose relaxed and natural style was appealing despite not being as polished as the night's better-known speakers.  He praised Hillary Clinton, saying he trusted her as president with the life of his son Marine Corp 1st Lieutenant Nathaniel Kaine.  He wowed the often restless crown with frequent flourishes of Spanish.  But the crowning achievement was to bust Trump on his weak spot:  Trump's blustery use of the phrase "believe me" when he clearly doesn't know what he's talking about.  "Do you really believe him?" the Virginia senator asked, "Donald Trump's whole career says you better not."

The highlight of the evening was President Barack Obama, a noted great speaker delivering one of the last addresses of his presidency.  Passing the baton of "hope", he praised Hillary Clinton as a tough campaigner and effective Secretary of State who he says is the most-qualified person ever to run for US President - himself and former President Bill Clinton included.  "She's been there for us - even if we haven't always noticed - and if you're serious about our democracy, you can't afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue," Mr. Obama said in an explicit appeal to a small sliver of supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders who continue to resist Mrs. Clinton.

President Obama spoke of Trump with a mixture humor and scorn.  "This is not your typical election," he said.  "It's not just a choice between parties or policies, the usual debates between left and right.  This is a more fundamental choice - about who we are as a people."  He wrested the mantle of Ronald Reagan-like optimism, and blasted the relentless fear and gloom coming from last week's Republican convention.  Mr. Obama said that Trump is "selling the American people short.  We're not a fragile people.  We're not a frightful people.  Our power doesn’t come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way.  We don’t look to be ruled."

President Obama added, "That's why anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end."