PD Editorial: Hillary Clinton offers a sharp contrast to Donald Trump's America

For the Democrats meeting in Philadelphia this week, watchwords included optimism and opportunity, diversity and dynamism. Their objective: using four nights of prime-time television to present Americans a sharp contrast to Donald Trump’s apocalyptic view of a decaying nation besieged by enemies, immigrants and violent criminals.

On the whole, they succeeded, with Bill Clinton and Barack and Michelle Obama and a succession of celebrities, veterans, party activists and even a couple of Republicans, offering testimonials for Hillary Clinton - and making the case against Trump.

But, just as the Republican Party’s internal differences were on display a week ago in Cleveland, the Democrats struggled to show a unified face to the nation.

True, the party’s most familiar leaders didn’t send regrets, and there weren’t any Ted Cruz moments on the podium in Philadelphia. Indeed, Bernie Sanders unequivocally endorsed Clinton for president on the opening night of the convention and reaffirmed his support at various events throughout the week.

But many of the Vermont senator’s backers weren’t persuaded, especially after leaked emails confirmed their suspicions that national party leaders favored the former secretary of state during a protracted contest for the Democratic nomination. Some of his most fervent supporters walked off the floor in protest as delegates made Clinton the first female standard-bearer of a major political party.

In a detailed acceptance speech during Thursday’s closing session, Clinton countered Trump’s portrayal of a dystopian America, describing instead a nation with “the most powerful military, the most innovative entrepreneurs, the most enduring values.”

She addressed Sanders, pledging to pursue the progressive ideals that fueled his campaign. “You’ve put economic and social justice issues front and center, where they belong,” Clinton said. “And to all of your supporters … I want you to know, I’ve heard you. Your cause is our cause.”

Regarding terrorism and other national security threats, Clinton pointed to her experience in the White House, as a senator and as secretary of state – a resumé that can’t be matched by Trump, a real estate developer and TV star who has never held office.

In a passage that captured both this election and the volatile world awaiting the next president, Clinton said: “America is once again at a moment of reckoning. Powerful forces are threatening to pull us apart. Bonds of trust and respect are fraying. And, just as with our founders, there are no guarantees. It truly is up to us. We have to decide whether we’re going to work together so we can all rise together.”

Trump got a bump in the polls after the Republicans’ dark convention. With the Democrats’ sunnier performance, Clinton should get her own bump as the 14-week sprint to Election Day begins. But in this unpredictable election year, with voters expressing reservations about both major party candidates, this contest is far from over.

Presidential debates are scheduled Sept. 26 in Hempstead, New York; Oct. 9 in St. Louis; and Oct. 19 in Las Vegas. A vice presidential debate is set for Oct. 4 in Farmville, Virginia. Expect plenty of fireworks between now and Nov. 8. We need to hear more straight talk about the nation’s future, too.