Analysis: Clinton has one big edge on Trump — her supporting cast is stronger
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves to delegates after her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016.
(Mary Altaffer / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, right, is joined by Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., after her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, right, is joined by Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., after her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, lower left, reaches toward the falling balloons at the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 29, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Mine!
(Matt Rourke / AP)Former President Bill Clinton kicks a balloon at the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Former President Bill Clinton react as balloons fall during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Former President Bill Clinton hugs his wife Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, right, is joined by Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., after her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)Balloons descend at the Wells Fargo Center after Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s acceptance speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton finishes her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., joins Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Delegates watch as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)Delegates hold up signs during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Chelsea Clinton and former President Bill Clinton applaud as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton takes the stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton takes the the stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves to delegates before speaking during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Chelsea Clinton, embraces her mother, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Chelsea Clinton’s husband Marc Mezvinsky, former President Bill Clinton applaud as they listen to Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, walks to the podium before speaking during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Former President Bill Clinton and Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., arrive on the convention floor before Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Singer Katy Perry performs during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Mary Altaffer / AP)Singer Katy Perry performs during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)South Carolina delegates react during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(John Locher / AP)Gen. John Allen, (Ret.) stands with veterans as he speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Khizr Khan, father of fallen US Army Capt. Humayun S. M. Khan holds up a copy of the Constitution of the United States as his wife listens during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)A delegate reacts during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Wayne Owens, Barbara Owens and Jennifer Loudon, family members of fallen law enforcement officers stand on the stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabaar speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Rev. William Barber speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Jennifer Pierotti Lim, Co-Founder of Republican Women for Hillary, speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins wears a hat during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen appear during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-NY, speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Tex., gives his thumb up as he speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Maine delegates hold up signs as they show support for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)California delegates hold up signs as they cheer for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)The Democratic women US Senators stand on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., joins hands on stage with other Democratic US women senators during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Maryland, takes the stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., waves to delegates during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Rep. James Cleburne, D-SC., speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Singer Carole King performs during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., walks to the podium during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Senate candidate Katie McGinty, D-Pa., takes the stage to speak during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Civil rights leader Dolores Huerta speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)LGBT rights activist Sarah McBride speaks as Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-NY, Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus listens during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)State Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Tenn., speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Virgin Islands delegate Edgar Phillips arrives at Wells Fargo Arena before the start of the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(John Locher / AP)Illinois delegate John West of Chicago arrives on the convention floor at Wells Fargo Arena before the start of the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Performer Shelia E + Family performs during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Delegates gather during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton appears to join President Barack Obama during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Star Swain sings the National Anthem during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton walks on stage after President Barack Obama’s speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)President Barack Obama and Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wave together on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)President Barack Obama and Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton wave to delegates after President Obama’s speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)President Barack Obama hugs Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton after addressing the delegates during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)President Barack Obama and Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wave to the crowd during the third day of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(John Locher / AP)President Barack Obama hugs Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as she take the stage at the conclusion of his speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)President Barack Obama speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(John Locher / AP)President Barack Obama speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(John Locher / AP)President Barack Obama speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)President Barack Obama speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)President Barack Obama speaks during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Former mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg addresses delegates on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention on July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images)President Barack Obama takes the stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)President Barack Obama arrives to speak during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Susan Walsh / AP)President Barack Obama waves to the delegates before speaking during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Sharon Belkofer, mother of Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer, who was killed by a suicide car bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan., speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., waves with his wife Anne Holton during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., pumps his arm as he takes the stage during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., takes the stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(John Locher / AP)Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders sits next to wife Jane as Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., takes the stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Lenny Kravitz performs during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Vice President Joe Biden gestures towards wife Dr. Jill Biden, after speaking during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Former President Bill Clinton applaud as Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Kiichiro Sato / AP)Vice President Joe Biden waves before speaking during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Entertainers sing “What the World Needs Now” during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Delegates hold up signs during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)A delegate signs during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords waves during the third evening session of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images)Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Tannen Maury / EPA)Actress Angela Bassett arrives to speak during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
(Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images)Actress Sigourney Weaver speaks during Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images)A delegate wears stickers in support of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)Television personality Star Jones delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Flint, Michigan Mayor Karen Weaver waves to the crowd as she arrives on stage to deliver remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Civil Rights Leader Reverend Jesse Jackson delivers remarks in the Wells Fargo Center on day 3 of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Shawn Thew / EPA)An attendee holds a sign that reads “Girl Power” on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Drew Angerer / Getty Images)Mayor Bill de Blasio, of New York, speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Dr. Jill Stein, presumptive Green Party presidential nominee, waves at a rally in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
(Alex Brandon / AP)A delegate salute during the presentation of the colors during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Jane O’Meara Sanders, wife of Sen. Bernie Sanders, poses for photos with delegates on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Drew Angerer / Getty Images)Florida delegate Dianne Krumel from Pensacola shows her support for Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton before the start of the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)An attendee wears glasses in support of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton before the start of the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Drew Angerer / Getty Images)Daisy Chacon poses for a picture with her protest sign in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
(Alex Brandon / AP)An attendee wears a cape in support of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton before the start of the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia.
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., looks over the podium as he checks out the stage before the start of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27, 2016.
(Carolyn Kaster / AP)Workers check on the flag placement on the stage as they prepares for the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27, 2016.
(John Locher / AP)Former President Bill Clinton delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Jessica Kourkounis / Getty Images)Actress Elizabeth Banks delivers remarks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 26, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Demonstrators burn an American flag during a protest in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
(John Minchillo / AP)From left, Maria Hamilton, mother of Dontre Hamilton; Annette Nance-Holt, mother of Blair Holt; Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Geneva Reed-Veal, mother of Sandra Bland; Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; Cleopatra Pendleton, mother of Hadiya Pendleton; Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant; and Lezley McSpadden, mother of Mike Brown deliver remarks at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Shawn Thew / EPA)Protestors yell at police as they march south on Broad Street during a protest in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
(John Minchillo / AP)Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton appears live via satellite at the conclusion of the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(TANNEN MAURY / EPA)Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton appears on a large monitor to thank delegates during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Former President Bill Clinton waves to the crowd as he arrives on stage to deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Aaron P. Bernstein / Getty Images)Former President Bill Clinton arrives on stage to deliver a speech on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Aaron P. Bernstein / Getty Images)Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean reenacts his Iowa Caucus “Dean Scream” moment during closing remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Drew Angerer / Getty Images)Actresses America Fererra, right, and Lena Dunham, left, deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Mothers of the Movement Geneva Reed-Veal, right, mother of Sandra Bland delivers remarks as Lucia McBath, mother of Jordan Davis looks on on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Actress Elizabeth Banks walks onto the stage during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images)A protester climbs over the fence near the AT&T Station in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
(Matt Slocum / AP)Carrie Pugh, left, Katrina Mendiola and Mayors Wegmann cheer as Hillary Clinton officially becomes the first woman to be the presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(John Locher / AP)U.S. Rep Marcia Fudge celebrates with delegates after formally nominating Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia onJuly 26, 2016.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Delegates celebrate after formally nominating Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to the crowd after the Vermont delegation cast their votes during roll call on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Win McNamee / Getty Images)Clinton campaign signs are held as votes are cast during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)Delegates react as Democratic Nominee for United States President Hillary Clinton appears live via satellite at the conclusion of the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 26, 2016.
(Justin Lane / EPA)New York Delegate, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, cast their votes on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia in July 26, 2016.
(JUSTIN LANE / EPA)Attendees cheer during roll call on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Jessica Kourkounis / Getty Images)Delegates from Illinois cast their votes on July 26, 2016, the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
(Mary Altaffer / AP)Attendees in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders stand during roll call on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Drew Angerer / Getty Images)Delegates stand and cheer during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)Protesters march near the AT&T Station in Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
(Alex Brandon / AP)A supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., holds up an American flag during a rally near City Hall in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
(Matt Slocum / AP)Bernie Sanders supporters gather at City Hall on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images)Bernie Sanders addresses the New York delegation at the Democratic National Convention on July 26, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(Spencer Platt / Getty Images)Vice President Joe Biden talks to students from Eagle Academy for Young Men in New York as he checks out the stage at Wells Fargo Arena before the start of the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)A toy vendor sells a Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton jack-in-the-box near City Hall in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
(John Minchillo / AP)Bernie Sanders delivers remarks in the Wells Fargo Center on the first day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Shawn Thew / EPA)Sen. Bernie Sanders addresses the delegates on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(JUSTIN LANE / EPA)Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders arrives to address Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images)US Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images)Former President Bill Clinton applauds as First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)First Lady Michelle Obama addresses delegates on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP/Getty Images)Delegates stand and cheer as first lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)First Lady Michelle Obama waves to the crowd before delivering remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Aaron P. Bernstein / Getty Images)Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Aaron P. Bernstein / Getty Images)Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Jessica Kourkounis / Getty Images)Singer-songwriter Paul Simon performs during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Mary Altaffer / AP)Singer Paul Simon performs on stage during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images)Sen. Al Franken and comedian Sarah Silverman share the stage at the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)Anastasia Somoza, speaks of disability rights during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Monday, July 25, 2016.
(Paul Sancya / AP)PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA--JULY 25, 2016--Delegates Jennifer Newland, left, Malcolm Kenyatta, center, and Sharron Cooks, all with the Pennsylvania delegation are enthusiastic on the first night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, July 25, 2016--(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)
(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)Singer Demi Lovato performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Matt Rourke / AP)Delegates hold up signs that read “Love trumps hate” during the opening of the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)“Feel the Bern” lights up the back of a delegates jacket on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)Boyz II Men perform during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images)Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake raises the gavel as she calls the convention to order during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders waves as he tours the Wells Fargo Center during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., looks over the podium during a sound check before the kickoff of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)Bernie Sanders supporters prepare to march through downtown on the first day of the Democratic National Convention on July 25, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(Spencer Platt / Getty Images)DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., arrives for a Florida delegation breakfast July 25, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(Matt Slocum / AP)Protesters yell as DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., arrives for a Florida delegation breakfast July 25, 2016, in Philadelphia during the first day of the Democratic National Convention.
(Matt Slocum / AP)Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., march during a protest in downtown on July 24, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(John Minchillo / AP)Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., write comments on a sign following a protest march through downtown July 24, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(John Minchillo / AP)Climate change activists carry signs as they march during a protest in downtown July 24, 2016, in Philadelphia.
(John Minchillo / AP)Activist, including hundreds of environmentalists and Bernie Sanders supporters, gather before the start of the Democratic National Convention on July 24, 2016 in Philadelphia.
(Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images)Protesters supporting various causes, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and environmental action, march through the city center before the 2016 Democratic National Convention, held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 24, 2016.
(TRACIE VANAUKEN / EPA)Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., march during a protest in downtown on Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Philadelphia. The Democratic National Convention starts Monday in Philadelphia.
(John Minchillo / AP)A supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., cools off during a march in downtown on Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Philadelphia. The Democratic National Convention starts Monday in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
(Alex Brandon / AP)After a day that demonstrated weaknesses in both presidential candidates, a series of high-powered surrogates for Hillary Clinton impugned Donald Trump from the Democratic convention stage Wednesday, aiming at the voters she will need for victory in November.
President Obama leaned toward a young generation that helped secure his two terms. Vice President Joe Biden appealed to blue-collar Americans. Former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg implored independents. Clinton’s running mate, Tim Kaine, reached out to Republicans who feel abandoned by their party.
It is a strategy that the Clinton campaign will have to employ for months if she is to win in November.
Clinton enters the general election sprint as a woefully unpopular politician. One of the best things she has going for her is that her opponent, Republican nominee Trump, is in precisely the same position — but with far less in the way of backup.
Transferring popularity is a difficult, sometimes impossible, task, though in Clinton’s case it can’t hurt that Obama’s standing has rebounded significantly as the contest to replace him has heated up. And Biden, now in the final months of a four-decade-plus political career, has always been popular among the working-class Americans with whom he grew up.
They and the others played on their connections to Clinton’s benefit Wednesday.
Obama asked Americans to reject the “cynicism” that he said Trump represents and spoke to the optimism he said he sees in America.
“I see a younger generation full of energy and new ideas, not constrained by what is, ready to seize what ought to be,” he said, generating a roar from Democratic delegates, many of them youthful.
Biden, with sardonic Irish sass, called Trump a man who “has no clue, period.”
“He’s trying to tell us he cares about the middle class?” Biden shouted. “Give me a break! That’s a bunch of malarkey!”
Kaine, making his debut as the official vice presidential nominee, spoke of his Republican father-in-law, also a former governor of Virginia as well as a civil rights champion, who feels his party has become unmoored.
“If any of you are looking for that party of Lincoln, we’ve got a home for you right here in the Democratic Party,” the Virginia senator said.
Bloomberg, a former Democrat-turned-Republican who is now unaligned, asked voters to set aside party loyalty.
“I say to my fellow independents: Your votes matter now,” he said. “Your vote will determine the future of your job, your business, and our future together as a country. To me, this election is not a choice between a Democrat and a Republican. It’s a choice about who is better to lead our country right now.”
Clinton and Trump both need character witnesses because they each have inflicted so much damage upon themselves.
Wednesday provided an example.
In an extraordinary news conference in Doral, Fla., Trump invited Russia to hack into more than 32,000 emails that Clinton had deleted from the private server she used while secretary of State. Clinton said those emails were private; she turned over an additional 30,000 to government officials investigating her use of the server.
Experts believe that Russian agents are behind the hacking and release of another trove of emails from the Democratic National Committee, which spurred controversy when it showed internal support for Clinton among the ostensibly neutral committee’s staff.
“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,” Trump said on Wednesday. “I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.”
Asked repeatedly if he had any pause about seeming to suggest that a foreign adversary hack into the emails of a high-ranking U.S. official, Trump said he did not.
“Now, if Russia or China or any other country has those emails, I mean, to be honest with you, I’d love to see them,” he said.
His comments drew angry responses from Democrats and national security officials. Republicans, including Trump’s running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, warned Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, to stay out of the U.S. elections.
Yet Trump’s stumble was only possible because of Clinton’s decision to use the personal server in the first place.
That has proved to be one of her most damaging moves, haunting her throughout the primaries and now into the general election. Her decision to make speeches to Wall Street interests for hundreds of thousands of dollars each has posed a similar problem.
Both have contributed to the biggest knock on Clinton in this campaign: the belief that she is untrustworthy and plays by her own rules. Her primary opponent, Bernie Sanders, used Clinton’s actions to craft an argument against her that Trump has now lifted for his purposes.
That is where her army of surrogates in the ranks of elected officials, activists and celebrities may be beneficial. And Trump has no corollary, since he has been shunned by well-known members of the Republican Party even as he has taken over as its leader.
The surrogates took on Trump with relentless scorn. But they also, to a person, embraced an optimistic vision of a country that, as Obama said, Trump casts as a crime-ridden chasm.
“We are not a fragile people; we’re not a frightful people,” Obama said. “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.”
He also echoed the call for hope that marked his campaigns.
That may be a difficult concept to graft onto Clinton, who inspires not the soaring poetry of Obama, but a more workmanlike prose.
It may have been Bloomberg who struck the proper note in his remarks, when he spoke of the low expectations that many in the nation have for a race that features two candidates untouched by universal acclaim.
“Together,” he said, “let’s elect a sane, competent person.”
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Cathleen Decker is a former politic analyst for the Los Angeles Times who wrote about the Trump administration and the themes, demographics and personalities central to national and state contests. In 2016 she covered her 10th presidential campaign; she has also covered seven races for governor and a host of U.S. Senate and local elections. She directed The Times’ 2012 presidential campaign coverage. Decker left The Times in 2018.