The Democratic A-list on Wednesday cast Donald Trump as a threat to the American dream -- and Hillary Clinton as the nation's only chance to save it.
President Barack Obama called Trump a "homegrown demagogue." Michael Bloomberg dismissed him as a "con." And Vice President Joe Biden, in rejecting Trump, declared that "Americans have never, ever, ever, ever let their country down."
They set the frame for the Democratic National Convention's most important moment: Clinton's speech Thursday night.
Here are six takeaways from the third night in Philadelphia:
Obama: 'the America I know'
Obama cast the 2016 election as a choice between two visions for the country: The one he described on the Democratic convention stage when he rocketed to stardom 12 years ago in Boston against a dark and dystopian view from Trump that Obama said doesn't match "the America I know."
"It's not just a choice between parties or policies; the usual debates between left and right," he said. "This is a more fundamental choice -- about who we are as a people, and whether we stay true to this great American experiment in self-government."
In a direct shot at Trump, 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."
If Democrats wanted to frame the election as their optimism against Trump's darkness, the Republican nominee was eager to help. As Obama spoke, Trump's campaign emailed reporters a statement with the subject line: "OWNING THE 3RD TERM: VIOLENT CRIME RISING ACROSS THE COUNTRY."
Obama passes the baton
Obama sought to lend Clinton every ounce of credibility he has, telling delegates that no man or woman has ever been better-qualified for the presidency than his former secretary of state.
"Not me, not Bill, not nobody," he said.
Bill Clinton stood and applauded -- two Democratic icons at once saying: This is Hillary Clinton's party now.
From a video introduction that focused on the work left to do to achieve Obama's vision, the President made clear that Clinton is the only person capable of solidifying his legacy.
"I have confidence, as I leave this stage tonight, that the Democratic Party is in good hands," Obama said as he closed.
Even Obama's final line was designed to underscore his vision of Clinton as his heir. "Thank you for this incredible journey," he said. "Let's keep it going."
Obama got as close to a literal hand-off as possible, with Clinton joining him on-stage as soon as he finished his speech. The two held hands and waved, and then both Clintons and Obama met privately off-stage.
-CNN