Lackluster Sanders gives Clinton a pass to win first Dem Debate in Las Vegas

Sanders' gamble will pay off --for Hillary.

Five candidates entered the ring in Las Vegas, but only one emerged a clear winner, Hillary Clinton. Her closest, and only real rival, Bernie Sanders, failed to cheerlead when he needed to, and he gave Clinton a pass on issues that are important to progressive voters. The end result will be a surge for Hillary in the polls. The other candidates likely do a disservice the viewers if they remain in the race.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - It was widely said that the debate was Hillary's to lose, and that was true. After an evening of soft pitches and pulled-punches, Hillary emerged not only unscathed, but stronger for the experience.

First, let's dispense with the three satellite contenders, Martin O'Malley, Jim Webb and Lincoln Chaffee. Chaffee had an excellent opening statement, but after that he got the least air time, less than ten minutes in all. He was barely heard from, landed soft punches on Hillary, and didn't appear fully ready for prime-time, because he wasn't given the chance to demonstrate himself during the debate.

Jim Webb complained, repeatedly, about his lack of time. When he did speak, it seemed he was campaigning for Secretary of Defense, a job he may actually be good at. He was previously Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Regan. Beyond that, he did not appear presidential.

Martin O'Malley did land a few soft blows on Hillary Clinton and he had some good things to say, although little of actual note. He did a fair job defending himself against criticism over his time as mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland. O'Malley appeared the strongest of the minor contenders and he could be a legitimate presidential contender in another election cycle or two.

This leaves Sanders, upon whom the hopes of many progressives were pinned. Sander's position as a socialist also came up immediately. Sanders highlighted that he was a democratic socialist, and not a socialist as many accuse. He explained the difference between the two and pointed to the Scandinavian democracies as an example. In those countries, quality of life is higher than in the United States.

Sanders was far-and-above the most genuine, authentic and substantial speaker of the evening. Where others spoke in general platitudes, and were inclined to be superficial, Sanders insisted on substance. When the topic of Hillary Clinton's email server came up, Sanders gave her a virtual get out of jail free card.

Sanders interrupted, "Let me say something that may not be great politics, but I think the Secretary is right. I think the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails." His proclamation brought the entire venue into thunderous applause and Hillary Clinton appeared as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Despite Sander's dismissal of Hillary's email server, the fact is, it's an issue. It's an issue of integrity, national security, and poor judgment. Sanders' deliberate blunder was decisive and it solidified the debate making it one of substance.

Several candidates had opportunities to rouse the assembled crowd, and Hillary was good at doing this, but the venerable Sanders continued to let these opportunities by. Instead of whipping up support, he appeared dull.

Next to Sanders' lackluster presentation, Hillary Clinton appeared charismatic. It may be that few people believe her words, and she herself warned that she would put pragmatism above party ideology. When asked if she was a moderate or a progressive, she replied, "I'm a progressive who likes to get things done!" Which means of course, she will sacrifice progressive items in favor of getting things done, which should be a major red flag -Hillary will flip-flop.

She even indicated as much, dancing around issues such as the Keystone pipeline and the Trans Pacific Partnership. Clinton formerly supported the Keystone pipeline project, opposed by her party's base on environmental grounds. However, last week she brazenly reversed position and spoke against it. She claimed in the debate, "I never took a position on Keystone until I took a position on Keystone."  She also formerly declared the TPP the "gold standard" of agreements, only to declare she was now opposed to it. Progressives claim the TPP will result in the loss of American jobs. Clinton said she only got to read the final draft last week. Clinton also dodged the issue of climate change.

Her dancing was obvious, but even with her gymnastics, she appeared a solid candidate. Her experience in debates and her debate prep shone through.

At no point did the candidates get into a slugging match with one another. The entire debate was very cordial and the candidates all seem to agree on most issues, with few key differences. Sanders seems pro-gun, which is a major departure from the rest of the pack. Aside from that, differences were limited to how these changes ought to be made. All the candidates discussed strengthening the middle class, raising taxes on the wealthy, lowering them on the middle class, protecting jobs, raising wages, making college affordable and making more reforms to healthcare. Every candidate except James Webb explicitly stated "black lives matter" when asked. Web's response to the topic seemed a little more roundabout.

After the debate, Sanders stood out again, helping to save a stumbling reporter from being injured in the crowd.

While several outlets using unscientific polls lauded Sander's "victory" the reality is, Hillary Clinton emerged the winner with a slam dunk of epic proportions. There is nothing she could have done better. Sanders could have done a lot better. He could have been much more energetic and rousing, but instead he felt like a wet blanket, disappointing progressive expectations. Although Sanders may not be much of a showman however, he seemed to be the only candidate with actual substance to offer.

In a few days, official presidential polls will be taken and published. It will be these polls that will rightly declare who won the debate, all opinions and popularity contests aside.