Clinton, Sanders steal the show at Minneapolis DNC meeting

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Candidates vying for the Democratic presidential nomination are in Minneapolis to address the Democratic National Committee during their annual summer meeting. Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O'Malley and Lincoln Chaffee all made remarks, but it was Clinton and Sanders who had Dems at the Minneapolis Hilton on their feet.

Hillary goes on the attack

All 4 candidates were allowed 15 minutes to speak along with a one minute introduction. The largest ovation went to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with applause so loud her walk-out music was essentially drowned out

The frontrunner for the Democratic nomination covered a lot of ground, touching on gun violence, climate change, voting rights, immigration and even Donald Trump’s hair. But it was the middle class and women's rights that seemed to be her themes of choice, reaffirming her support for equal pay and a woman's right to choose. But Clinton also seized the moment, calling out Donald Trump and alleging other Republicans share his outspoken views.

"Their flamboyant frontrunner has grabbed a lot of headlines lately, but if you look at everyone else they are pretty much Trump without the hair,” Clinton said. “17 candidates all trying to out-do each other in their ideological purity -- all either oblivious to how their ideas would hurt people or just not interested."

What about Biden?

In a brief press conference following her remarks, Clinton deflected questions on a possible Joe Biden presidency, saying she had "great affection and admiration" for the vice president.

Roar of applause for Bernie Sanders

Assuming Biden does not enter the race, her greatest challenge appears to now be 73-year-old Bernie Sanders. The Vermont senator also took the floor to a round of applause, hitting on similar themes but also calling out the political system, vowing to run a different kind of campaign. Among his promises, Sanders says he'll push a $15 minimum wage and will take on Wall Street and corporate America. He often referred to his campaign as a movement, saying excitement is the key to the White House.

"In my view, Democrats will not retain the White House, regain the Senate or House, will not be successful in dozens of governors races all across this country unless we generate excitement and momentum and produce a huge voter turnout,” Sanders said.