Most pundits seem to think that Hillary Clinton won the debate. That’s a tell-tale sign that she lost. Another sign are the polls that all of the media organizations have on their website — every one of them has Bernie Sanders winning comfortably. CNN’s coverage is the most comical. Their headline declares, “Clinton’s Confident Sweep.” The poll next to it shows people thought Bernie Sanders won 81–13%. That sounds a little closer to a sweep to me.

People see what they want to see. The pundits have always hated Bernie Sanders — you have to remember he is threatening to change the system and the mainstream media is a very comfortable part of that system. It bothers them in their core when Sanders talks about real change. On the other hand, they anointed Clinton well before the race even began. So, they see a confident, capable politician who is going to prove their predictions right.

The rest of the country saw a politician — and they’re not much in the mood for that. On the other side, they saw a guy who has been derided in the press as a socialist and a kook, who in reality was very reasonable and probably far closer to their opinion on most of the issues.

A strong populist versus a seasoned politician. I know who would have won that fight back in 2004. But this isn’t 2004 anymore. People are in angry mood. They’re tired of the seasoned politicians. Senator Sanders, by appearing to confident, strong and reasonable, clearly won this debate.

Remember, it’s a forgone conclusion that Sanders is the most progressive candidate in the race. So, the main question he has to answer for the voters is whether he is sensible enough to be electable. After last night’s debate — mission accomplished.