Philadelphia (CNN) Democrats on Tuesday made Hillary Clinton the first woman to head a major party ticket -- and during an emotional night, her family and supporters asked voters to give her a second look.

At the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, just three miles from Independence Hall where the nation was born, a sense of history is palpable -- as is Clinton's willingness to finally enjoy it.

"What an incredible honor that you have given me, and I can't believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet," Clinton said via satellite after a video montage showed the faces of all 44 male presidents before shattering like glass to reveal Clinton waiting to address the convention from New York.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat from Hawaii, is the first woman of color to serve in both chambers of Congress. Hirono was elected to the House in 2007 and to the Senate in 2012.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat from Hawaii, is the first woman of color to serve in both chambers of Congress. Hirono was elected to the House in 2007 and to the Senate in 2012.

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2009.

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2009.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, is the first woman to lead a party in Congress.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, is the first woman to lead a party in Congress.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, is the first openly gay woman to be elected to Congress. She was elected to the House in 1999 and to the Senate in 2012.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, is the first openly gay woman to be elected to Congress. She was elected to the House in 1999 and to the Senate in 2012.

Madeleine Albright was the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state. She was appointed to the position by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

Madeleine Albright was the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state. She was appointed to the position by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

Dee Dee Myers was the first woman to serve as White House press secretary. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton and held the position from January 1993 to December 1994.

Dee Dee Myers was the first woman to serve as White House press secretary. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton and held the position from January 1993 to December 1994.

Carol Moseley Braun, a Democrat from Illinois, was the first African-American woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate. She served from 1993 to 1999.

Carol Moseley Braun, a Democrat from Illinois, was the first African-American woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate. She served from 1993 to 1999.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican from Florida, was elected in 1989. She is the first Hispanic woman and Cuban-American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican from Florida, was elected in 1989. She is the first Hispanic woman and Cuban-American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to run on a major party's national ticket. She was Walter Mondale's running mate.

In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to run on a major party's national ticket. She was Walter Mondale's running mate.

Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Shirley Chisholm, a Democrat from New York, was the first African-American woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She was elected in 1968.

Shirley Chisholm, a Democrat from New York, was the first African-American woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She was elected in 1968.

Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve as a member of the President's Cabinet. She was appointed labor secretary by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.

Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve as a member of the President's Cabinet. She was appointed labor secretary by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.

Feminist reformer Victoria Claflin Woodhull was the first woman to run for U.S. President from a nationally recognized ticket. She was the candidate of the Equal Rights Party in 1872.

Feminist reformer Victoria Claflin Woodhull was the first woman to run for U.S. President from a nationally recognized ticket. She was the candidate of the Equal Rights Party in 1872.

In 1916, Jeannette Rankin was the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republican from Montana was the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. entry in both World War I and World War II.

In 1916, Jeannette Rankin was the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republican from Montana was the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. entry in both World War I and World War II.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was a leader of the suffragette movement along with Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony. She was also the editor of the feminist magazine "Revolution."

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was a leader of the suffragette movement along with Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony. She was also the editor of the feminist magazine "Revolution."

Hillary Clinton, a former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, claims her place in history on Tuesday, July 27, after becoming the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. President. She would be the first woman in U.S. history to lead the ticket of a major political party.

Hillary Clinton, a former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, claims her place in history on Tuesday, July 27, after becoming the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. President. She would be the first woman in U.S. history to lead the ticket of a major political party.

"This is really your victory. This is really your night," Clinton told the cheering crowd. "And if there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say I may become the first woman President. But one of you is next."

The Clinton campaign hoped the day would build momentum and goodwill to repair the deep divides that still linger after her bitter primary duel with Bernie Sanders. The goal is to reshape national perceptions of a candidate with negative approval ratings and who was lambasted last week at the Republican National Convention as a criminal and liar.

Former President Bill Clinton weaved a parable of Clinton's work for children, the sick and the disabled into the story of their relationship. More than two decades after Hillary Clinton became a fixture in national politics, Bill Clinton's folksy, sometimes meandering testimony was aimed at revealing a softer side of the Democratic nominee to a nationwide television audience.

'Best darned change-maker'

The 42nd President hailed his wife as "the best darned change-maker I have ever known" as he sought to debunk Republican nominee Donald Trump's claim that Clinton is the epitome of the status quo. Bill Clinton framed the election as a choice between the flattering picture he painted of his wife and the damning portrait the GOP laid out in Cleveland last week.

JUST WATCHED Bill Clinton's entire Democratic convention speech Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Bill Clinton's entire Democratic convention speech 41:52

"One is real, the other is made up. You just have to decide which is which, my fellow Americans," Clinton said. "Earlier today, you nominated the real one."

Hillary Clinton's historic status was confirmed earlier in a roll call vote of the states -- one of the great traditions of American politics.

Rebecca Wininger, 49, a Clinton delegate from Arizona, had tears streaming down her face as the convention floor erupted with applause when Clinton formally went over the top and secured the necessary delegates to become the nominee.

Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Hillary Clinton accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016. The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state was the first woman to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party. Hide Caption 1 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Before marrying Bill Clinton, she was Hillary Rodham. Here she attends Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Her commencement speech at Wellesley's graduation ceremony in 1969 attracted national attention. After graduating, she attended Yale Law School. Hide Caption 2 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Rodham was a lawyer on the House Judiciary Committee, whose work led to impeachment charges against President Richard Nixon in 1974. Hide Caption 3 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight In 1975, Rodham married Bill Clinton, whom she met at Yale Law School. He became the governor of Arkansas in 1978. In 1980, the couple had a daughter, Chelsea. Hide Caption 4 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Arkansas' first lady, now using the name Hillary Rodham Clinton, wears her inaugural ball gown in 1985. Hide Caption 5 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight The Clintons celebrate Bill's inauguration in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1991. He was governor from 1983 to 1992, when he was elected President. Hide Caption 6 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Bill Clinton comforts his wife on the set of "60 Minutes" after a stage light broke loose from the ceiling and knocked her down in January 1992. Hide Caption 7 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight In June 1992, Clinton uses a sewing machine designed to eliminate back and wrist strain. She had just given a speech at a convention of the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union. Hide Caption 8 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight During the 1992 presidential campaign, Clinton jokes with her husband's running mate, Al Gore, and Gore's wife, Tipper, aboard a campaign bus. Hide Caption 9 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton accompanies her husband as he takes the oath of office in January 1993. Hide Caption 10 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight The Clintons share a laugh on Capitol Hill in 1993. Hide Caption 11 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton unveils the renovated Blue Room of the White House in 1995. Hide Caption 12 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton waves to the media in January 1996 as she arrives for an appearance before a grand jury in Washington. The first lady was subpoenaed to testify as a witness in the investigation of the Whitewater land deal in Arkansas. The Clintons' business investment was investigated, but ultimately they were cleared of any wrongdoing. Hide Caption 13 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight The Clintons hug as Bill is sworn in for a second term as President. Hide Caption 14 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight The first lady holds up a Grammy Award, which she won for her audiobook "It Takes a Village" in 1997. Hide Caption 15 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight The Clintons dance on a beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands in January 1998. Later that month, Bill Clinton was accused of having a sexual relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Hide Caption 16 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton looks on as her husband discusses the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on January 26, 1998. Clinton declared, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." In August of that year, Clinton testified before a grand jury and admitted to having "inappropriate intimate contact" with Lewinsky, but he said it did not constitute sexual relations because they had not had intercourse. He was impeached in December on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Hide Caption 17 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight The first family walks with their dog, Buddy, as they leave the White House for a vacation in August 1998. Hide Caption 18 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight President Clinton makes a statement at the White House in December 1998, thanking members of Congress who voted against his impeachment. The Senate trial ended with an acquittal in February 1999. Hide Caption 19 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton announces in February 2000 that she will seek the U.S. Senate seat in New York. She was elected later that year. Hide Caption 20 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton makes her first appearance on the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Hide Caption 21 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Sen. Clinton comforts Maren Sarkarat, a woman who lost her husband in the September 11 terrorist attacks, during a ground-zero memorial in October 2001. Hide Caption 22 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton holds up her book "Living History" before a signing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, in 2003. Hide Caption 23 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton and another presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, applaud at the start of a Democratic debate in 2007. Hide Caption 24 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Obama and Clinton talk on the plane on their way to a rally in Unity, New Hampshire, in June 2008. She had recently ended her presidential campaign and endorsed Obama. Hide Caption 25 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Obama is flanked by Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden at a news conference in Chicago in December 2008. He had designated Clinton to be his secretary of state. Hide Caption 26 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton, as secretary of state, greets Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during a meeting just outside Moscow in March 2010. Hide Caption 27 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight The Clintons pose on the day of Chelsea's wedding to Marc Mezvinsky in July 2010. Hide Caption 28 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight In this photo provided by the White House, Obama, Clinton, Biden and other members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in May 2011. Hide Caption 29 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton checks her Blackberry inside a military plane after leaving Malta in October 2011. In 2015, The New York Times reported that Clinton exclusively used a personal email account during her time as secretary of state. The account, fed through its own server, raises security and preservation concerns. Clinton later said she used a private domain out of "convenience," but admits in retrospect "it would have been better" to use multiple emails. Hide Caption 30 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton arrives for a group photo before a forum with the Gulf Cooperation Council in March 2012. The forum was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hide Caption 31 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Obama and Clinton bow during the transfer-of-remains ceremony marking the return of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, who were killed in Benghazi, Libya, in September 2012. Hide Caption 32 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton ducks after a woman threw a shoe at her while she was delivering remarks at a recycling trade conference in Las Vegas in 2014. Hide Caption 33 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton, now running for President again, performs with Jimmy Fallon during a "Tonight Show" skit in September 2015. Hide Caption 34 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton testifies about the Benghazi attack during a House committee meeting in October 2015. "I would imagine I have thought more about what happened than all of you put together," she said during the 11-hour hearing. "I have lost more sleep than all of you put together. I have been wracking my brain about what more could have been done or should have been done." Months earlier, Clinton had acknowledged a "systemic breakdown" as cited by an Accountability Review Board, and she said that her department was taking additional steps to increase security at U.S. diplomatic facilities. Hide Caption 35 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders shares a lighthearted moment with Clinton during a Democratic presidential debate in October 2015. It came after Sanders gave his take on the Clinton email scandal. "The American people are sick and tired of hearing about the damn emails," Sanders said. "Enough of the emails. Let's talk about the real issues facing the United States of America." Hide Caption 36 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton is reflected in a teleprompter during a campaign rally in Alexandria, Virginia, in October 2015. Hide Caption 37 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton walks on her stage with her family after winning the New York primary in April. Hide Caption 38 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight After Clinton became the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, this photo was posted to her official Twitter account. "To every little girl who dreams big: Yes, you can be anything you want -- even president," Clinton said. "Tonight is for you." Hide Caption 39 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Obama hugs Clinton after he gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The president said Clinton was ready to be commander in chief. "For four years, I had a front-row seat to her intelligence, her judgment and her discipline," he said, referring to her stint as his secretary of state. Hide Caption 40 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton arrives at a 9/11 commemoration ceremony in New York on September 11. Clinton, who was diagnosed with pneumonia two days before, left early after feeling ill. A video appeared to show her stumble as Secret Service agents helped her into a van. Hide Caption 41 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight Clinton addresses a campaign rally in Cleveland on November 6, two days before Election Day. She went on to lose Ohio -- and the election -- to her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. Hide Caption 42 of 43 Photos: Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight After conceding the presidency to Trump in a phone call earlier, Clinton addresses supporters and campaign workers in New York on Wednesday, November 9. Her defeat marked a stunning end to a campaign that appeared poised to make her the first woman elected US president. Hide Caption 43 of 43

"We made history today by nominating the first woman for president. To be part of that moment was inspiring, overwhelming," Wininger said.

Nancy Pelosi, a history maker in her own right after becoming the highest-ranking woman in the history of the US government when she was elected House speaker in 2007, was also overcome.

"It's beyond thrilling. It's very exciting and to see at the end she's the nominee. It's going to be spectacular," Pelosi told CNN's Dana Bash.

Bittersweet feeling

But there was also a bittersweet feeling about the night.

For Sanders supporters, it was a moment of loss as well as pride in a well-run campaign. Sanders stood on the floor to officially proclaim his former rival the party nominee.

"I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States," Sanders said.

Often a gruff figure on the campaign trail, Sanders also showed unusual signs of sentiment. In one of the night's most moving moments, his brother, Larry, who lives in England, rose to deliver the votes of the Democrats Abroad movement to his sibling and remembered their parents.

"They did not have easy lives and they died young," said Larry Sanders. "They would be immensely proud of their son's accomplishments," said Sanders, who was also choking back tears as the crowd gave him a rousing ovation.

Photos: The Democratic National Convention Photos: The Democratic National Convention Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, takes the stage before giving a speech Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Hide Caption 1 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton walks on stage with her running mate, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. Hide Caption 2 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Balloons fall from the ceiling of the Wells Fargo Center after Clinton's speech. Hide Caption 3 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton arrives for her speech. Hide Caption 4 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention During her speech, Clinton ripped into Republican nominee Donald Trump for his convention pitch "I alone can fix it." She said: "He's forgetting every last one of us. Americans don't say: 'I alone can fix it.' We say: 'We'll fix it together.' " Hide Caption 5 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton acknowledges the crowd before her speech. Hide Caption 6 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton's husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, applauds along with their daughter, Chelsea. Hide Caption 7 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton is the first woman in U.S. history to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party. "It's true," she said in her speech, "I sweat the details of policy -- whether we're talking about the exact level of lead in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan; the number of mental health facilities in Iowa; or the cost of your prescription drugs. ... Because it's not just a detail if it's your kid, if it's your family. It's a big deal. And it should be a big deal to your President." Hide Caption 8 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton gives a thumbs-up to the crowd. Hide Caption 9 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton embraces her daughter before speaking. Hide Caption 10 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Bill Clinton becomes emotional Thursday as he listens to Chelsea introduce her mother. Hide Caption 11 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Chelsea Clinton said her mother is a "listener and a doer, a woman driven by compassion, by faith, by kindness, a fierce sense of justice, and a heart full of love." Hide Caption 12 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Singer Katy Perry performs "Rise" on Thursday. Hide Caption 13 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Khizr Khan holds his personal copy of the U.S. Constitution as he speaks Thursday. His son, Humayun S. M. Khan, was one of the 14 American Muslims who have died serving their country since 9/11. In his remarks, Khan criticized the Republican nominee: "If it was up to Donald Trump, (my son) never would have been in America. ... Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future. Let me ask you: Have you even read the U.S. Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy." Hide Caption 14 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks at the convention on Thursday. Hide Caption 15 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks to the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. Hide Caption 16 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates cheer on Thursday. Hide Caption 17 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention LGBT rights activist Sarah McBride takes the stage. Hide Caption 18 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold up signs in support of presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Hide Caption 19 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton and U.S. President Barack Obama wave to the crowd Wednesday after Obama gave a speech. Hide Caption 20 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama and Clinton hug after Obama's speech. Hide Caption 21 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama and Clinton acknowledge the crowd. Hide Caption 22 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton points to Obama as she walks on stage after his speech. Hide Caption 23 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates stand as Obama speaks. Hide Caption 24 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention "This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me -- to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation," Obama said. Hide Caption 25 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama told the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center that he is "more optimistic about the future of America than ever before." He contrasted it with the "pessimistic vision" of America he heard during the Republican convention last week. "There were no serious solutions to pressing problems -- just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate," he said. Hide Caption 26 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama said Clinton is more ready than he was to become President. "For four years, I had a front-row seat to her intelligence, her judgment and her discipline," Obama said, referring to her stint as secretary of state. Hide Caption 27 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention The crowd welcomes Obama. Hide Caption 28 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, waves to the crowd along with his wife, Anne Holton, after giving a speech on Wednesday. Hide Caption 29 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention During his speech, Kaine said: "Hillary Clinton and I are compañeros del alma. We share this belief: Do all the good you can. And serve one another. Pretty simple. That's what I'm about. That's what you're about. That's what Bernie Sanders is about. That's what Joe Biden is about. That's what Barack and Michelle Obama are about. And that's what Hillary Clinton is about." Hide Caption 30 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold posters during Kaine's speech. Hide Caption 31 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Kaine comes out to the stage on Wednesday. Hide Caption 32 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, right, cheers during the speech of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Hide Caption 33 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention "I understand the appeal of a businessman President. But Trump's business plan is a disaster in the making," said Bloomberg, an independent. He said the Republican nominee is a "risky, reckless, and radical choice." Hide Caption 34 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also went after Trump, saying "this guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class -- not a clue. Actually, he has no clue, period." Hide Caption 35 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Biden walks to the podium before delivering his speech. Hide Caption 36 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate wears a Bernie Sanders mask on Wednesday. Sanders finished second to Clinton in the presidential primaries. Hide Caption 37 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Broadway performers sing "What the World Needs Now Is Love" on Wednesday. Hide Caption 38 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords waves to the audience before speaking on Wednesday. Hide Caption 39 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention People hold up prints that pay respect to those who were killed in the Charleston, South Carolina, church shooting of June 2015. Two survivors of the shooting were speaking to the crowd. Hide Caption 40 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate wears stickers in support of Clinton. Hide Caption 41 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid is escorted to the podium by his wife, Landra, on Wednesday. Hide Caption 42 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton appears live on a video screen Tuesday night. Just a few hours earlier, she officially became the party's presidential nominee. She is the first woman to lead a major party's presidential ticket. "I can't believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet," she told the crowd. Hide Caption 43 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Actress Meryl Streep addresses the crowd before Clinton's video message. Streep said Clinton will be the first female President of the United States, "but she won't be the last." Hide Caption 44 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. President Bill Clinton waves to the crowd before giving a speech on Tuesday. Hide Caption 45 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention The former President told the crowd about how he met his wife for the first time. He also called her "the best damn change-maker I've ever met in my entire life." Hide Caption 46 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Bill Clinton arrives on stage to give his speech. In his speech, he portrayed his wife as a woman who tirelessly ran a family and a career. "She always wants to move the ball forward," he said. "That is just who she is." Hide Caption 47 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. secretary of state Madeleine Albright waves to the crowd after speaking on Tuesday. Hide Caption 48 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean re-enacts his infamous "Dean Scream" during his speech. Hide Caption 49 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Actresses America Ferrera, right, and Lena Dunham walk on stage to deliver remarks. Hide Caption 50 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Florida delegate Bernard Jennings holds a cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton over the face of his young son Ethan on Tuesday. Hide Caption 51 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention "Mothers of the Movement" -- mothers whose unarmed children have been killed by law enforcement or due to gun violence -- take the stage Tuesday. Hide Caption 52 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Actress Elizabeth Banks walks onto the stage Tuesday. Hide Caption 53 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to the crowd after the Vermont delegation cast its roll-call votes Tuesday. Hide Caption 54 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders smiles while attending roll call. He moved to name Clinton the official nominee. Hide Caption 55 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention The crowd cheers after Clinton was formally nominated. Hide Caption 56 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate cries during the roll-call vote Tuesday. Hide Caption 57 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A staff member tallies Alabama's votes during roll call on Tuesday. Hide Caption 58 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold up signs referring to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the running mate of Republican nominee Donald Trump. Hide Caption 59 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders delivers the headline speech on Monday. "I understand that many people here in this convention hall and around the country are disappointed about the final results of the nominating process," Sanders said. "I think it's fair to say that no one is more disappointed than I am. But to all of our supporters -- here and around the country -- I hope you take enormous pride in the historical accomplishments we have achieved." Hide Caption 60 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders spoke out against Republican nominee Donald Trump and said Clinton must become President. "If you don't believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country," Sanders said. Hide Caption 61 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders acknowledges the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. Hide Caption 62 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren talks to the crowd in Philadelphia. "We are not going to be Donald Trump's hate-filled America," she said. "Not now. Not ever." Hide Caption 63 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention First lady Michelle Obama gives a speech. "This election -- every election -- is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of our lives," she said. "And I am here tonight because in this election, there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility -- only one person who I believe is truly qualified to be President of the United States. And that is our friend, Hillary Clinton." Hide Caption 64 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama waves to the crowd. Hide Caption 65 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention In his speech Monday, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker included a message about togetherness. "Patriotism is love of country. But you can't love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen," he said. Hide Caption 66 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Singer Paul Simon performs "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Hide Caption 67 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold up signs Monday. Hide Caption 68 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Sen. Al Franken appears on stage with comedian Sarah Silverman. Franken, of course, has a comedic background as well, having once starred on "Saturday Night Live." Hide Caption 69 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Anastasia Somoza, an advocate for people with disabilities, comes out to speak. Hide Caption 70 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former pro basketball players Jason Collins, left, and Jarron Collins wave to the crowd. Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, said he told the Clintons about his sexual orientation before coming out publicly. Hide Caption 71 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate wears a pin showing her support of Clinton. Hide Caption 72 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold signs reading "Love trumps hate" on Monday. Hide Caption 73 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate supports Sanders at the convention. Hide Caption 74 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Tape on a delegate's mouth makes a statement Monday about the Democratic National Committee. Recently leaked committee emails appeared to show favoritism toward Clinton in the primary race, and many Sanders supporters entered the convention upset. The controversy has caused Debbie Wasserman Schultz to step down as the committee's chairwoman at the end of the convention. Hide Caption 75 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Members of the media stand during the event. Hide Caption 76 of 76

As soon as the Clinton nomination was made official, a group of Sanders supporters staged a walk out from the convention hall chanting "this is what democracy looks like."

Against that backdrop, Democrats had a tricky political assignment Tuesday night. They had to give full recognition to Clinton's moment but also pay due respect to her rival whose supporters are loath to give up the fight.

The campaign also faces an urgent need to sketch a new image of Clinton in the nation's consciousness. For all the credit she got for being a trailblazer, she's often a polarizing figure whose frequent political highs have been tempered by self-inflicted political disasters, including the debacle over her private email server.

Tough fight ahead

And as Trump basks in his own post-convention bounce, Democrats are becoming increasingly skittish about a presidential race in which Clinton is still the favorite, but appears to be facing a tough fight.

So, almost as soon as a roll call vote of the states had wrapped up, speaker after speaker arrived on the stage in Philadelphia to attest to Clinton's character and sense of mission.

Mothers of African-American sons killed by law enforcement and gun violence took the stage in a heart-rending call for social and firearms reform. They spoke of how Clinton had embraced their cause, as cries of "Black Lives Matter" rang out from the audience.

"I am an unwilling participant in this movement," said Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, as she spoke for other members of "Mothers of the Movement."

"Hillary Clinton has the compassion to comfort a grieving mother," Fulton said. "She has the courage to lead the fight for common sense gun legislation."

Civil rights icon John Lewis hailed Clinton as a "leader who can unite us as a nation, a leader who can break down barriers."

Clinton was hailed as a heroine of 9/11 by first responders and survivors during her time as a New York senator.

"She visited, called, and checked in for years, because she cared. When I needed her, she was there," said Lauren Manning, a 9/11 survivor.

Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean praised Clinton as a tireless fighter for progressive causes. He recalled her effort to reform health care during her husband's administration, which ultimately failed even as she persevered in the battle for children's health insurance.

"She fought the way she always did. She did her homework. She persevered.

She never forgot who she was fighting for," the former DNC chief said, ending his speech with a joyful reprise of his 2004 "Dean Scream."

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright argued that Clinton had the character, steel and principles to be President, and argued that Trump had already damaged the nation by the way he has run for the office.

"He has weakened our standing in the world by threatening to walk away from our friends and our allies," Albright said, and slammed what she said was the GOP nominee's "strange fascination" with dictators.

But it was Bill Clinton's address for which the night will be remembered. The speech was tender, admiring and laced with the political savvy that characterized the career of the man President Barack Obama called the "Explainer in Chief," thanks to his role in his 2012 re-election bid.

But critics will likely complain Clinton's address skipped over the many controversies of his own career and their lives together -- including his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern and the Clintons' consistent problems in overcoming perceptions that they sometimes cut ethical corners and abhor transparency.

Still, the former president pleaded with voters to recognize that his wife is the best person to keep Americans safe and prosperous.

"I hope you will do it. I hope you will elect her," he said. "Your children and grandchildren will bless you forever if you do."