Former Democratic Presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., takes the stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 25, 2016.

LIVE BLOG: Democrats Highlight Contrasts With Republicans as Convention Opens

July 25, 2016 4:21 PM update July 25, 2016 10:16 PM

First lady Michelle Obama gave a forceful, impassioned defense of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, casting her as the only candidate who can be trusted as a role model for the nation's children. Obama was among the power lineup of speakers taking the stage in Philadelphia at the Democratic National Convention. The convention’s first day was embroiled in controversy over leaked emails that showed how party leaders sought to ease Clinton's path to the nomination by mocking her challenger, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Sanders warns delegates: "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.

VOA's Katherine Gypson says SCOTUS line gets huge applause.

"Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States."

Sanders said: "It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about."

Draws big cheers from the crowd.

Sanders is winding down. Crowd chants "No TPP!" as he calls for strong opposition to free trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Says he will do everything he can to see a Democratically controlled House, Senate and White House.

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LIVE BLOG: Democrats Highlight Contrasts With Republicans as Convention Opens