Devine has plotted out a straightforward course for Sanders’ march to the Democratic nomination. It begins with raising roughly $50 million by the end of the year, a target that once seemed impractical but now appears conservative. It includes winning endorsements from other progressive Democrats — ideally including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who hasn’t declared a preference. Then it hinges on recruiting thousands of volunteers to help win the caucuses in Iowa and the primary in New Hampshire.

After which, Devine said, “I think it just builds. It feeds on itself…. If you can win a primary or two, the support will come.”

But Devine acknowledges that “the conventional wisdom is still: You’ve got to be kidding.”

And the conventional wisdom is probably right. Despite all those enthusiastic crowds, Sanders remains a long shot.