Sanders to stress Clinton differences

WASHINGTON — In case voters haven't noticed, Sen. Bernie Sanders wants to make it clear that he and Democratic presidential campaign rival Hillary Clinton are very different candidates.

The Vermont independent, a self-described Democratic socialist, said the first Democratic debate Oct. 13 showed he needs to “pay more attention” to the importance of distinguishing himself from the more moderate Clinton.

When he and Clinton face off again on Saturday in Des Moines, Sanders will portray himself as more willing to take on Wall Street and better able to reform a corrupt campaign finance system, said Tad Devine, Sanders’ senior adviser. Sanders also may try to raise questions about Clinton's commitment to progressive positions Sanders has promoted for years regarding trade and the environment.

“She and I have very different points of view of on a number of issues,” Sanders told the Burlington (Vt. Free Press recently. “Also, how we came to our point of view — and when we came to our point of view — is something that I think the voters in the Democratic primary process should know about, and they will know about.”

Polls suggest Sanders’ campaign needs a new spark since the country began to “feel the Bern” in August and September. He's trailing Clinton an average 21.6 percentage points in national polls, according to RealClear Politics. In Iowa, the first caucus state, he's behind by an average 24 points, and the race has become competitive in the first primary state of New Hampshire, where Sanders had held a comfortable lead in September and mid-October.

USA TODAY

Experts doubt debate expanded support for Bernie Sanders

“She would have to slip, which she’s no longer doing, for him to gain ground,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. “It’s an uphill fight for him. He may have peaked.”

Former Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee and former Virginia senator Jim Webb have dropped out of the presidential race, so Saturday's debate will feature only Sanders, Clinton and former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley.