Rick Klein: “They’re the numbers Bernie Sanders has been waiting for – but might they have come two weeks or so too early? New polling showing Sanders in striking distance in Iowa, and slightly ahead in New Hampshire, reveals why Hillary Clinton is on the attack – suddenly even doing phone interviews if it means a chance to take on Sanders on guns. In a new ad and a sharpened stump, Clinton is also falling back on the e-word – electability – in making her case to wavering (or at least uninspired) Democrats.”

“The attack may slightly miss the mark, given the fact that national and state-level polling suggest that a less-defined Sanders is a stronger matchup against Donald Trump than is Clinton. But those numbers could turn around fast if scrutiny falls on Sanders. His supporters may be fired up and ready to go a bit harder and faster given the Clinton attacks. Clinton, though, still has ample time to ramp up her machine, which also may work better fueled by some fear. If Sanders stays in the mix in the early states and beyond, he won’t have the element of surprise on his side.”

For members: Sanders is now a real threat to Clinton