Linh Ta

lta@dmreg.com

Bernie Sanders critiqued fellow Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during a rally in Mason City, chastising her for fundraising instead of campaigning in Iowa on Wednesday night.

"My opponent is not in Iowa tonight. She is raising money from a Philadelphia investment firm," Sanders said. "Frankly, I would rather be here with you."

At the Music Man Square, Sanders fired against Clinton, saying that her campaign is "in trouble" as his poll numbers rise before the Iowa caucus Monday. The latest Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Politics Iowa Poll shows Clinton and Sanders virtually tied, with Clinton slightly leading. A recent Quinnipiac poll shows Sanders 4 points ahead.

“Needless to say, our opponents are not all that enthusiastic about that reality,” Sanders said, about potentially winning the Iowa caucus. “One of the things they say, 'Bernie Sanders, nice guy, interesting ideas, but he just could not win a general election.'”

He then cited polls from Iowa and New Hampshire that shows him ahead of Clinton in a battle against Donald Trump, saying he would be electable in a general election despite criticisms.

Along with that, he said his supporters show more vibrancy for him versus Clinton's supporters.

"I think anybody who … fairly looks at our campaign versus our opponent's campaign knows that the energy, the enthusiasm, the momentum is with us."

Clinton, who met with voters earlier Wednesday in Philadelphia, released an ad in Iowa comparing Sanders and Clinton. The ad criticizes Sanders on issues like health care and guns, stating that Clinton is the better candidate.

However, in a press release from Mason City Wednesday, Sanders retorted back.

"We were disappointed, but not surprised that Secretary Clinton has decided to broadcast a television ad in Iowa that completely distorts my record,” Sanders said, according to the release.

Lily Adams, Iowa communications director for the Clinton campaign, pointed to a PolitiFact fact check that reported Sanders' statements about being more electable are false. She also pointed to a press release from today that states, “It’s disappointing that Senator Sanders has abandoned his claims of a positive campaign in order to parrot Karl Rove’s attacks against Hillary Clinton,” said Christina Reynolds of the Clinton campaign in the release.

Kellie Craig, 52, of Forest City said she plans on caucusing for Sanders, choosing him over Clinton because of his record.

"Hillary changes with the popular vote," Craig said. "A lot of the things that Bernie's been talking about, she's starting to talk about now."

Actress Susan Sarandon introduced Sanders in Mason City, saying she endorses him because of his consistency.

"For me, gender is not what's important. Issues are what's important," Sarandon said. "I want a candidate who has the courage to stand and do the right thing when it is not popular."

At the event

SETTING: A campaign event at Music Man Square in Mason City.

CROWDS: Around 1,000 people, mostly Iowan Sanders supporters.

REACTIONS: Sanders' crowds were enthusiastic and applauded his statements regarding bringing up the middle class.

WHAT’S NEXT: On Thursday, Sanders will continue to travel around the state, visiting Des Moines, Ottumwa, Fairfield and Burlington. For complete details, visit DesMoinesRegister.com/CandidateTracker.