The 'democratic socialist' is drawing larger and larger crowds at rallies

of Vermont senator in race for Democratic candidate is growing

Bernie Sanders is convinced he will not only beat Hillary Clinton to become the Democratic candidate, but that he will also become the next president of the United States.

The 73-year-old Vermont Senator predicted that he would win both New Hampshire and Iowa before going on to win the candidacy and eventually the White House.

Sanders, who calls himself a 'democratic socialist', also dismissed claims that he would be too old to govern, saying he has been 'blessed with endurance'.

Predicting success: Vermont senator Bernie Sanders has made a bold statement that he will beat Hillary Clinton to become Democratic candidate and win the White House

The followers of the straight-talking senator, who the Washington Post dubbed 'an unlikely - but real - threat to Hillary Clinton,' on Sunday, are growing in numbers, with thousands showing up to his rallies.

'We are going to win New Hampshire. We're going to win Iowa, and I think we're going to win the Democratic nomination, and I think we're going to win the presidency,' Sanders told ABC News.

He added that even though he would be 75 on Election day 2016, his background as a long distance runner meant that he is 'blessed with endurance and health'.

'I don't think I've taken a day off because of sickness in several years,' the senator added.

In a race for the Democratic presidential nomination with Hillary Rodham Clinton, the blunt talk about the economy and the gap between the rich and poor is working for Sanders.

Not giving in: Sanders, 73, who calls himself a 'democratic socialist' also dismissed claims that he would be too old to govern if he wins the election

Sanders is drawing sizable crowds in the early voting states and is also gaining against Clinton in very early polls, particularly in New Hampshire.

Clinton remains the race's overwhelming favorite, but there's no question that the 73-year-old self-described democratic socialist,is making his mark on the candidate campaign.

Should she be worries? Sanders has been called 'an unlikely - but real - threat to Hillary Clinton'

So much so that his campaign has moved a town meeting planned in Las Vegas on Friday into a more spacious venue, with about 5,000 people are expected at a rally Saturday at the University of Denver.

Sanders is running with a relentless focus on policy, and rarely talks about his family.

So far during his campaign he appears to have only mentioned his his four children and 7 grandchildren when explaining the importance of confronting climate change.

The 73-year-old is promoting a massive government-led jobs program to fix roads and bridges and wants a $15-an-hour minimum wage, and higher taxes on the wealthy and Wall Street.

Sanders has also proven himself a fierce advocate for social as well as economic equality, praising the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage last week.

'This decision is a victory for same-sex couples across our country as well as all those seeking to live in a nation where every citizen is afforded equal rights,' he said on Friday.

'For far too long our justice system has marginalized the gay community and I am very glad the Court has finally caught up to the American people.'