In the aftermath of the loss, Sanders’s advisers have continued to suggest that he could still catch Clinton in the number of delegates awarded in primaries and caucuses by the time the nominating contests end in June.

They have also argued in interviews that even if Sanders falls somewhat short, he could secure the nomination at the July convention by convincing enough of the so-called superdelegates -- Democratic officials and other party insiders -- that he would be the stronger candidate against Donald Trump or another Republican nominee.

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As of now, Clinton leads Sanders among superdelegates who’ve publicly stated their preference, 502 to 38, according to an Associated Press tally. Sanders’s aides argue that they are all still in play, however, since they do not cast a vote for the nominee until the convention.

In the NBC interview, portions of which were broadcast on “Nightly News” on Thursday, Sanders said that his path to the nomination is “not unrealistic” but added: “It’s a hard path. I admit that.”

Asked by correspondent Andrea Mitchell if he will concede and endorse Clinton if he hasn’t secured a majority of pledged delegates before the convention, Sanders said: “Look, if we do not have a majority, it's going to be hard for us to win.”

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But, referring to his prospects with superdelegates, Sanders added: “The only fact that I think remains uncertain is if we continue to be running significantly stronger than she is against Donald Trump, or whoever the Republican nominee will be. I think that's a factor.”

Sanders, who has run as an independent throughout his political career, said he plans to remain a Democrat after the election and raise money for the party, Mitchell told viewers.