Some Iowa Democrats prefer Sanders over Clinton

Iowa Democrats participating in a Bloomberg Politics/Purple Strategies focus group last week acknowledged exercising pragmatism over idealism in the 2016 elections.

Four participants in the 10-person focus group said they would favor U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont over front-runner Hillary Clinton in the presidential race if they thought he had a better shot at winning the nomination. They prefer his policies, but don't believe he's electable, they said.

"He proposed something — free college tuition at public universities," said Charlie, a 24-year-old graphic designer. "You know what? Good luck getting that through."

"And that's the big difference," he said. "You know, he is to the left on just about every issue. And a lot of the issues I agree with him — not on maybe every issue, but I am with him on a lot of stuff. But, you know, good luck with that. ... It's just not going to get passed."

Sanders, who is an independent but caucuses in the Senate as a Democrat, announced his candidacy in April, joining a small list of possible challengers to Clinton. Others include former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia.

John, a 31-year-old teacher, said he likes that Sanders' policies are generally more liberal than Clinton's. He voiced — and others echoed — the hope that Sanders' presence in the race will push her to the left on certain issues as the campaign progresses.

"He is going to have a bigger voice than he's given credit for," he said.

But the four are throwing their support to Clinton in an effort to see a Democrat continue to occupy the White House.

Sanders is a self-described socialist, making him an easy target for conservative and tea party Republicans, they said.

Another major drawback is his inability to raise enough cash to compete with the fundraising efforts of the Clinton campaign and others.

"I mean right now, whether we like it or not, you know, we have a Citizens United America, and you need to raise a lot of money," Charlie said. "And he's just not — there is just so many characteristics where he does not stand a chance."

About the focus group

Bloomberg Politics, in conjunction with Purple Strategies, conducted two qualitative focus groups in Des Moines, one of likely Democratic caucus participants and one of likely Republican caucus participants.

Each group consisted of 10 participants, both men and women, and from a variety of ages and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.

Qualitative research results cannot be statistically analyzed or projected onto the broader population at large. As is customary, respondents were compensated for their participation.

Last names were not used in accordance with Bloomberg Politics/Purple Strategies ground rules for the focus group.