Sanders raises $15 million after launching presidential bid

The self-proclaimed socialist Sanders is packing in listeners.

When Sanders walked on stage at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, he was greeted by a raucous, howling crowd of 9,600 people, according to Sanders’ campaign aides and arena staff. Supporters say they like Sanders for his straight-forward approach and honest talk. “It’s not that close at this point, but we’re seven or eight months away from the Caucus and Senator Sanders is within hailing distance of Secretary Clinton and that’s a surprise to some people”.

“Tonight, we have more people at any meeting for a candidate of president of the United States than any other candidate.”

But by attracting massive crowds, Sanders can build a movement around him and present the impression of momentum as he campaigns for wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, and beyond. Bernie Sanders to arrive at his rally Sunday.

“The primary objective of Priorities US Action is to elect Hillary Clinton president in 2016”, Guy Cecil, the super PAC’s chief strategist told the Washington Post.

“Those who thought the Republican race in the Iowa caucuses might begin to clarify itself better think again”, Brown said. The $45 million raised so far by her campaign is just a portion of the support she will receive, with much coming from outside political groups.

The Sanders campaign said it had received almost 400,000 contributions for an average donation of $33.51, and most online donations were made through the campaign’s website.

“At this point 8 years ago, Barack Obama had 180,000 donors in his successful primary campaign against Hillary”.

The poll showed several other candidates jostling for second place, with businessman Donald Trump and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 10 percent each and Sens.

Clinton’s lead over Sanders in Iowa by 52% to 33% shows the independent is gaining ground.

Sanders also turned his comments on race and the fight for civil rights into a case for more economic equality.

Wednesday night, Sanders also pledged to fight for universal single-payer health care, break up the largest banks and redistribute wealth from the richest to the middle class and poorest, according to CNN.

Sanders is trying to challenge Clinton by building grassroots support in the states that hold the first nominating contests ahead of the general election in November 2016. She has a wide lead with “somewhat liberal” Democrats, and an even bigger one with moderates in the poll. As well, Iowa’s Democratic caucus-goers tend to be at the liberal end of the political spectrum, just as caucus-going Iowa Republicans tend to be evangelical conservatives. In May, he was at 15 percent and Clinton at 60 percent.