Sanders attracting voters who seek more than protest vote

DES MOINES, Iowa – Bernie Sanders is attracting Americans who are in search of more than a protest vote.

Yes, Sanders’ backers say, they’re frustrated with a system they believe is rigged for the wealthy. But many say their support for the Vermont senator in the Democratic presidential race is also driven by hope in his promise of a political revolution and a belief his ideas are bold enough to bring security to the middle class.

“I just like a gutsy guy that doesn’t have his hair combed perfect and all that,” said Emmett Lahr, a 75-year-old from Glidden, Iowa.

But it’s more than that. Lahr had planned to vote for Hillary Clinton, but said he’s now “90 percent switched” to Sanders, largely because of Sanders’ economic goals.

Interviews with more than two dozen Sanders supporters in Iowa and New Hampshire reveal deep antipathy toward Clinton. While most Sanders supporters seem to view President Barack Obama favorably, some regret Obama hasn’t been able to achieve more domestic policy goals of the left.

Sanders’ growing legion of supporters has him positioned for possible victories in the Iowa caucuses Feb. 1 and New Hampshire’s primary Feb. 9.

For months, Sanders was seen as a formidable liberal foil for Clinton and a Democratic equivalent of Donald Trump – anti-establishment figures with populist appeal and the ability to draw crowds. It’s only in recent weeks polls suggest Sanders has become a threat to defeat Clinton in early states.

“It’s just a question of trying to get momentum,” said Tad Devine, a Sanders adviser.

Steve Stanley, a 63-year-old from Earlham, Iowa, said between Sanders and Trump “you’ve got an alternative” to the politics-as-usual candidates.

Still, there’s noticeably less anger at Sanders events than at Trump rallies.

“It’s his consistent record that I really like,” said Hunter Hansen, a 22-year-old recent college graduate.

Among some undecided Democrats, the feasibility of Sanders’ proposals is a concern.

“Even some of the Democrats won’t want to go along with some of his stuff, so I wonder how much he can do,” said Chris Short, 35, who attended a Sanders gathering this past week in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Sanders’ campaign has 14,000 volunteers in the state and expects 50,000 Iowans to have attended a Sanders event by Feb. 1.

But his team is aware his good month in Iowa raises the stakes for a strong finish.

“I think we have to do very well in Iowa,” Devine said. “I don’t think we can afford a huge loss there.”