DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — For Bernie Sanders, victory in Iowa's kickoff presidential caucuses hinges on a simple proposition: that his message of political revolution will inspire people who typically stay home on that deep-winter night.
Of course, that's easier said than done.
Getting new people out to these party organizing events, which usually draw small numbers, remains the holy grail of Iowa politics. Sanders has been received with enthusiasm in the state, but still lags behind Hillary Clinton in Iowa polls.
A passionate force of paid and volunteer staffers is working all out for Sanders for caucus night Feb. 1.
Pete D'Alessandro is running the Iowa operation for the Vermont senator and Democratic contender. He says the campaign must "expand the definition of what the caucus goer is."