Bernie Sanders in NH: ‘We Are Taking on the Establishment'

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont appeared in New Hampshire Tuesday as he sought votes in the first-in-the-nation primary state.

From his Town Hall at Nashua Community College, Sanders spoke with confidence.

"I believe that we're going to win," he said.

As the only democratic socialist in the race, Sanders is a favorite target of Republicans and others who fear his costly, big government policies. But while his critics write him off as unelectable, Sanders has seen an undeniable shift.

Asked if he feels the country has the momentum on health care for all, Sanders said, "Absolutely! People are sick and tired of our dysfunctional health care system."

With a base that rivals President Donald Trump's when it comes to loyalty, it is no surprise Sanders consistently polls in the top three. But even his fans have concerns.

One town hall attendee asked Sanders, "How do you anticipate being able to beat the Democratic machine that seems to be trying to roll all over you yet again in this primary?"

"Yeah, we are taking on the establishment," Sanders said. "And they are tough, they do not want me to be president of the United States. But I think there are a few million people who respectfully disagree with them."

To make his point, Sanders referenced Jon Cowan, president of the centrist think tank Third Way, which Sanders calls the corporate wing of the Democratic party.

"He said 'Bernie Sanders is an existential threat to the Democratic Party,'" Sanders said. "And I said, 'You're damn right I am. Because we are going to transform the Democratic Party."

It's a bold statement most Democratic candidates shy from -- preferring to say they want to work with the Democratic Party. It's still unclear which way primary voters prefer.

No one should underestimate Sanders. He has held onto his top-tier status throughout this campaign, and what's unique about his base is they will not leave him and they will get out and vote.