Polling

The latest national polling data, from October 5th, has remained fairly steady over the last week. Sanders trails Clinton by 16 points. Polling has also been fairly stagnant in the key states of Iowa and New Hampshire. While Sanders possesses a nine point lead in New Hampshire, and is expected by many to win the state, he still trails Hillary by six points in Iowa. Some, including myself, predicted that this week would be more tumultuous given the gun debate made present by the recent tragedy in oregon. However, this does not appear to be the case.

Fundraising

New numbers on fundraising have been relatively scare in the wake of major milestones being accomplished last week. Sanders continues to raise money from a wide and shallow donor pool, collecting hundreds of thousands of small donations and being unwilling to accept large donations. Many pundits have speculated as to the staying power of this fundraising strategy, though Sanders appears committed. Even for a recently announced LA fundraising event, Sanders has set a cap, at $2700, for large donations, which pales in comparison to the multi million dollar contributions received by almost every other major contender for the presidency.* While this strategy seems risky, it carries with it a second constituent part that is already showing itself prominently in places like New Hampshire: an organized task force of volunteers. If Sanders has a weakness in fundraising ability, he also has a strength in grassroots organization. How these elements interact and balance is still to be seen.

Looking Forward

Next Tuesday, Anderson Cooper will host the first democratic primary debate. This will be the defining event in next week's political movements for Sanders. In the lead up to the debates, candidates typically enter a rigorous process of preparation. Alternatively, Sanders has opted for a less formal strategy, instead the senator began being coached for the debates earlier this week at the behest of his primary aids. Bernie Sanders seems to believe that he is prepared to present his ideals to a very large audience for the first time-- doing exactly what he has been for 30 years, with more people listening. 

*Correction Necessary. The $2700 cap is a legal limit on campaign contributions. This is often circumvented via the use of super PACs, to which unlimited contributions may be made. However, super PAC contributions are distinct from direct contributions to a candidate. While it is true that Sanders has publicly denounced the use of super PACs, and does not appear to be supported by any currently, the $2700 contribution limit above is was not put in place by the Sanders campaign.