Sanders Sees Opening Despite Clinton's Delegate Lead | RealClearPolitics

“This is about as close as it can be for us to do well in these three states,” Sanders’ campaign manager told backers, referring to poll results in Ohio, Illinois and Missouri, where the independent senator thinks he has the best chances to best Clinton.... Citing polls Monday, Campaign Manager Jeff Weaver told supporters the senator is running neck-and-neck with Clinton in Missouri, three percentage points ahead in Illinois, and five points ahead in Ohio. ... In the last week, the candidates pummeled each other on issues of trust and judgment during rallies, in campaign ads and at televised town-hall events. Since last year, Sanders has pulled Clinton increasingly to the left .... The two Democratic aspirants focused heavily this month on policies of concern to many blue-collar, Midwestern voters, who worry about jobs and the economy, as well as rising college tuition costs, health insurance, the auto and coal industries, and the best ways to stand up to competition from China.

Sanders faults Clinton for backing what he calls “disastrous” international trade pacts, which he believes result in lower wages and corporate moves abroad. In response, Clinton assures voters she wants to see changes in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, negotiated by the Obama administration, before she can embrace the 12-nation pact she helped forge as secretary of state.... Sanders also objects to what he suggests are Clinton’s cozy ties to New York financial firms and Wall Street donors. He continues to point to six-figure speaking fees she earned from New York financial firms, and he’s called on Clinton numerous times to release transcripts of her speeches, which she has declined to do unless all candidates follow suit.... States with large delegate prizes ahead include Washington on March 26 (101); New York on April 19 (247); Pennsylvania on April 26 (189), and California (475) and New Jersey (126), both on June 7.

“It’s just so damn close,” the Sanders campaign argued Monday."