Bernie Sanders: 'I Think The People Of California Will Respond To Our Message'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Fresh off victories in the Idaho and Utah caucuses, Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders brought his campaign to Los Angeles Wednesday, speaking to supporters at an evening rally at The Wiltern theater.
Before the event, he told CBS2's Dave Bryan he believes he has a good chance of winning California's June 7 primary. There are 546 delegates up for grabs in the contest, the most of any state.
"We're going to do everything we can to win," Sanders told Bryan. "We've made up a lot of ground. ... If we put the energy into it, I think the people of California will respond to our message."
But he'll need to overcome polls that have him trailing his opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in the state.
Sanders began his California trip in San Diego, where he drew large crowds to a rally.
Sanders was in Hollywood Tuesday afternoon for an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
He also made a surprise, impromptu stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, shaking hands with supporters and posing for photos with supporters.
Bernie Sanders makes way down Hollywood Boulevard prior to taping Jimmy Kimmel. pic.twitter.com/ci0VjVrLBH
— John Wagner (@WPJohnWagner) March 22, 2016
Sanders' agenda for the speech included discussing issues including "getting big money out of politics, his plan to make public colleges and universities tuition-free, combating climate change and ensuring universal health care," his campaign said.
One supporter outside the Wiltern said Sanders' message brought him out.
"His message really resonates with me, about how commerce and politics interact and how sometimes it's not really fair," the supporter said.
Clinton, who won the Arizona primary on Tuesday, is due in the Southland Thursday, when she is also expected to appear on Kimmel's late-night talk show. She also visited with Kimmel on Nov. 5.
Clinton will also take part in a pair of fundraisers while she's here, beginning with a late-afternoon fundraiser at the Santa Monica home of Julia Franz and Chris Silbermann.
After her appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Clinton will speak at an evening event at the Avalon Hollywood nightclub, which will also include performances by the singers Estelle and Ben Harper. Hip-hop music magnate Russell Simmons will serve as master of ceremonies.
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