Bernie Sanders Looks Past Primary Loss At Rochester Rally

ROCHESTER, Minn. (WCCO) – Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders made no mention of his South Carolina primary loss as he spoke to an estimated 2,600 people in Rochester for nearly an hour on Saturday.

Instead, Sanders looked forward, asking for voters' help in Minnesota on Super Tuesday.

Sanders lost key demographics in the South Carolina primary, particularly women and African-American voters in a state where nearly 60 percent of voters are African-American.

He instead focused his efforts on two states, out of the 12 on Super Tuesday, that his camp said they have a real shot at winning: Texas and Minnesota.

Sanders said he's relying now, more than ever, on his grassroots supporters.

"What the political revolution is about is revitalizing American democracy, and making sure that every American understands that, yes, football is a spectator sport. Democracy is not a spectator sport," Sanders said.

Sanders focused on greater trends across the country rather than topics specific to Rochester or Minnesota. Some of the biggest cheers came when Sanders talked about student loan debt, institutional racism and raising the minimum wage to $15.

"I really don't want to send my kid off to face a whole lot of debt. So I'd like him to have the opportunity for an amazing education without having to pay for it for the next 30 years," Karen Hendrickson of Madison said.

Supporters at the rally said, despite losing the South Carolina primary, they still believe Sanders can be the Democratic nominee for president.

"He's more of an all American candidate and doesn't just answer to big people. He likes us little people too," Chris Hanson of Minneapolis said.

Sanders' camp said he is expected back in Minnesota before Tuesday's caucuses, though no details are confirmed yet. He also visited Hibbing on Friday, proving this state is an important one for his campaign.