Sanders’ Colorado supporters “Feel The Bern” and passion

Bernie Sanders is trailing Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination in the national polls.

The Vermont senator, however, is running neck and neck with the former secretary of state in New Hampshire, the state that hosts both candidates along with former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley in a debate.

Here in Southern Colorado, first-time voter Zoe Novotny supports Sanders. Novotny, 17, will participate in her first election next year.

“Feel the Bern, it’s easy to say, it’s easy to think about,” Novotny said. “He has fresh ideas people haven’t heard before. Any millennial would support free college.”

Nita Peters, 72, an active Democrat all her life, believes Sanders comes across as genuine.

“He’s just more real to me whereas Hillary changes where Democrats would like her to change to get votes,” Peters said.

Peters prefers a fresh perspective from the oldest Democrat in the race.

“I’m very tired of business as usual and I see Hillary as more as politics as usual,” the Sanders supporter said.

You can watch the Democratic debate live from Manchester, New Hampshire Saturday at 6 p.m. on KRDO NewsChannel 13.