Sanders 2020 looks like Sanders 2016, challenges and all

WASHINGTON (AP) — It was supposed to be different this time.

But three months into his second presidential campaign, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is struggling with some of the same challenges that sunk his last bid: doubts about his electability, worries about support from minority voters and an opponent with deep ties to the party establishment.

The 77-year-old entered the Democratic race with an organized donor base, name recognition and experience earned from 2016, giving him an instant edge over his rivals. His front-runner status, however, proved short-lived.

Former Vice President Joe Biden's surge to the top of the pack has exposed Sanders' struggle to expand his appeal. Polls have shown the senator with a grip on a significant slice of Democrats, but there are few signs yet that he is building support.

Sanders is not alone in the stasis. Many in the 23-candidate field are looking for ways to break out of the pack, and Sanders, at least, appears to have an edge over all but Biden. But perhaps more than most others, Sanders and his team have signaled they will not relaunch his campaign or tweak his strategy.

As some of his frustrated rivals made changes, Sanders has stuck close to the message, stump speech and campaign style that powered his failed underdog bid in 2016. His 2020 effort may test whether Democrats are hungry for that do-over or want a new face to rally the left wing of the party against the more moderate Biden.

Plowing past such questions, Sanders projected confidence as he faced New Hampshire voters on Monday. He predicted strong showings in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada and California.

"We have a very strong path to victory," Sanders said.

He and his team vowed to run a bigger and stronger campaign this time. And, in many ways,...