Clinton tries to rally unsure Democrats

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Hillary Rodham Clinton attempted to rally thousands of influential New Hampshire Democrats on Saturday with a partisan message, as she struggled to regain her footing in the primary contest.

Calling viewers of the three-hour Republican debate Wednesday night "gluttons for punishment," Clinton accused Republicans of focusing on problems the country faces rather than solutions.

"Fifteen candidates, five hours and not a single fighter for the middle class," she told more than 3,500 party activists and elected officials gathered for the state party's annual convention. "Republicans are not just deeply inaccurate; they're increasingly out of touch and out of date."

Her fiery, nearly 45-minute address marked an effort by Clinton to turn the focus of her party beyond primary divisions, casting herself as the strongest contender for Democrats eager to maintain control of the White House. She vowed to combat attacks from "the super PACs and the Koch brothers" and promised to fight for causes that have rallied the Democratic base such as gun control, criminal justice reform and paid family leave.

But she saved her toughest critique for front-runner Donald Trump, whom she accused of "trafficking in prejudice and paranoia." Clinton has sought to link Trump's controversial statements to the rest of the GOP field, arguing there's little difference between his views and those of the Republican Party.

"By the way, Donald, when you say you cherish women, that really doesn't make it any better," she said. "Why don't you stop cherishing women and start respecting women."

Clinton remains the front-runner nationally, with tens of millions in her campaign account, endorsements from top party officials and hundreds of paid staff. But though she leads in early national polls, she's no longer out front in surveys taken in the first two states to vote: Iowa and New Hampshire.

In recent weeks, her message has been overshadowed by her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

In the meantime, Bernie Sanders' anti-establishment campaign seems to be resonating with rank-and-file Democratic voters. Speculation also is growing that Vice President Joe Biden may jump into the race, a possibility that would scramble the primary field and only complicate Clinton's prospects.

Though Clinton has repeatedly declined to comment on Biden's presidential aspirations, she's portrayed herself as the clear successor to President Barack Obama, praising his signature achievements and arguing she would continue much of his work.

"I will proudly carry forward this record of Democratic achievement," she said Saturday. "We know what works and what doesn't."

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley struggled to capture air in the Democratic primary field dominated by Clinton and Sanders. He reminded convention Democrats of his 15 years' executive experience as Baltimore's mayor and Maryland's governor, experience his rivals lack. O'Malley pledged to fight for stricter gun control, higher minimum wage and holding down college costs.

Clinton's team flooded the convention, an important gathering for influential activists in the early primary state, handing out hundreds of tee-shirts, posters and noisemakers.

But Sanders supporters were a rowdy presence at the event, silently holding up signs during her address. When New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen took the stage, they interrupted the staunch Clinton backer with chants.

"I love Bernie, and I love Martin O'Malley," said Shaheen. "But you know I'm supporting Hillary Clinton for president."

"I know her and I trust her," she added.