Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont is quickly becoming one of the most adored candidates running for the 2016 presidency. Despite being 73 years old, his stances on politically divisive issues deeply resonates with young voters.

“I think that he has a lot of integrity. That’s incredibly important to me,” said 28-year-old Jones after listening to Sanders’ speech at Nashua Community College. “I don’t think that we can run our country without some sort of moral or ethical guidelines. So that’s why I’m going to vote for him.”

Sanders is not your typical candidate. First of all, he openly identifies as a socialist – a term often hurled at President Obama as an insult. Second, he refuses to use super PAC funds to finance his campaign. Third, he never has and promises he never will run a negative campaign ad because he respects his opponents as decent men and women.

“He doesn’t seem to play the political game. He just says what he has to say. And he gets right to the meat of the matter,” said 38-year-old Ann Merritt from New London.

Sanders is touring New Hampshire in order to rally support for his campaigning. Currently 50 points behind Hilary Clinton, a strong showing in the Granite State could provide the boost he needs.

“What we do, what I’ve always done in Vermont and what we’re going to do here, is do exactly what this meeting was about — bring people together, have a serious discussion about serious issues, nothing fancy about it. I think that is the road to success, frankly,” said Sanders after a speech in Henniker, New Hampshire.

Sanders is running on a wave of populism. People are fed up with what they perceive as deceit in Washington. He resonates with audiences by speaking directly about core issues. His platform includes but is not limited to: promoting income inequality, overturning Citizens United, expanding Medicare, eliminating tuition, raising the minimum wage, and ending international trade deals.

In short, a radical shift from politics as usual.

“What I hope you will do, what I beg of you, what I beg of you is, don’t think small. Think big,” said Sanders in Henniker. “Today the United States of America is the wealthiest country in the history of the world. We are not a poor, developing country. The choice should not be whether we cut education by 2 percent or 4 percent. The choice should be how we make sure that every person in this country has the ability to get a college education.”

“The senator is really tapping into issues that speak to what is happening in the United States right now in a way that no one else is doing. He’s framing them very directly, very intelligibly and intelligently,” said 46-year-old Ron Abramson from Bow. “Those of us who feel like we work hard and we’re playing by the rules but the rules aren’t really helping us get ahead are paying attention.”