SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – The down-to-business demeanor of Bernie Sanders on the campaign trail belies the youthful enthusiasm that’s accompanied his unexpected rise in the Democratic primary campaign.

With two weeks until voting begins, the 74-year-old self-described democratic socialist is in position to win both Iowa and New Hampshire, a once unthinkable outcome in a primary campaign that was supposed to be tailor-made for Hillary Clinton.

While Sanders first garnered attention for the overflow crowds he drew around the country last summer, he’s making more intimate appeals to voters in the closing days before the caucuses.

Yet there’s little lightness once Sanders begins to speak – no amusing anecdote to open his remarks, save for a small quip about how Iowa’s winter reminds him of his home state.