Stalled Sanders campaign orchestrated reboot after first debate

The senator is betting that a renewed focus on his signature proposal — Medicare for All — is the key to jump-starting his candidacy and overtaking Joe Biden.

DES MOINES — A little over a month ago, despite putting on a brave face publicly, Bernie Sanders’ aides privately concluded that a shakeup was needed for his presidential campaign.

The Vermont senator had neglected to practice in mock sessions before the first 2020 debate, and failed to aggressively take on former Vice President Joe Biden on stage. On the trail, he...