Leaning Left

It is so odd that the Democrats choose this time in history to move strongly to the left. For decades the Democrats have very slowly embraced more liberal ideas, and though it took patience, it also seemed to slide into the mainstream without disrupting the whole system. However, now the Democrats (on a national basis) are moving very quickly away from the center. This is happening at the exact same time when the Republicans are moving quickly to the right. Idealistically, this makes sense, if the candidates really believe in what they are saying, but in reality, many people are still moderates. Over 40% of voters consider themselves independents. For example, 13% of Trump voters had voted for Obama in 2012. That is a lot of people who voted for radically different ideologies.

According to all political theories, in a two-party race, to ensure the best chance of winning, you want to position yourself to the immediate right or left of your opponent, to ensure that your base won't vote against you and that as many moderates as possible will see you at the most viable. Basically, if Democrats really want to win, win above anything else, they should nominate a center-right candidate.  With that being almost impossible (as people would say they are selling-out (selling-out all the way to the White House)), a centrist candidate ensures victory. A far left candidate risks losing, and losing big.