Whether its Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren, there is certainly momentum for progressive politicians. In fact, Bernie Sanders, a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist (no, not socialism as you know it), put up a decent fight against Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary. Energizing grassroots supporters and young Americans, it may seem to be the future of the Democratic Party. But, not so much. Though the progressive movement is certainly strong, more Democrats consider themselves "moderate" than "liberal," meaning at least a plurality of Democratic voters don't consider themselves a Bernie Sanders. This was clear in exit polls conducted in the Democratic primary in 2016. Hillary Clinton won Democrats who consider themselves moderate or conservative in almost every state by double digit margins. Taking that into consideration, moderate Democrats are easier to stomach for Republicans who may not like their candidate. Take the NC governor race in 2016. Pat McCrory, the incumbent Republican governor was very disliked by moderate Republicans, and because the now-governor Roy Cooper ran a centrist campaign, he proclaimed victory in a state Donald Trump carried. It's also about state political statistics. Democrats in North Carolina are more centrist than Massachusetts for example. That being said, a progressive would have a much harder time in NC than they would in MA.
But right there is the problem... you cannot alienate an entire group of people or they will turn on you. If you begin electing progressive candidates who are very liberal, you cannot win in places like NC. So as many people cry for the Democratic Party to move left, that is a TERRIBLE idea. Support candidates who fit the mold of their jurisdiction and you have the key to victory, plus a diverse group of people in the party itself.
But right there is the problem... you cannot alienate an entire group of people or they will turn on you. If you begin electing progressive candidates who are very liberal, you cannot win in places like NC. So as many people cry for the Democratic Party to move left, that is a TERRIBLE idea. Support candidates who fit the mold of their jurisdiction and you have the key to victory, plus a diverse group of people in the party itself.