Sen. Bernie Sanders has won New Hampshire, and the Democratic establishment has only itself to blame.
In the Trump era, establishment politicos pulling the Democratic Party’s strings have failed to pick presidential candidates who can win. The 2016 election is one example, and Joe Biden’s collapsing campaign is another. On paper, Biden is a perfectly reasonable candidate. He’s experienced, somewhat centrist, and associated with the most popular Democratic politician this generation has seen. Yet “the most electable candidate” on the primary ticket failed to win Iowa or New Hampshire, and there’s a chance he might lose South Carolina, too.
The problem with Biden is not his electability. Poll after poll shows Biden beating President Trump in the general election.
The problem is that Biden lacks charisma and the ability to inspire, and, as a result, his campaign was too conventional and restrictive. The former vice president has been the safe and familiar choice, which is why he was the national front-runner up until this week. But loyalty to Biden’s campaign was limited to the idea that he alone could beat Trump, and, when it became clear that other Democratic candidates had a real shot, his support scattered.
Meanwhile, Democratic voters have turned to an alternative who also happens to be the Democratic establishment’s antithesis: Sanders, a socialist who abhors big money, backroom politics, and, most importantly, the Democratic National Committee.
Trump’s election should have been an indication that Democratic orthodoxy isn’t working. But the Democratic establishment failed to see 2016 for what it was: an opportunity to change. Now, Sanders is going to force that change. The establishment will try to resist. Several strategists have already mounted an internal campaign to stop him. But it will be too little, too late.
