Democrats dreamt of an unbeatable coalition. Trump turned it to dust

Democrats dreamt of an unbeatable coalition of voters that would help them win the White House for a generation.

College-educated professionals, younger people, blacks, Latinos and other ethnic minorities, and blue-collar workers were part of a “coalition of the ascendant” These voters were left-leaning on cultural issues and supportive of an active federal government and a strong social safety net.

They constituted a majority in enough states to ensure a Democratic lock on the Electoral College and presidency.

Sixteen years later , that destiny appears to have turned to dust.

Democrats are already engaged in considerable soul-searching as they come to grips with election defeat.

Various elements within the party are offering their own, often conflicting, advice.

Left-wing Senator Bernie Sanders , who twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, also criticised identity politics.

Some centrist Democrats argue that the struggle to connect with voters goes beyond the economy and immigration.

“You know, Joe Biden promised a lot of progressive things, like he was going to cancel student debt, he was going to help people get their citizenship,” he said. “And none of that happened. Donald Trump is bringing [people] something new.”.