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

Donald Trump swept to victory on Tuesday by chipping away at groups of voters which Democrats once believed would help them win the White House for a generation.

College-educated professionals, young people, black Americans , 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 the presidency.

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.

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