If Obama had gone to France (or sent a representative), the GOP would have complained about that too

[branford]

34. The only people whose opinion should matter

are people who may potentially be part of a winning Democratic coalition? What?

No, an elected official represents their entire constituency, even the people who didn't vote for them. Governing is not campaigning. As I've stated before, ignoring the RNC partisans and talking heads is expected and appropriate. However, ignoring actual voters is perilous, particularly since criticism of our lack of representation in France came from both the left and right.

In any event, Democratic coalitions of sufficient size to control either house of Congress have all included moderate and conservative elected Democrats who have historically been very pro-gun and pro-religion, reflecting their constituents. Most of these individuals have been purged from office, and we lost control of the Senate and the Republicans have their largest majority in the House in generations. If you want Democrats in control of Congress again, you might try eliminating the disparaging and arrogant attitude toward "he bitter-clinger crowd," who include a sizable number of Democrats in electorally important states.