Is there a disconnect between DU and the rest of America?

[Yorktown]

46. Two disconnects: DU/mainstream, mainstream/reality

Let me tackle the two separately:

• First one, pretty obvious: DU/mainstream. As a noob, I notice the DU consensus is far left of even the Democratic mainstream. Some people here call themselves proudly liberal, or words to that effect. I can't think of many places where such a sentence would get anyone elected US Congressperson or Senator.

• The second chasm (mainstream/reality) is more irrational/unfair. It's just because most people wil judge presidents on items fairly simple to assess.
- Out of insecurity, Nixon wiretaps the opposing party's offices? His ratings are abysmal. And yet, Nixon probably did as much as Saint Reagan to defeat the Soviets by recognizing China. And Nixon boosted the economy by killing the gold peg. Unsavory character, but extremely efficient.
- Another example: Clinton performed extremely well altogether. No fiasco, save for Somalia. And Kennedy performed well (Cuban missiles crisis), but there were lots of problems (sex addiction, mafia connections). But Clinton ranks far lower because he got caught while in office. The difference in rankings between Clinton and JFK isn't entirely justified.

That would be 3 disconnects: DU/mainstream/reality.

Add in just one Rush Limbaugh, and you've got 5 or 6 disconnects.