Dems live in the reality of the moment. We campaign like we govern, which is recognizing the nuance and complexity of policy and culture. We don't do well with sharp contrasts because many of our voters have a hard time playing the part of the willfully ignorant.

That's why Obama is so amazing a leader of the progressive movement, IMO, even though he's far from perfect.

He operates in the reality based world, including recognizing realities of both ideologies and tries to find a middle ground that moves the window to the left. And he provides the leadership through character rather than ideological purity.

But that process is hard to do well. And therefore Dems have a hard time doing politics well.