I think moving towards the center on economic issues is a big reason for the loss, other than general misogyny. I, sadly, do actually know people that say a woman is not psychologically fit to be commander in chief so I count misogyny as a factor.
I believe democrats need to move left economically. More strongly embrace unions and labor the way Biden had started doing. Harris kind of shied away in the latter half to appeal more to the center and corporate donors. I feel Walz was leaning into the left, but VPs have little electoral influence.
I do not believe we should give ground culturally. But I think we may need to put a stake in the ground and focus on protecting what we've gained for a cycle or two. Absolutely continue to work on improvements, but be more incremental. We don't want to lose ground, but broader society needs a little time to adjust. Being too loud and moving too quickly causes more severe backlash. It feels evil to say we need to moderate the progress of cultural rights, but I do think it's pragmatic for a time. It's not a forever stance. Think of it more like catching our breath before the next sprint.
I marked that as moving to center culturally, but it really is more about establishing our current place as the norm before continuing left again.
