>We've created a divide where somebody says "I'm a democrat/republican" and they look at the party for what that means.
This statement could not be further from the truth.
Trump is not a conventional Republican, he is anti-trade for one. Sanders, the favorite among the younger generation of left-leaners, is an Independent who caucuses with Democrats. The DNC was highly criticized for favoring Clinton and the voters punished them for that.
So it's not accurate to say people look to their party for what it means to identify as a Republican or Democrat. They actively shape the parties.
I see what you're saying, and would like to agree, but let's not forget that there are Red States and Blue States, and only a few that swing this way or that. I think that goes some way to prove that people stick to their 'party'.
Trump may not be conventional, but he is only contradictory in some of his policies. 'Pro-life', immigration reform, and other policies are in line with Republican views.
This statement could not be further from the truth.
Trump is not a conventional Republican, he is anti-trade for one. Sanders, the favorite among the younger generation of left-leaners, is an Independent who caucuses with Democrats. The DNC was highly criticized for favoring Clinton and the voters punished them for that.
So it's not accurate to say people look to their party for what it means to identify as a Republican or Democrat. They actively shape the parties.