I just want to echo this. I'm from a liberal city. I work with people who identify as progressive liberals and socialism is something that people still don't want to say they are committed to even if they believe in the principles. Identifying as socialist is socially acceptable
where I'm at. My assumption is that's even more true in the suburban neighborhoods. In my conversations with older dems. they are at times fearful of social concepts particularly as they apply to the economy. The cold war remains a strong influence on their identity.
I always felt like Bernie plays-up the cantankerous thing at times. Like it's cute. I dunno. I don't have any close interactions with Bernie supporters or the campaign, other than receiving a few obnoxious phone calls I didn't ask for because I'm on someone's list. My impression from very far away has been there's a bit too much zealousness for my taste.
The same thing can be said for any campaign probably, but when I get that vibe I'm immediately less interested. I'm personally not interested in the education that tends to be offered by campaigners. It always feels condescending to me.
None of the candidates are left enough for me either. I think the more progressive candidates are more my cup-o-tea, but I have little faith that a Sanders or Warren presidency is going to fundamentally alter the power structure. Maybe a few people will be less desperate. I hope so, but I feel like the systemic changes I'd like to see are not going to happen in my lifetime. I'm personally more interested in people that are putting pressure on police, landlords, and legislatures at the local level. I think there's more potential positive impacts there.