re: What if Trump had run and won as a Democrat (not as crazy an idea as it sounds)

This election season has been like no other in history. The country is still faced with hard issues: Economic, political, cultural, monetary policy via globalization of the United States economy, unchecked immigration and a failing health system that is changing the very fabric and underpinnings of our society. Political labels increasingly do not matter. As a result of all these changes the political mood of the country has slowly shifted to the left and has come with unintended consequences. There continues wide spread disaffection in both main political parties. Donald Trump ran as an insurgent. The Republican electorate overwhelming rejected what were perceived as establishment candidates. Even the Democrats in what we all now know was a stacked deck against any Democrat insurgent candidate saw the rise of Bernie Sanders. Democrats were running uphill against the damaged reality inflicted by the policies Hillary Clinton pledged to continue. The globalist Obama-Clinton economic policies she articulated had failed and voters regardless of political persuasion knew this. Voters vote with their wallets and Democratic adherence to identity politics did not address this.
This was a change election. Many luminaries have succinctly noted that over 70% of the country felt the country was on the wrong track. Seventy percent!
This election cycle we had a significant proportion of the electorate choose not to express their views. Whether because of outright apathy or because they did not believe their views mattered. This silent majority decided once more to express their collective dissatisfaction. This was what all the pollsters missed.
The Republican party now stands at a crossroad. The establishment Republicans did not want change, at least not the kind they always talk about. They continue to pursue status quo policies regardless of their rhetoric.
Unfortunately the Republican party does not seem to understand it is going to be remade and the process has already started. Establishment Republicans are fighting more against the insurgent President Trump than against Democrats.
This is because their views are more aligned with Democrats.
As the country has shifted more to the left the new reality that has emerged is right-wing conservatives (Tea Party types)are slowing being marginalized.
Centrist democrats have been pushed out of their party and moved into the Republican party.
Voters want change. This dynamic has not changed.
We are not far removed from the silent majority sticking their collective middle finger at the ruling class and corporate media that dominates American politics. White centrist democrats are going to continue to vote Trump. They will be silent no longer.