My guess is that much of Bernie's support came from the fact that he alone emerged as a serious alternative to Clinton within the party. But I could be wrong. What I do know is that populist support for insurgent candidates during election years can be fool's gold. It isn't only about the candidate but about the circumstances.

I don't claim to represent a norm. I do believe I represent a very large number of people who don't feel at home in either party and who are highly frustrated with the polarization in the country. I'd like to see a strong centrist movement emerge but, sadly, the virtue of moderation isn't a very sexy cause to rally people around.