Support for abortion rights saved Democrats from defeat
Ultimately, the support for abortion rights brought Democrats many votes
and saved them a big defeat.
Disgust for election lies seems to have helped too.
But I think Sanders was right nonetheless: Democrats should have
campaigned for the progressive economic and environmental policies
that most Americans support, as well as abortion rights. With the
two, they could have won a substantial victory.
I expect that the progressive Democratic candidates did exactly that,
but the plutocratist Democratic candidates didn't dare.