For some reason, millions of the US voters decided to stay home this time. Unfortunately, it's a recurring pattern around the globe: sane politicians try to appeal to the insane crowd on the other side. In the process, they start saying things that aren't in line with their own principles and promises. This translates into marginal gains at best, but at the cost of alienating many of the previously faithful followers.

Your core is not a faceless crowd. It's people, and people have their limits.