The GP definitely had an impact in Michigan in 2016. Not so much this time.

And yes the parties do work to appeal to voters. But to win, the need to appeal the the largest constituency amd unfortunately we progressives are not that group. So whining about not having influence is just that- whining. I stand by my point that we progressives will have more impact in the party even if we do not always win the policy debate.

And the DSA is for all practical purposes a party whether they call themselves that or not.