[swilhelm73]

They become Democrats first and then decide that they, say, oppose capital punishment and support trade unions.

Another take on this is that the Left is about claiming power. So those involved in it, in direct relation to their level of involvement, will base their views on an issue on whatever will increase their, or their ally's, power. Probably the greatest evidence of this is the almost random seeming stances adopted by leftwing politics.

[FITZ]

Another take on this is that the Left is about claiming power.

Except the voters want to be protected and mothered. The voters want the government to take care and provide for them.