It's part of the "just shut up and take it" attitude of those who think they can control the base by holding the swing vote. This of course means that they will go over to the other side if it suits them but it also means that when a conservative is nominated supporting the nominee suddenly means nothing. Hence, this pitch of "party unity" is both incredible and hypocritical. What is astonishing to me is that they can't fathom the lack of base support after backstabbing us so many times. No wonder they think they can substitute base support with money, so they have to go find rich candidates. Unfortunately, that means they get to wear a "party of big business" label that does us no good, especially when the left is the party of huge business. I guess they think we're just ungrateful.
There actually once were honest California Democrats. Remember Quentin Kopp?
LOL. There was a headline (I think here on FR yesterday) that said Snowe and Collins were calling for "unity." Unity, to some, is a one way street.
There has definitely been a transition in the CRP, from rallying base support from the grass roots up, to the hiring of professional advisors and hacks. But I think the base and average voters are recognizing that and pushing back -- which makes the paid hacks get frustrated and start lashing out at the very people they need to attract.
Quentin Kopp? A legend. He's now chairman of the high-speed-rail authority. I don't trust that bunch.