The dems have always relied on too many "expert consultants". Expensive consultants. They fucked up in 2000 by trying to slice up the Florida recount and gambling on the corrupt "supreme" court to do the right (correct) thing.
They maneuvered the highly disliked Hillary into the nomination through disgusting chicanery, then sailed to a loss that should have been contested in court.
They're experts at fucking up by the numbers.
@danalan @tirebiter73 Those consultants often work for the same people funding the politician's careers, or work for the various K street kingmakers.
They're hiring people that have an agenda of their own, and that agenda might include them not winning.
Add in the politicians who go into office for their own enrichment, and who will snipe and backstab to get a better seat at the table.