Hard Choices: Why Trump won and how the Dems must change (Lyin' Steve's autopsy)

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I think you are correct to a large extent.

Even Bill Maher said the Democrats went too far when they got away from Comprehensive Immigration Reform and promising to "penalize employers" as Obama did in 2008 to promising to "end all deportations" like Hillary did in a speech in 2016.

The former is a more reasonable policy choice that would appeal to the vast majority while still fighting to provide legalization the undocumented. The latter is irresponsible pandering.

Also, as you said about going with unpopular riders. Every Comprehensive immigration reform bill has tanked largely because NumbersUSA and other groups attack the vast increases in legal immigration as a special interest give away to silicon valley and corporate America. These provisions usually poll at 58% against and just like Assault Weapons bans, basically end up being a poison pill. Enforcement with legalization and nothing else would be incredibly popular and a much better position for the Democrats to take to working class voters.

I think a General/Governor, Governor/General would be a powerful ticket combination because it can run as Washington outsiders.