[2Stonedbirds]

The DNC screwed the pooch because it couldn't get out of it's own way.

They were shown to be in for Clinton, and clearly steered her towards the nomination. I believe this is why the base wasn't energized, their choice was pushed aside while the DNC pulled the strings to ensure the dynasty rolled on. "Oh but you gotta back Hillary cuz unite and she isn't the devil" The DNC disenfranchised the votes they needed to win over and the weak turnout for what should have been a landslide was due to this in part. The DNC failed in many ways but running a bunch of sticks in the mud out against Hillary was always the plan, they just didn't foresee Sanders and his political bent to be so popular.

Many other reasons contributed to a failed campaign, many reasons why people stayed home or cast a protest vote, but the DNC simply didn't have a candidate that moved the needle for anyone outside of the base, who was going to vote Democrat anyways. Never mind getting caught with your pants down with CNN right before an election.