I do think the left has crossed the Rubicon this past year. Our republic has finally stopped functioning altogether IMO. Its just not widely acknowledged yet.
There are now more Independents than either Republicans or democrats.
The media and congress rank very, very low in approval.
The people still working, paying taxes, are too busy and unable to get into all of the details. But they see it isn't working right.
The takers know to support candidates committed to the stream of "gibsmedat" stuff food, shelter, health, school loans, etc.
Along comes a guy saying "give me a shot at fixing it" and the rest is history.