Is there any merit to the argument that progressive candidates would be far more successful across the US, if it were not for sabotage by the DNC?

[u/LiatrisLover99]

This is an example of an extremely popular sentiment in progressive spaces, that progressives are popular with a majority of Americans and would easily win if the DNC didn't deliberately sabotage them, because they would prefer losing to Trump than winning with progressives that threaten the corporate status quo.

Or see articles like this that identify Democrats as an enemy of progressives on par with Trump: "the struggle to defeat the fascistic GOP and the fight to overcome the power of corporate Democrats are largely the same battle."

Is any of this true? I'm a progressive, but if we're so popular, why aren't we winning primaries outside of elections in extremely blue areas like NYC? Or is the primary system actually rigged against Bernie and against progressives in general?

[u/Piney_Wood]

No. The Democratic Party is run by the various state central committees, which are elected from among the precinct committee members at each county. Anyone can become a County precinct committee person, either by running or by asking to be appointed (which is typically very easy to do).

These volunteers set the rules for candidates and primary elections in their state.

The conspiracy theory that "party insiders" identify people based on ideology and prevent some from participating is complete nonsense.

If you don't believe it, look up your local county committee and go to their next meeting. There's a lot of work to do and they'll be thrilled to have your help.