Democratic Renaissance?

It is increasingly suggested amongst political philosophic (particularly aligned to leftist policies) that the Democratic Party has strayed much too far to the right to be more appealing electorally - at the expense of its general values. In fact, some would go so far as to say that the Democratic politicians of late have alienated many of their leftist constituents to a breaking point. One thing is clear: the Democrats need to reassess, if not completely reinvent their political agenda and ideals. But how to do this? One need only refer back to the turn of the previous century. Year - 1896, location - Chicago. The Democratic Primary Convention. From reconstruction, the party had been dominated primarily by the Bourbon Democrats - conservatives and generally, products of the local political machines. Among this crowd was incumbent President Grover Cleveland. However, the issue of currency was on the lips of all: Gold Standard or Silver Fiat? Emerging at the convention was middle-aged William Jennings Bryan, Congressman from Nebraska, who demonstrated his support for Silver with incomparable vigor. Following his immortalised "cross of gold" speech, he solidified the Democratic agenda for silver, and won the hearts of many Silverite Republicans. He not only won the Democratic, but also the Populist nomination. Bryan's 1896 strategy was to appeal to the agricultural staple of America. When the dust settled, he had picked up the entirety of the Agricultural West and South, areas predominantly Republican today. However, this did not win him the presidency, for his Republican Opponent had the backing of big business and thus was able to win the industrial majority areas. What Bryan failed to see was that he needed to appeal not only to the farmers, but the industrial labourers in general in order to win. Only with the support of the general working class can a claimed "Party of the People" hope to achieve its ends."Thus, the Republicans gained the West in following elections, but not without due consequence. Bryan's defiance of the Bourbon Democrats and move of the party to the left began an irreversible Progressive Era, which would hold great prosperity in the years to come. His actions paved the way for the Democratic success stories of Wilson, FDR, Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson. The modern Democratic Party must learn from these great examples of the past and take up the Progressive Stance once again. It will gain them the support of an entire nation. The word 'Democrat' now has many denominations. If the party were to specify itself to one issue in particular, and refocus its ideals, it will accomplish its goals with broader appeal. Though not suggesting another Henry A. Wallace Presidential Candidate, the notion of an Independent Progressive Party would be a clever scheme for the Democrats.
-The Resident Historian