Lets look at the usually minimally contested Michigan.
In 2008 Obama carried it with 2.8 million votes. In 2012, about 2.6 million votes. Trump won with about 2.3 votes. GOP turnout was up 300k, Democrats down a whopping 400k. Obama won this state handily, barely contesting it. Sharply down turnout. Campaign fail.
The bottom line is overall Obama won with 70 million and 65 million votes respectively. He gave up five million votes and still won. Trump will come in around 60 million, Clinton probably a little more. A whole shitload of our votes were MIA. Battleground analysis is needed, but the broader problem is still in need of addressing.
I was sounding the call about turnout after the Nevada Caucus with Folks, we have a turnout problem. Not turning out the faithful, not expanding the electorate. That's a recipe for blowing it.
I don't want to take away from the cyclical headwind that was going to be there mo matter what and is the primary cause of our defeat. But my point about data, money, and organization is that these things either don't work or they weren't effectively being used. That was obvious to a lot of folks early. Explain.
As we assess the results, keep this in mind: campaigns and candidates matter. We've got to get better with both.