Post-primary spin doctors have been busy. As usual, their messages are neither subtle nor helpful.

From the Republican side, we’re getting the usual commies-on-the-loose scare tactics. From the Democratic side, alarmed at the victories of those who have added “Socialist” to that affiliation, we’re getting finger wagging and get-back-in-your-box.

Neither of these positions sheds light on why, in districts where Democratic primaries were held throughout the country, voters often turned to candidates who at least appeared to be outside the dominant political establishment. Labeling does not explain why voters looked elsewhere when they were presented with party-endorsed candidates.

The simple explanation is that people are looking for candidates who will fight to make their lives better. The most obvious source of dissatisfaction is economic. Former President Bill Clinton wasn’t wrong with his slogan − “It’s the economy, stupid” − but today’s economic woes are much more specific.

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