Why are those on the left side of the political spectrum always so shocked and surprised when they realize that huge portions of their voting base are also attracted to and willing to support right-wing populism? That's been the case for generations.
Shocked and surprised, no. Right-wing populist parties have been more effective at tapping into people's anger, while the social democrats present themselves as far more "respectable" and are seen as part of the establishment. The line about left-wing "elites" has been very effective, and does have an element of truth to it.
