Have the democrats shifted left?

[Del Tachi]

The transformation that Democrats went through during the 1992-2000 timeframe can be considered analogous to the formation of "New Labour" in Britain during the Blair years (e.g., "Radical Center", "Third Way").  The Democrats have abandoned several issues that were once key to their platform--trade protectionism, the unwavering support of labor unions, and the promotion of social welfare policies.  While it could be said that Democrats still promote welfare and trade unions today, Democratic support for this issues have somewhat wavered since the Clinton years.

Now, whether these changes in the ideological composition of the party are due to the party become more "liberal", more "conservative" or just the changing demographics of the American political landscape I cannot answer.  Surly over the past two-or-so decades, the Democrats have become more conservative on some issues (welfare reform) and more liberal on other (gay marriage).

In short, what I would say is that the Democratic party has not shifted more to the left over the past two decades--rather, they have simply redefined what it means to be a liberal in the United States.

[Del Tachi]

While it could be said that Democrats still promote welfare and trade unions today

Could it?

More so that it could be said for the Republicans.  But I agree, the Democrats are a piss-poor example of a "left-wing" political party.