There's no purpose in playing the blame game for who's vote or action resulted in Trump's victory. It's not constructive, and will only serve to increase a divide in the left that we cannot afford, especially right now. However, it is constructive to determine the underlying reasons for Trump's success, so we can address them for the sake of future elections.
Under democratic presidents (in addition to republican presidents), the income gap has either widened or closed a miniscule amount [1], the cost of living has skyrocketed [2], and minimum wage hasn't even kept even with inflation- in 1968 it was $10.86 in 2016 dollars [3]. In Clinton's administration NAFTA wreaked havoc on American jobs [4]. The democratic party has failed the working class. The only place they see to turn is to the neoconservatives. This is illogical, as neocons are no better for the working class than neoliberals. The neocons succeed because they use the anger of the white working class, and direct it towards those beneath them (other races, immigrants, etc.), instead of at those above them. To fix that the democrats need to become a populist party again. If they fail in that endeavor, Trump-like candidates will keep winning.
Becoming a populist party is certainly easier said than done, but it starts with the voters. If we elect primary candidates in local races that don't support neoliberalism, that will fight for their constituents, and that aren't sold out, that will send a message to the democratic elite: adapt, or get out of the way. We don't have the money to buy lobbyists or bribes, but we still have votes for now.
There is an alternative, with some upsides and downsides. Building a progressive party apart from the democrats involves more organizational work, but we wouldn't have to fight against party elites for control. Attempting both of these strategies means we don't put all our eggs in one basket, but also means we could be spread thin. What do you think?
Below are three excellent takes on Trump's win. If you only look at one of these links, I think Michael Moore absolutely nails the reason Trump won, far before the election, with eloquence and sincerity.
Michael Moore on Trump
Sanders on Trump
Glenn Greenwald on Trump
[1]: http://apps.urban.org/features/wealth-inequality-charts/
[2]: http://www.mybudget360.com/cost-of-living-compare-1975-2015-inflation-price-changes-history/
[3]: http://money.cnn.com/interactive/economy/minimum-wage-since-1938/
[4]: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lori-wallach/nafta-at-20-one-million-u_b_4550207.html
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