This is just fascinating. It has raised my estimation of Clinton significantly. I'd always characterized her as someone with no beliefs, who just grabs on to the latest "thing" and goes with it. But... ya know... if she is doing that because it is what people are telling her they want, then she's governing, by the people, and for the people. And that's a rare thing. I need to spend a little more time being a little less judgmental about Hillary Clinton, I think...
The Liberal Party in Canada often has this problem, for the same reason. Their party goal is to represent what the people want. if what the people want is different from 4 years ago, their platform is different.
But... well... if the party is actually "liberal", that means their beliefs and platforms should be changing, according to public desire, new data, experience, and new goals. Being ossified and intransigent is not "liberal". So, arguably, the Canadian liberal party is doing it right, by being flexible.
I agree - However changing your platform even in subtle ways can be bad for a political party because you get spun into being someone who "Waffles".