"[W]hat’s remarkable about Warren’s rise, and her durability, is that it’s coming in the face of considerable headwinds blowing within the Democratic electorate." vanityfair.com/news/2019/10/e…
"According to new findings from the progressive research firm Avalanche on the subject of 'electability,' Democrats are haunted by the state of the country under Donald Trump and deeply worried about their ability to beat him next year with a woman on top of the ticket.
"Avalanche found that 53% of likely Democratic primary voters say it is 'Harder' or 'Much Harder' for a female candidate to defeat Trump. But in spite of those worries, Warren is also now perceived as more electable than she was in June ... .
" 'There is persistent belief that gender is a barrier to electability, even though people are choosing Warren,' said Michiah Prull, the CEO of Avalanche. 'Gender being a barrier is a view held as much by Warren supporters as anyone else.
" 'But what we are really seeing in Warren’s rise is that people recognize that gender is a challenge, but people also think she is up for it, and that she can overcome this barrier. Democrats are worried about winning.
" 'And at the same time you have a bunch of people saying, ‘Let’s support a bold female candidate with bold progressive ideas, someone who presents optimistic views in the face of a dark view of the country.' ' "
