Its more a case of how toothless the DNC is as an organization. The DNC isnt "The Democrats" and there isnt really anything they can get elected members to do if said elected dont feel like it one way or another. (Equally applies to the RNC, but seems like they have better web design atleast)
I mean, the DNC could absolutely have done the People's Cabinet thing. Recruit people to serve as shadow secretaries for the various departments, put up a People's Cabinet website with lots of info and resources, highlight the project in the media. They did none of that.
They could have, as could any of the other numerous organizations and comittees that notionally make up the party. My suspicion is that no electeds (or at least not enough) felt like participating, so it fizzled since the DNC doesn't really have any tools beyond "ask nicely" to herd members.
The obvious rejoinder to that is that if you're going to do it, you get your ducks in a row first and announce it with a bang. If it fizzles after that, it fizzles. But if you don't have the ability or inclination to actually do it, the solution is to just ... not do it.
Very true. Clearly went off half cocked