I think that's a one-way analysis excluding the Democrats, who also pivot to these issues.
Democrats have agency as well, and the ability to prioritize bread and butter issues over things like DEI or trans issues. I think their self-image as defenders of the vulnerable binds them to positions that are generally unpopular, and the GOP exploits this.
I think both parties suffer from a form of oppositional defiant disorder, where they have to stake out opposite claims. If one party says the sky is blue, the other has to disagree.
Democrats have agency as well, and the ability to prioritize bread and butter issues over things like DEI or trans issues. I think their self-image as defenders of the vulnerable binds them to positions that are generally unpopular, and the GOP exploits this.
I think both parties suffer from a form of oppositional defiant disorder, where they have to stake out opposite claims. If one party says the sky is blue, the other has to disagree.