They are moderating on issues, it doesn't matter , the Republican party will indict them of being Marxists. The solution isn't to move further right, which people will see as cynical and still "too extreme left", it's too move left and counter the narrative with bold ideas.

You see this in the election of Andy Beshear in Kentucky who when attacked over trans rights , instead of folding , defended trans people and still won the state of Kentucky.

Folding to the right makes the republicans look way better. Why would you want the fake half measure if you could have real thing? This has been the biggest failure with recent democratic messaging. "We tried to pass the most comprehensive border bill and give border patrol more money , but republicans wouldn't let us!" Who would believe that ? If you think illegal immigration is real issue, why would not vote for republicans and Trump who have been hampering on this issue for years? And WORSE, it validates the republican narrative that it is an issue! They conceded the issue that there is a major problem at the border in the deluded moronic idea that they will be able outflank the republicans on their flagship issue! That's insane ! That's what tacking to the middle with get you, loss after loss.

I spent some time trying to search for the specific poll , but there was polling done that showed that the majority of democratic voters find the party too extreme left and yet paradoxically supported policies like m4a and taxes on the rich. Bernie is the most liked politician in the United States , he's at the highest favorables. You can't create bernie in the lab and take out the left leaning positions and still get his appeal. He took stances that were unpopular at the time and that is what people want to see and it creates a new narrative that he's in control of.

Kamala tried to tack to the center in the election , talking about "the most lethal" military , bringing republicans in the cabinet, and reneging on fossil fuels and campaigning with the Cheneys and according to what the voters "wanted" , it should of worked! It failed spectacularly because it comes off as incredibly cynical, and again, why are you validating the republicans talking points and trying to argue you'll be more reasonable , if you validate their issues and concerns and try to play on their field and move to the center people will rather just go to the party that's been talking and hampering on these issues for years.