I was listening to a story about Truman (I think). When he was called “the candidate of the thinking man” he responded with, “thank you, but I need more votes than that.” Meaning that there has to be an emotional connection as well. I don’t know what the answer is, but Ds don’t connect in that way.
This regime has been able to successfully dupe their constituents into giving up freedom. They preyed on that emotional connection. The answer can be found when we all are free of fascists. Sadly our domestic fight is weakening our borders allowing China and Russia to become a greater threat.
Honestly, it’s been happening since 9/11/2001. Probably before that. But agree, the current admin has definitely accelerating the loss of personal liberties.