Is it because so many Republican officeholders want to be Democrats – or regarded as "good Republicans" by Democrats? Or is it because they are, in fact, Democrats – ideologically in agreement on fundamentals (i.e., socialism) but wanting to see socialism realized at a more gradual pace?

It could also be something worse than all of the above. It could be that Republicans – the ones who control what the Republican Party does – are just . . . stupid.

Put another way, they are not smart enough to understand that when you accept the foundational argument or premise of your opponent, you have agreed with the foundational argument or premise of your opponent. And once you've done that, all that remains is haggling over  the details.

Mitch McConnell is such a Republican. He said the following the other day, in regard to accepting the Democrats' notion that the recent mass shootings must be responded to by enacting more laws that haven't prevented mass shootings:

"Our colleagues have put together a common-sense package of popular steps that will help make these horrifying incidents less likely while fully upholding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens."

Multiple italics necessary.

"Common sense"? According to whom? The Democrats? Who also say it is "common sense" to deny all Americans – except those who are armed in the service of government – from being allowed to possess guns at all?

"Popular steps"? Says who? Certainly, such "steps" are "popular"  . . . among the Democrats who support more such "steps."