I suspect it is a misguided attempt to copy the other side's winning tactics. The Democrats got their hats handed to them. Political analysts said the GOP had consistent messaging, and were able to whip their constituents into a voting frenzy by triggering outrage at "the other". The Democrats were trying to herd cats, and lacked any sense of cohesion. So the Democrats tried to take a page from their playback. But the problem with outrage as a strategy is that it's the people farthest on the fringe who are easiest to outrage. And a cohesive message? Instead of something rational, they picked the loudest, most vocal, most likely to prompt voting hot button issues and combined them.
It is very much a time for new political parties who represent centrist opinions. Personally, I think the Whigs should make a comeback. 😊