> "A further myth related to the above is that somehow identity politics or the woke movement or being too progressive is doing serious damage to the prospects of Democrats winning"

I mostly agree with your take, save for the above point. IMO it’s not “a myth”.

I think the Democrats insisting on "woke" (or "excessively progressive") themes, focusing on issues that are indifferent to most people, lost them lots of voters in the end. When most people are worried about inflation or crime or immigration, insisting on stuff like "gender-neutral bathrooms" or DEI makes you look "out of touch" with them.