Playing nice is just want Democrats want. It enables libs to manipulate, lie, propagandize and slowly wear down their opponents.
Repbulicans will never win until they recognize that liberals view politics as a blood sport. I’ve worked around many liberals for years and what you say is absolutely true. They truely think that free enterprise and the consitution are evil, and therefore “anything goes” when it comes to achieving their goals.
The one thing liberals fear is Republicans taking on a more militant “in your face” posture and pushing back hard. Liberals are ideological bullies and the only way to deal with bullies is to fight back. And just like all bullies they will cower and retreat when confronted. But Republicans just haven’t figured this out yet, and maybe never will.
I also worked with liberals and have a few in my neighborhood. They preach a much different game than they follow themselves. They want to use the law to take from others, but they are as stingy, greedy and self indulgent as anyone you will find.