"Do they care more about appealing to moderates than having any core principles?"
They have core principles.
Notice how diligently focused on certain economic sectors and taxes they are. The things on which they never waver are their core principles.
Perhaps you do not share their principles.
Well, a little while ago when Terri S. was still living, Sen. Frist made noises about it. Now he's saying the judges are sancrosanct.
I'd rather deal with politicians who say what they mean and mean what they say.
I'm a crazy dreamer, I guess.