The party needs to recommit to truth, reason

Let's just assume for the sake of argument that they are actually sincere and not just using words like "truth" the same way "fact checkers" use them.

The Dems lie, cheat, steal and commit as many crimes as they can get away with. They absolutely dominate politics with these tactics. Taking the high road is just going to lose you more ground to the left. That's unfortunately how it works.

Your principles won't save you when they'll come for you. That's like bringing a toothpick to a gun fight.