I disagree on your conclusion. There was a considerably low amount of support for both Clinton and Biden imo. They ran on not being Trump, especially Biden. The fact that so many DSA authored ballot initiatives passed shows that support for the policies is there (it should be noted that California was actually a place where the ballot initiatives did not fare as well). 4 years from now, as the voting base turns over even more, Bernie inspired young people will continue to grow in number and influence. The nationwide fear mongering that dem socialism is authoritarian communism will be lessened imo.
As far as the DSA, I don't really know who they endorsed, who won, or where they won. My hunch however is that the overwhelming majority were lib areas, meaning big cities or lib states. Let me know if that's not correct. I'm not familiar with all the ballot measures, but things like decriminalizing hard drugs like meth, etc in Oregon, is still pretty twilight zone to the majority of the country. Honestly not sure if that's one of the DSA ballot measures.
As far as fear mongering, I wouldn't call it that. The DSA, from what I've read, heard, and seen, aren't centrist Democrats, or midly progressive,,, lol. Their platform is pretty radical far left in almost every aspect. While you, and the young "Bernie" followers don't see that as a threat, many do. And I'm not just talking about GOP voters. I have probably more Dem friends than GOP friends. They are pretty much all turned off by the silliness of the Squad like folks. Right now, they don't see them as something to worry about. That will change if they become more mainstream. And it's why current Dem leaders are saying stuff like they are.
You mentioned that Dems ran on not being Trump. Exactly my point. It was more about anti Trump, than pro-Biden, or issues this round. When the boogie man is gone, it will become more about issues. Trump was not a likeable guy and easy target, but the left has tried to make every GOP presidential candidate out to be the boogie man. The next one likely won't be a dick, and no where near the easy target.
Overall, Trump got more votes than any past president in history, Biden just got more. And it's not because people really liked Biden or dem policy. Trump got more minority votes than any GOP candidate in 60 years. I expect that trend to continue as the GOP continues to make progress there. Will the next GOP candidate rally the base as much as Trump, IDK. Will the next GOP candidate be as unlikealbe to the moderates, independents, etc, and rally the anti-GOP vote, I doubt it.
