I don’t know why you are considering them not bright here. Empirically, being the least worst option has barely worked with record turn out during an active pandemic. Aside from that, not being a convicted rapist is simple not enough to motivate people to the voting booths, so maybe the tactics need to change? I can argue what ought to be, but the simple reality is very clear, “Not Trump” isn’t a winning strategy and we should try something else.
My guess is that it’s a bit reality shattering to contend with the fact that lying and cheating is plenty good enough to not only win, but win in a landslide. Harsh truths and all.