Why do many Democrats fall for "moderate" Republicans?

[President Johnson]

I can only speak for myself here. I like REAL moderate Republicans because they are driven by pragmatism and common sense and not that much by ideology. That allows them to be practical problem solvers who can reach a broader consensus among various intrests. Nelson Rockefeller for example never saw himself as an ideologue, instead he thought of himself to be a practical problem solver (he was liberal on some issues, more moderate or conservative on others, and even that changed over time). Moderate Republicans in the tradition of Nelson Rockefeller or George Romney are not destructive to the welfare state, instead they focus on economic growth and opportunity for everyone while being socially liberal and pro-environment. They support law enforcement but civil rights as well. All noble goals.