The typical N Ameristanian "liberal" is quite illiberal
in many ways, eg, pro-war, racist, sexist, ignorant
of science. This differs from using the same word
to denote being progressive & permissive.
A liberal who tries & fails to implement oppressive
leftist policies doesn't cease to be liberal just cuz
they fail at it.
She was trying to a play a part she wasn't suited to play. It would be like casting Paul Reubens to play the role of Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas.