I felt it was worth expanding on the excellent and thought provoking
post Kos made on the Democratic Brand. There is more to the Dems than Kos's idea makes obvious. The Democrats are also the party of the American Spirit. That spirit, as I understand it, can best be summed up by two words: Can Do.
More below the fold.
Can Do seems like the perfect addition to the Democratic brand. When I hear the phrase Can Do it conjures up all sorts of positive associations: innovation, science, technology, achievement, optimism, strength, confidence, intelligence, and, most importantly, it brings America to my mind the same way that "No worries" brings to mind Australia. Naturally, it also brings to mind lots of historical figures: Ben Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delanoe Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Thomas Edison, etc. All of these people said Can Do in the face of overwhelming odds and succeeded.
There are also natural policies that are an extension of Can Do: stem cell and other medical research, energy independence using clean resources, reducing healthcare costs, etc.
It's important not to promise the world when using the statement Can Do, though. Always stress progress towards the goal over achieving the final goal. Never claim, "We can have free healthcare for everyone and make America the land of milk and honey." Always stress, "We can get closer to our goals and ideals. We've done better and we can do better still."