There's a lot of talk about what sort of strategy and approach the Democrats should take in order to expanded the base of voters they have and to create appeal to voters they do not yet have (or no longer have). Clearly, trying to blur the issues and be Republican-lite only turns off the people you're trying to kinda sorta pander to. To paraphrase Jim Hightower, going off under the twin banners of social liberalism and economic conservatism is no way to win over working class voters. At the same time, it would be equally foolish to pander to socially conservative voters by trying to out-hate the Republicans on social issues. (more on the flip)
I favor an approach that is socially progressive, and economically populist. I think my progressive-populist approach should focus on:
Universal Health Care (including free access to contraceptives, to make abortion "safe, legal, and rare")
Strong Education (either fully fund NCLB or come up with a more innovative plan)
Disengage from Iraq to improve national and worldwide security
Re-frame the gay rights debate as a matter of fairness and equality
Strongly oppose racial and sexual discrimination
Fully enforce and support labor and employment laws.