I've got a track record of being a little bit more conservative than the average DKOS commentator. I think deficits matter---and I'm willing to attack any sacred cow (tax increases, defense cuts, spending cuts) to get rid of the red ink.
That said, what was the Clinton mantra in '98?
Save Social Security First.
That's where Obama needs to start. "We are willing to discuss anything and everything in order to reduce the deficits. But Social Security is a rock-solid commitment to our seniors and our younger citizens. We've paid into the program, we deserve to collect in our most vulnerable years. The retirement age will NOT go up in my first term and, if I'm lucky enough to be re-elected, it will NOT go up in my second term."
The argument isn't more government or less government. It's not higher taxes or lower taxes. It's whether or not people should fend for themselves at 70, 80, 90. It's whether or not the private sector gives a damn about them when their big spending potential is gone.
And it's a question of whether or not someone wants to invest their life savings in a stock market that plunges hundreds of points on a whim.
Democrats have failed pretty roundly with the 50+ crowd lately. In 2012, I think the young kids will come out for Obama again. But if he's going to win, he can't walk away from the core values of the Party and the Country.