Yes, I am a Republican who has been frequenting this website since before the election, as I like to be informed on the opinions of the other side in order to better formulate/evaluate positions on issues. I did vote for Bush in this election (reluctantly), as I believe them Dems put up a poor candidate. What I have decided to use this diary for is to offer my advice from the other side as to what needs to be done for the Dems to win elections in the future, as I think a one party government is bad for all (regardless of which party) because spending increases and all ideas (even bad ones) tend to pass. So, here is my first entry about what I view as the downfall of the Dems and what they can do to make elections competitive again.
First, the party itself has become a collection of issue groups that all advocate their position very strongly, but who do not necessarily share positions amongst each other and all tend to take "severe" stances on their given issue (examples: unions against free trade, gay groups putting marriage in front of civil unions, environmentalists against SUV's, etc). While some part of these ideas could be generally accepted by a majority of Americans, the line touted by these factions is usually a minority position and thus doomed to failure. The Democratic Party needs to first reign in their many factions (the R's have done this very well)so that they can set a platform that is not undermined by these groups at every turn. I will get into further recommendations in my next entry.
About this election. I know this will ruffle some feathers, but Kerry lost and the Dems must get over it. Americans hate a sore loser and do not like dwelling on the past or people suggesting that their electoral system is corrupt. We must be honest, nothing is going to overturn this election, but whining and throwing accusations around will undermine the Dems chances in the 06 and 08 elections. The Dems should attempt to pass (and I believe it would) election reforms that will prevent any of their fears from materializing in the future, but drop the pretense that this election was stolen or anything similar. A loyal opposition should be formed and used to introduce legislation designed to give the party laurels to run on in the future (start with something like Kerry's Child Health Care Idea). Force issues all of America will understand and rally around them. Finally, in 08, do not select Hillary and do not let Iowa choose your candidate (more on that later).