For me, "GOP-Lite" is mostly about co-opting Republican principles in the hope of projecting strength and authority. Democrats need not and should not do this. Democrats can more effectively achieve perceptions of strength and authority by confidently expressing principles and ideals of the Democratic Party.
In fact, it is my belief that some Dems are so anxious to go GOP-Lite that they essentially submit themselves to the GOP agenda or to GOP leaders. Those that submit are perceived as weak. Bush & Co. have masterfully used the Dem tendency to submit to further project the notion of Republican strength.
Thus, my letter to Obama as follows:
"I write to you with a simple message - stand your ground!
Of course, I am referring to the recent exchange of letters between you and Mr. McCain. The new Republican paradigm of governance, or any political discourse for that matter, is complete submission of all opponents. We see this pattern with the Bush administration and McCain now fully understands its political efficacy.
The Republican way as taught by Bush and his Rovian handlers is rather simple in my mind - once your opponents submit, they are viewed as the lesser and you as the more capable. This would appear to be especially true in the context of our time, as the war on terror demands a strong, capable leader. Certainly, this country cannot accept as leaders those that submit.
Please stand your ground Mr. Obama. The paradigm must shift for Democrats if this country is to become great again.
Thank you for taking the time to receive my comments."