First, the Dems should simply ignore the Republicans. We can't beat them at their own game.
Second, the Dems should get together and repeat, again and again, some simple principles that ALL Americans can get behind, and that have been abandoned by the GOP. Don't criticize, don't respond to their attacks, just repeat after me.....
THIS IS WHAT WE STAND FOR:
- Secure America First. We need to secure our own borders and inspect cargos.
- Make America Energy- and Resource-Independent. Right now we're fighting for oil; tommorow we may be fighting for water. Whatever happens, we have the resources and the brainpower--we just need to use them wisely.
- No Foreign Wars. If we feel we must influence another country, use dollars and diplomacy. When all else fails--quick strikes. No more dead soldiers.
- Pay Off the Deficit. All it takes is common sense: no more tax breaks for the rich; no more corporate welfare; no more billion-dollar-a-day useless wars.
- Create the Jobs of the Future. Face it, the day of the factory is over in this country. However, with American brains and know-how, we can create the technologies of the future that other burgeoning countries (like China and South America) will want, and need, to buy.
- Restore our Constitutional Rights. Property, Privacy, Legal, Gun Owning, etc., etc., etc. They've all been taken away or reduced. Now give 'em back.
- Get the Government Out of Our Lives. We don't want or need the government to tell us how to raise our kids, what to eat or wear, what to say or think, who to sleep with, or any other godamm thing.
- Stand up for States' Rights. They are our last refuge from a meddling, too-powerful government. Hey, if Kansas wants to teach creationism, let 'em. At least their kids won't be competing with yours to get into the good schools. And if you don't like it (unlike some other countries) you can always move.
The Dems have failed on #1 because they're afraid to offend illegal immigrants; on #2 because they still need those corporate dollars rolling in; on #3 because they're afraid to seem weak on national security; on #4 because they're afraid the Repubs will accuse them of raising taxes; on #5 because they're afraid to offend trade unions; on #6, #7, and #8 because they're afraid to offend soccer moms and knee-jerk city liberals who think guns are just AWFUL, every child should get all A's, and the government can fix all your problems.
In other words, the Dems are afraid of everything and everyone, and too weak to stand up for anything. So I say, if the Dems can't or won't stand up for America's values, we need a third party (NOT the Green Party).
By the way, most of the "fringe issues" lefties believe in, like choice, gay rights, environment, etc., are contained in these other values. Strengthen these principles, and the rest is taken care of! Focusing on a fringe issue is the best way I know to piss people off and cause needless divisions.