Possibly the most important thing: Dems need to get better at the propaganda wars.

[frazzled]

7. Definition of propaganda

Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view

So, you're saying that we need to exaggerate, mislead, or outright lie to strengthen our position? Yes, propaganda can be very successful—until it is exposed as such. It is highly unsavory as well. It's not what I want for my party. We are Democrats because we are honest, truthful, and upstanding.

Propaganda works better on Republicans, because it appeals to their base instincts to begin with. Democrats, as a rule, have better instincts. And remember ... when they go low, we go high. I absolutely reject the idea of stooping to their level.

And no, Alan Grayson is not a good example to put forth for successful speechifying. I realize a lot of people like these knock-down, loud-mouthed types. It hasn't worked so well. There were many cheers for Anthony Weiner and Alan Grayson here for quite a few years because of their flamboyant speech. Both have gone down in flames.