Immigration.

Then we might get more Dems voted in.

In fact, I think the core strategy might be to get a bunch of good, solid, progressive bills stuck in the house (popular stuff like the public option, bolstering SS and education, taxing the ultra wealthy, reducing the military, cracking down on Wall Street), then get it out to the people that we need more Dems to pass these things. If we really wanted to micromanage it, we could get bills that benefit each of our core constituencies to get them out to vote.

On the house level, DREAM Act, Wall Street reform and social/money class issues are the winning tickets. Leave foreign policy to the senate. All Reps can do is bluster about that - and people see through it.

who stayed home in droves in 2010.

There's so much emphasis on the presidency, youngin's don't seem to understand the importance of the House or even knowing who their reps are. Dems can't just ask youngin's to show up and vote. They showed us in 2010 that they won't.

Getting a bill stuck in the house that needs more Dem votes, perhaps?

It's up to the adults to 'splain to the youngin's why midterms matter.

disappointment in Obama. They sure showed him!

Dem leadership needs to step up if they want to gain ground in 2014.

We need to sell our ideas in the framework of Individual Liberty (Gov't shouldn't be able to tell you what you can and can't do in your own lives) within a framework of sensible regulations that keep society running well. The Individual Liberties thing covers marriage equality, abortion choices etc, the Sensible Regulations part covers the other stuff.

You are addressing the challenge of the Libertarians and Republicans with common sense and real solutions rather than silly slogans. Generally, Democrats shy away from talking right straight back to these Republican talking points.

I saw a video by George Lakoff here on DU the other day. (Bound to still be here somewhere.) He said we should talk about our Democratic values. I agree. And that is what you are suggesting.

Great post. Thanks, Samjm.

That is exactly what a lot of the republicans claim they hate about the democrats. Big government = more regulations = less civil liberty is their general argument.

The 2010 Census led to redistricting in most states. Red states drew redder districts; blue states drew bluer districts. It's really hard to flip a solid blue or red district. I guess the best strategy is to focus on as many "purple" districts as possible. But I don't know if you can get to 35 more seats that way.

But I believe we only need to flip 17, not 35.

Also, I agree with you, in part. the districts make it an uphill battle. But not Hopeless

To make it happen, Democrats need to make obstruction front and center. Anytime they are balked at passing legislation by Republicans, they need to take it to the people, make their case, in every district. Even at the cost of harm to corporate Dems, which I suspect is whats been holding them back so far. If enough people see the harm to themselves, something might give way, even in some districts that would be considered safe right now. And what do they have to lose? Its not like they have power in the house right now, that they need to husband and tend to and "keep their powder dry"

I can't see any policies or any way we will win the House in 2014. Running in the current districts in an off year election I don't see any way of getting to the majority.

Just like the message that the American people voted for.

playing to the conservatives, 2014 will look just like 2010.

Either act like the Democratic Party or just go join the republicans.

Simple, no?

because the President, Senate and House could not get every fucking thing they wanted passed, the way the detractors wanted. We need to stop the five feet forward, seven feet back bullshit that happens for us because progressives get greedy then sit on their asses when made unhappy.

So true.

is a disgrace.

The state party leaders need to step up.

The point that needs to be hammered home, again, and again.

inspire people, that you already know are unlikely to vote, to change their minds?

might wake some people up to voting.

As for the question in the OP: Give Americans what they want.

Dems need to tackle the issues like Dems. Tackle tax reform, Women's rights, drug reform, bankruptcy reform, unionization, education, militarization, the environment ect. The progressive position is in line with the majority national opinion on all of these things.

Dem leaders need to speak up on the issues and present solutions the American people want. Then put up the bills and when pubs vote them down, SCREAM AND SHOUT ABOUT IT. Name names so support turns against those who vote against popular ideas. It would be a squandered opportunity to not make a move when public opinion is where it is right now.






As Bill O'reilly said: "Americans want things."

Raise taxes on the richest among us, say people who earn over one million per year.

Stop attacking teachers and support unions more openly. Educate Americans about why unions and independent public school teachers are important.

Let up on the attack on the privacy rights of Americans. Target violent people and end the surveillance of innocent individuals and non-violent groups.

Most important, Obama needs to support local and state Democratic Parties. Obama has a great election organization. Gets him there every time. But state and local party structures do not have the technical means to get people elected that Obama has for his own campaigns.

The Obama campaign experts know how to get out the vote. They need to transfer the knowledge and technology and methodology to the Democrats who are running for congress in 2014. Same for our Democratic candidates in 2016.

They are their own worst enemy, and the best thing the Dems can do is let them get their message out.

other things don't so much matter but GOTV does

and one main thing-GETTING A GOOD SOLID CANDIDATE IN EACH DISTRICT to run against the republican, esp. incumbents.

Let's stop ceding seats.

Case in point in NJ- Frehlinghuysen keeps running and winning for decades. Time for this old republican mind to be retired.
But more money is needed

maybe Bloomberg's new superpac can be used to win the house on issues he is for-especially the climate control issue. He will support those heavily that support his issues.
(Also gun control but let's leave that argument for a different thread).

town square and roof-top.

Hang the 1% around the Rape-publi-scum's necks like a putrid albatross.

Also, 2014 is when ACA really starts to kick in, so I expect the wingnuts to be absolutely batshit crazy at that point.

Let the tax breaks for the rich expire & leave the tax breaks for the middle class....as a matter of fact give middle class MORE tax breaks. Don't believe the winger meme about "raising" taxes on the rich is wrong as they are the "job creators." Job creators, my butt. It's an idle threat. And there's no such a thing as a "fiscal cliff."

Also, pass a jobs bill & start repairing the infrastructure. Bring down the unemployment rate.

Bring our guys/gals home NOW. Don't wait on 2014.

If Repubs insist on cutting spending, trim some fat from the military, CIA and NsA. Close bases in countries that don't want us and we have no business being in in the first place.

We can take the House and create a Super Majority in the Senate if we Democrats put our mind to it.

Doctor Dean did it in 2006 and made history.

grahamgreen, please keep this going. The sooner we start, the easier it will be.