The Repubs need a Democratic agenda to run against....

If the Democrats say they are for national healthcare, the Repubs will say Dems are for "socialized" medicine.

If the Democrats say we should pull out of Iraq immediately, the Repubs will say the Democrats want to cut & run out of Iraq.

If the Democrats say they are for "fair trade?, then the Repubs will say Dems are isolationists.

If the Democrats say they are for an increase in the minimum wage, then the Repubs say the Dems are against small business and it will hurt the job market.

No matter what the Democrats say they are for, the Republicans will find a way to be against it. That is why the Repubs want a Democratic agenda - so they can have something to criticize.

The Democrats are torn as to whether they should come out with any agenda. Just let the Repubs stew in their own juices. Republicans do not have the capacity to create their own solutions to problems. They are dependent upon Democrats to give them fodder. At this time, Democrats are following the old SunTzu saying about "don't interfere with the enemy when they are destroying themselves." Is this wise or unwise at this time?

We want to have universal health care so your baby can be okay if you lose your job....the Republicans want your baby to die.

We want to redeploy the troops out of Iraq...Republicans just want to keep wasting your money.

We want trade to work for Americans...Republicans want to rip you off with shoddy products.

We are for living wages so small businesses can sell more of their products...Republicans want you to be poor forever.

Unless we come out in favor of something that the public will turn against us for (like gay marriage, unfortunately :( ) they won't be able to do much. At the same time, they hit us and say "the Democrats don't have plans."

but yes, keeping Republicans defending their own policies and behaviors is the most productive thing to do.

Our side can afford to wait until September to roll out its policy stuff.