Reply #19: It's a combination of many things -- a summary

[IrateCitizen]

1. Seriously look at how we frame our issues. Come together on what exactly our core values are, and find ways to succinctly state these values in terms that most people can identify with. Then, frame every single policy and issue in a manner than can easily be traced back to these values. We win by reaching people on an emotional level first, before we even attempt to reason with them.

2. Bring progressive groups together to work on the same purpose, rather than herding cats. If we want to take over the Democratic Party, we have to act like a party. We cannot afford to be an assembly of affiliated coalitions. We need to all come together, and encourage many of the single-issue groups to do the same.

3. Run progressive candidates for office on every level. This is how we create our leadership for the future. Also, make sure that every race is contested -- even in apparent Republican strongholds. When we find compromised Democrats, primary them until they are ousted.

4. Maintain a bottom-up organizing strategy. The way we get progressive Democrats in areas that are seemingly hostile to them is to recruit them from those areas. Ensure that candidates running for office in different areas "speak the language" of their friends and neighbors.

These four are just a start, but we have to start somewhere.