General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Dems have only themselves to blame for the proliferation of Republicanoid zombies [View all]Lydia Leftcoast
(48,217 posts)is the way to get our fellow Americans to agree with us.
If the Dems constantly compromise with the Republicans and even indicate a willingness to be "bipartisan" on issues such as Social Security, they are telling the public that Republican ideas are just fine.
I've noted over the years that American voters like guts and boldness and an attitude of "I don't care what anyone thinks of me." Some of the same people in rural Minnesota who liked Paul Wellstone now like Michelle Bachmann. Polar opposites politically, but their one common trait is a willingness to take firm stands on the issues and declare their stands without embarrassment or apology.
The unaffiliated voters hate wishy-washiness. They want to see candidates who believe in themselves and a definite set of principles. The Republicans' principles are screwed up, but they aren't shy about declaring them. In a confusing and frightening world, that is attractive to voters.
Listen to people talking about politics on the bus sometimes.