If it feels like someone is trying to make you think your vote will not count

[vi5]

2. The fact is that to most people:

Republicans are for low taxes, smaller government, strong national security. Across the board. Every candidate with an R after their name.

Argue the fine points all you want but that is their quick, and easily digestible sales pitch that they insist every candidate march lock step with.

Dems are for.....well do you have an hour for us to explain to you in highly parsed terms? And only some of them. And only sometimes. And just less than the other guys.

The sad thing is that I used to be able to sum it up. But no more.

Taxes? Well, we want them higher....but wait.....only on some people......well not really enough to fight for it or anything....you know...whatever we guess.
Government? Well we like it, but only in some cases......and please don't hold it against us.....we just mean sometimes.....or maybe not....who knows.
National security? Sure we're for that too!!
Social Security? Well yeah we're for it but...hey, we're not above buying into the notion that 'We have to do something!" because that's what the very serious people inside the beltway like to hear.
Social Safety Net? Sure we need that, but you know......we hear the deficit is bad too, so.....we're for that.....maybe.

Sure we can look at those other parties and laugh at what they are promoting, but......what exactly is it that we're promoting in a clearly communicated manner that the people can understand and without equivocation know that the Dems will fight for?

The only unequivically good things our party is on the right side of are gay rights, women's rights and abortion rights. And unfortunately our leaders choose to not be full throated on any of those things and are content to let others do the leg work and all too often they are willing to run from their support of those things.