another problem with Democrats is they don't seem to be able to get their message out effectively enough..They beat around the bush...case in point...as I was preparing for my government class I need to update my overheads on Democrats and Republicans as the platform changes every four years after the convention...I went to the respective websites and downloaded both platforms...
The Democratic platform reads like a college thesis paper...they gripe and complain about what Bush is doing or did for 2 pages before they spend 1-2 paragraphs explaining what they will do, believe, or support..

Republican's on the other hand....only talks about what they believe, will support, and do...no time is spent criticizing anyone or idea...
Not that many people read the platform..but if Democrats can't even explain clearly what they stand for to a high school government teacher who actively sought out the information...how are they communicating it to the general population who rely on their news from the local station in 30 minutes segments? There is going to come a point when the Democratic leadership will need to articulate what they stand for without critizing others...

Do we learn as kids...you don't have to put someone down to elevate yourself....it always backfires...