Reply #4: you have to realize....Democrats just dont think like that

[the skeptic]

Today's democrats are more reactive than proactive. Republicans think in terms of ideology and selling of ideas&themes. Democrats react to what the GOP does. They also accept the GOP narrative of modern politics; i.e. small government is best, taxes are bad, a large military is preferable over spending for education, etc.

To me that's the main problem. Until Democrats learn to craft their own narrative and STICK with it, they'll always be at a disadvantage.
How many times have you seen Democrats agreeing in principle with what the GOP is saying. I'll never forget Clinton proclaim "the era of big government is over"-which all but legitimized the GOP narrative.