CL+Question+5

**Dave K**: One thing we must change is our attitude that to be a Republican one must accept an entire platform of positions rather than allowing individual stances on individual issues. The party is increasingly pushing moderates out at a time when we need to do the opposite, to pitch a bigger tent. If we become too ideologically narrow, we will never win elections or have influence over the direction of our country. The Democrats are in power now because theirs is the bigger tent.

**Peter W:** The Democratic Party is in pretty good shape nationwide, but I think it needs to be careful. By careful I don’t mean less liberal, but rather I mean it needs to, in appearance and in practice, govern wisely. Don’t be pompous. Don’t have scandals. Engage with dissent in a respectful manner and keep the big tent growing. The Republicans have placed their bets on a strategy that has run its course; namely, target a specific demographic and emphasize party ideological purity. Its important for the Democrats not to make the same mistake.