In order to regain our momentum, the most important need is for strong principles. This is not the same as having narrow-minded intolerant principles.  Until define what we stand for, the other side will continue dominating the debate. Here are a few possible progressive themes:

Fairness -- Americans generally support the idea of fair play and opportunity. To ensure citizens can participate in the economy, the government should support equal opportunities in primary/secondary education and health care. Investments of these types can improve both people's lives and national competitiveness.

Responsibility -- Few people support a system that allows dishonest people to escape responsibility or encourages people not to work. But for people to compete, they need the education and opportunity to fully participate in economic life.  Opportunity and responsibility must come together.

Strength -- There are bad people in the world who want to subjugate or kill us. Although negotiation is vastly preferable, force is necessary against some of our enemies. While sending people to die is a grave matter, sometimes we must act when necessary.

Engagement -- America is powerful but it cannot do everything itself. We need allies and they need us. In a world of interdependent trade, global epidemics, mobile refugees, TV news, and international terror, we can't afford to cut ourselves off or make enemies needlessly.

Tolerance -- No one wants an alien culture forced on them. To keep the peace in an increasingly diverse society, we need to protect all groups from discrimination and violence and while ensuring everyone is allowed a political voice.

Fiscal Responsibility -- A government must live within its means.  Large budget deficits are a sign of economic mismanagement.  Except for emergencies, t is important to avoid high debt, low savings and unsustainable pension debt.  Keeping a responsible hand on fiscal policy is vital to regaining public trust.

In the end, progressives must speak to people's real concerns. We need to communicate more effectively with the grass roots and find a way to connect people's concerns with progressive causes. We also need to understand that people are nervous about the future but are often ill-informed. To overcome, progressives need real principles and leaders who can win hearts as well as minds.