Democrats are their own worst enemy - they let the right wing define them, rather than say what they stand for and why. They (including some of their media advocates) spend their time reacting to conservative criticism rather than explaining their positions.
WELFARE - A caller to a "liberal" talk show recently complained that welfare recipients are lazy. The host's reply was that too much money is spent on defense and tax breaks for the wealthy. It seems to me that the issue should be addressed directly, to stop this common right-wing talking point. He should have explained why helping the poor is a justifiable use of public money. And say that, yes, there are can be abuses, just like in any government program, from cheating on taxes to $10,000 toilet seats. But the incidences are few, and the criteria for benefits were tightened up during the 1990’s, which right wingers conveniently forget about. Not to mention, Republicans want to reduce government auditing of any program, including benefits and taxes.
The host should say that the safety net was created to reduce hunger and poverty, to make the US a better society, after the soup lines of the 1930's. (Acknowledge, i.e., SAY that some voters disagree with this approach, and would rather allow abject poverty – so they will probably not vote for Democrats). Also it pumps money into the economy, even to Republican businesses. The caller said that he had no problem with helping the poor, but he just wanted to do it voluntarily through his church, not be forced to by government. At least the host explained that this method would not be adequate and would be applied selectively.
The point is that we should address these accusations directly, acknowledge them, and counter them. I hear that some advisors to the Democratic Party disagree with this approach. I think this is why Democrats are failing to convince even their natural allies, middle class voters. And this is why Republicans are laughing. They make their accusations, and the Democrats don't counter them directly.
See below for another talking point - regarding regulations.
REGULATIONS – Republicans repeat ad nauseum that there are too many regulations inhibiting business. Obama's response was to cancel some regulations, but he did not make the broader point that most regulations were initiated to correct problems or abuses. He could have brought up the fact that the Securities and Exchange Commission was started after the 1929 stock market crash. Even wealthy investors benefit from having consistent financial rules. In the 1960's, the Connecticut River ran black with residue from tire factories up river. Regulations were needed, and of course businesses don't like to clean up their own messes. Fire regulations came about because of disasters like the Triangle clothing factory fire that killed 146 workers in 1911 in New York City. And many other examples could be given. Democrats should counter the "give us back our freedom" line with the reasons why regulations are necessary.
FINANCIAL - Right wingers use the talking point that the 2008 financial crisis occurred because banks were forced to loan money to unqualified home buyers, because of Clinton requirements. Talk show hosts, pundits, and bloggers should point out (I give up on journalists) that this is incorrect, because only 14% of the loans were made to sub-prime borrowers. The real cause was on the investment bank side, selling "bundles" of loans, and excessive gambling on credit derivatives, along with the elimination of regulations initiated by Phil Graham (R-Texas) in 1999. Some advocates, like Common Cause, do point out these errors, but their voices get lost in the hot air.
COUNTER DIRECTLY - Democrats and talk show hosts should counter the stereotypical points directly, rather than ignore the issues or change the subject. Of course, many "true believers" will not be swayed, but at least the record will be corrected and maybe some thinking moderates will accept the truth and change their opinions.
PUNCHY POINTS, MADE BY MAJOR LEADERS - the points should be framed with punchy phrases, like the effective, but incorrect "job creator" line. Put your political advisors to work on it. The only way to get press coverage is to make punchy, even controversial points. This is why Republicans get more press time, even in the little five minute radio news reports.