Taking a few days to digest the election results and fall out the question arises after defeat what lessons the losing party should take to heart to win future elections. This is a possible road map I think could see Democrats regain the White House and possibly the senate and house by 2020.
1. Make the Democratic Party a Populist Party. Evidence was clearly shown this election the absolute loathing Americans feel toward establishments. This was not a right or left phenomenon, it was clear through Trump and Sanders campaigns the strain of exasperation by so many that the status quo was seeing them be left behind. Return trust in the working class that you give a damn and fight for them.
2. Clean out corruption, starting now and leading up to 2020. The old baggage of party corruption incest reared its head when was revealed the DNC actively supported a candidate in Clinton form the start. This alienated supporters of other candidates, mainly Sanders, and the solution to replace Wasserman Schultz with Brazile did nothing to address concerns. Bringing in an Ellison to the DNC would do a lot to change perceptions of favortism within the party.
3. Fight for something with a clear message, repeat it. To be blunt the slogan "I'm With Her" never hit home the way "Make America Great Again" did. A clear concise message drilled home that shows the party and its candidates are fighting for something. Income inequality and jobs cross various boundaries and cuts through a lot of noise people hear. Fighting for something gets people to show up, which didn't happen as evidenced by millions of fewer people voting than in 2012.
4. Get your priorities straight and stop purity tests. Look, I hate sexism and other forms of hate and am not saying we shouldn't defend against them. However, in the past decade it has felt increasingly like pockets have begun tilting at windmills to find sexism. This repetition hit home when it stopped having affect and became white noise. When you say, "all men are sexist, all white people are racist" you remove all meaning from such words that should hold power. When I, as someone who favors feminism, was called a misogynist because I had "internalized self loathing" due to not being thrilled with Clinton it made the point to me at how little these words hold meaning. Is it any surprise that a chauvinist could take power when people think, "well, they say he's sexist, but then they called me sexist too and I know I'm not, so not such a big deal".
5. Don't despair, don't throw a temper tantrum, do something and stay vigilant. Keep in mind that even though the election was lost it was very close electorally in several key states and actually won the popular vote. This isn't 1984 when Raegan destroyed Mondale, 2020 is winnable with a solid candidate. Seeing the protests this week across the country shows people are worked up, but it is not sustainable every day to take to the streets. You actually have to get involved at levels of government and pressure law makers on issues you are passionate about and vote in primaries and mid terms as well as general election in 2020. This may seem boring compared to shouting in a megaphone on a sidewalk, but it is how change in governance occurs.
My 2020 Presidential Ticket for the Democratic Party.
1. Bernie Sanders (Now with name recognition if he is able Sanders is the obvious choice) 
2. Tulsi Gabbard (Gained huge bump after resigning from DNC citing corruption, young and upcoming Representative) 
3. Elizabeth Warren (If Sanders cannot or will not run, Warren has proven to be close to him on key issues) 
Feelfree to discuss and make own ideas as to improve the party. I just ask to refrain from insults and try to keep this about political strategy and governance rather than tribalism.
