I hate the idea of the Democrats trying to play more conservative thinking they’ll get more votes. It smacks of atonement and dishonesty. Trying too hard to make all voters happy is what earned Kerry his nickname and turned many people off.
Bush’s impression of meaning what he says, sticking to it no matter what, swung a lot of independents into his column. Even if they didn’t agree with him, they respected him.
Sticking with their basic values and conveying them more effectively is what the Democrats need more than pandering to the right.
IMO Al Gore’s sincerity is exactly right. Too bad if it is too late for him, I believe he would have been the right man for the job.