The government shutdown drama is over, and already it feels like ancient history. But Republicans made missteps and suffered for them, so it’s worth pointing out how Republicans can recover and succeed in 2014 and beyond. In short, they must adopt an agenda— and run on it.

A couple points to hit: The nation’s finances, which are famously in bad shape. It’s simple math, to borrow one of President Obama’s favorite phrases. Our country cannot keep wracking up trillion-dollar deficits and likewise continue to operate the way it operates. It’s not sustainable in the long-term. Something will have to give and Republicans would be wise to point out practical ways to fix that problem – to avoid devastating consequences in the near and long term.