If the Democrats are to resurrect their party — especially in the face of 2010 U.S. Census Bureau numbers and population trends that decidedly benefit the GOP — Obama and Democratic leaders need to move decisively back to the center and avoid appearing to be captives of the special interests.

Bill Clinton was able to do this 15 years ago in the aftermath of the devastating 1994 midterm defeat by adopting a bold new agenda that included a balanced budget, frank acknowledgement of the limits of government, welfare reform, and protection of key social programs like Medicare, Medicaid, education, and the environment.