Ideas must be attractively packaged to catch their eye. They must offer maximum benefit at minimum cost. Richard Nixon figured that out in 1968 when he recovered himself and his party from Barry Goldwater's landslide defeat. Similarly, Clinton brought the Democrats back after 12 years of defeat by persuading the party's Jackson wing to be patient. But good political ideas are meant to be stolen.
Parties commit a bigger sin when they take their best messages for granted.
It almost goes without saying. Almost, but not quite. A robust nation requires a free market for growth and job creation, but we also need a strong government for security, stability and a social safety net. It's often messy, but it works.