The Republican Contract With America was the primary tool that Republicans used to emerge from the wilderness. In the early 90s, Congress was controlled by Dems. Clinton swept into office. Conservatives felt isolated and feared for their country. In response to this they offered the Contract With America.
It was a cynical, yet sometimes inspirational, series of steps that Americans understood. It took our distrust of government and turned it into a bullet-pointed roadmap to streamlined, "moral" government.
Below the fold is a summary of what the Contract offered. Be ready for simplification, racism, stupid ideas -- and one of the clearest, most concise framing of the issues of the time.
It's been said here before, and it bears repeating. Democrats need their own contract. It's risky, sure, but it would give us the chance we desperately need to outline our ideas, vision, and, yes, values.