One of the keys to building a long-term majority is to destroy the two basic myths that are the major sources of political capital for the GOP; the notion that Republicans can be trusted to take care of national security, and the notion that Republicans are prudent fiscal managers.  Given the track record of the GOP in recent years, one would like to think that the electorate has already figured out that these myths are ancient history, but deeply-held beliefs like these die hard.   It took generations for these myths to take root, and we won't be able to undo them quickly.  But if we can shoot down those two myths, the GOP is finished, because they have nothing else to offer.