Step one in Schumer’s master plan: Forced lobotomies.

Via The Hill:

Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the third-ranking Senate Democratic leader, says his party should aggressively promote a pro-government agenda to win over middle-class Tea Party voters this fall.

Schumer laid out his vision for political success in a major speech Thursday addressing the Center for American Progress Action Fund, a pro-Democratic advocacy group, intended to energize fellow Democrats who have been on the defensive since the botched rollout of ObamaCare last year.

He lamented that Democrats have become “quiet, defensive and even ashamed” of their pro-government views.

As Republicans are hoping for another wave election in 2014, Schumer thinks Democrats could win over blue-collar independents who identify with the Tea Party, by touting the promise of government initiatives, such as raising the minimum wage and extending unemployment benefits.

“We must stop playing defense and go on offense when it comes to the need for government. We must state loudly and repeatedly that we believe government is often a necessary force for good,” said Schumer.

Democrats should tout programs and proposals that are popular with rank-and-file Tea Party members to loosen the grip the movement’s staunchly anti-government elites.

“Talking about issues, and tying them into a rubric of positive thought and rhetoric about government is essential to shining light on the fundamental contradictions in Tea Party orthodoxy and debunking their dogma,” he said.