It is necessary to deal with reality, however unpleasant. The fact is that most voters vote for someone they like as much as for someone whose policies they like (especially since politicians have a bad habit of concealing their true policy preferences during a campaign). Look on the bright side — this is probably the main reason unlikeable Gore and Kerry never made it......
I'm of the mind that it's the GOP's job to show the differences in philosophy glove-less. Taking the high road and NOT pointing out that your opponents philosophy is a philosophy of slavery is the problem. Not once do I ever hear a politician ask the question "By what right?" does my opponent believe he can usurp your individual rights at the point of a gun.
Now y'all can flame me that the GOP really believes in a philosophy of slavery and I'd have to agree.