I don't think Democrats should change to become like Republicans. Integrity and Democracy matters, and upholding the values of The Preamble matters. Democrats should continue to follow the rules. What they must do, is 'GET OUT AND TALK DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE"... That is far better than stooping to the cheating and malicious tactics of Republicanism.
Democrats should do what Obama did with ACA... Invest the detail work, to make sure to Wrap every element of a Bill in details that interlock with one another, so if Republican try to dismantle one part, it only triggers another part that will strengthen what the Republican try to destroy.
I've deal with down and dirty people in the workplace. I don't get down and dirty with them or against them, I keep records of facts and I use the laws to uphold the principles, and in my detail I expose every bit of malice they did. I put in the work to support my position, and as long as I do so with facts that adhere to the principles, they don't have a leg left to stand on, because their agenda was done out of malice.
I'm not saying go to a knife fight with a butter knife. I say, make sure your knife is of superior metal and put in the work to ensure it has been heated to strengthen its temperance. Do what you can to try and avert the fight but know you are prepared if you must defend yourself.