Let's be honest, 2018 could be even worse than 2014 if the electorate is the same as it has been in the past two midterms.
We have 5 Senate seats in deeply conservative states (West Virginia, Montana, North Dakota, Indiana, and Missouri). We have an additional 3 Senate seats in battleground states that are very vulnerable with a midterm electorate (Virginia, Ohio, and Florida), and 3 Democratic leaning states that could also be vulnerable with that kind of electorate (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.)
Even more importantly are the results of Governor's and legislature races in Florida, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois etc. These will be a huge determinant in how redistricting plays out. If we do as poorly in 2018 as we did in 2014 and 2010, we'll almost certainly be saying goodbye to the House for another decade.
I'm not willing to accept that. So what do Democrats have to do to prevent a third consecutive midterm wipe-out?
Lose in a very close if not controversial 2016 election to a radical GOP candidate. 2018 will most end up being a flat if not pro-Dem year. If it was not for 911 2002 would have most likely have been a good Dem year.