The idea that centrist Dems are just putty in the hands of Republicans is somewhere between wishful thinking, a fairy tale and kabuki for the benefit of liberals.

I'm with you. I'm a traditional Democrat, which, these days, means I am a liberal. If Hillary is progressive, the word has no commonly shared meaning. It's all things to all people, whatever people want it be It's the Chance the Gardener of political terminology. I've been saying that for years.

had a revealing convo with a couple Cons here in my office and they seemed taken aback that I had no problem proclaiming I was LIBERAL and PROUD of it.. it's like I am some sort of endangered species or something ( I guess I am to a certain extent here in red country PA).. lol

Liberal = Capitalist.

Progressive = Working for change

I think we need to change from a Capitalist economy to a Socialist economy, so I am not a "Liberal."

watched our ostensibly "Liberal" leaders in virtual stampede to the right after Bill Clinton was elected. Then 4 years later I voted for him again because lesser of two evils or something. I've never really liked the term "progressive." Too "squishy" touchy-feely. It's like a self-hating cave to rw propaganda. Timeto stop buying into the meme.

sharing with the poor and elderly and have-nots...social safety net...tax the rich and the corporations their fair share...expose off shore activity, decent and free education K-16, et al.

Oh, and Liberal does not equal Capitalist any more than Socialist does not equal Communism. All systems have some benefits and negatives. There is no pure definition or even actions. All are a combination of more than one system. Social Democrat is a label that fits me, but I'm still a Liberal.

Progressive? But to what are we progressing? Seems to me it's giving way to a nifty and fluid term...with little historical or empirical back drop.

ETA: nor Conservative/Fascism

I remain a Democrat and will do everything I can to drag us back to our roots.

no, Not a neoliberal. I want the term and values back. Progressive is ok BUT in the way of political leaders like Debs, and only attached to LIBERAL as first. Liberal progressive is alright, but Liberal alone is more accurate for US history.

Sick of the denigration since Reagan at least, then the more recent 20 year co-opting and mangling by centrist moderates who worship money and promote war.

And "Clinton progressive" is simply an oxymoron.

Of course, being a Clintonite means you get to have everything both ways. Chickenshits can't take a stand anywhere.

I'm not only liberal, I'm a flaming, bleeding heart, pinko liberal! And PROUD of it!

Excuse me while I hop on my unicorn and go chase some rainbows.

really Republicans and the Republican party is Other. Hillary is to right of Eisenhower. It is a sick, sick situation. Third Way.

Make a stand or let it slide (again) is the choice each person must make for themselves.

term liberal has been tarnished by the designation of neoliberal given to, well, neoliberals. Similarly the name Liberal in Australia is the term for the right-wing party. (but everything in the land of Oz is decidedly a bit opposite) So it seems that it's not just the republican ridicule of the term that has made it difficult to pin down.

Likewise, progressive can be anything. So, for now, I kind of like the term Democratic Socialist, but am in no way opposed to your attempts to proudly take back the term liberal.

And whatever progress there is there is never enough.