Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: Progressives, now is the time to unite behind Bernie Sanders. [View all]wyldwolf
(43,875 posts)"Progressive" (noun) see also progressive fundamentalism or Puritopian.
A self-described liberal or progressive whose political orientation is to be angry, dissatisfied and unhappy with the state of the nation, because in their view, liberal policies are not being implemented quickly or forcefully enough. They have particular contempt for Democratic presidents.
They are ideological purists who disdain compromise and incremental change, which they see as "selling out" liberal ideas like full employment, an end to war, and liberal social policy. Their views can often sound like utopian fantasy where opposing views never exist.
"Progressives" dislike Republicans but reserve their greatest disdain for Democrats, whom they relentlessly attack for not meeting a set of ideological goal posts that are constantly adjusted to ensure that the president will be deemed a disappointment, "not progressive enough" or "just like a Republican" no matter what policy achievements are made.
"Progressives" routinely dismiss or ignore congress' role in making or impeding policy, believing presidents can simply "use the bully pulpit" in order to overcome constitutional or legislative obstacles.
"Progressives" have an affinity for 3rd party politics as a way to punish Democrats. They are especially hostile to Presidents Obama and Clinton, and deem anyone who expresses a lack of ill will toward them to be enemies of liberalism.
Example: "Progressives" dismissed Obamacare as a failure, saying President Obama should have used the bully pulpit to achieve a single payer system, despite the fact that Sen. Harry Reid made it clear that such a plan could not pass the Senate.
What meaningful change has a "progressive" like Bernie Sanders brought about? Answer: ZIP.
I'm progressive (adjective), not a "progressive" (noun.)
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden