What is the difference between the terms "liberal" and "progressive" in American politics?

[LWolf]

47. There are some good points made upthread.

I'd point out that economic and social liberalism are not the same things. While the political term "liberal" is tossed around as if "liberals" were all pot-smoking commune-promoting hippie communists, to be economically liberal is today's "neoliberal:" a dlc/centrist/3rd way/"new dem"/ corporatist.

To be progressive, without the political baggage, is to move forward with change.

We know that the term "progressive" has been used to replace the term "liberal" scarred and stained by propaganda. What is a political progressive?

It's interesting. If I respond to a survey that asks me my political leanings, "progressive" is defined as "very liberal."

Then I remember that the DLC's think tank is the "progressive policy institute."

That's why the neoliberal agenda has been able to thrive in the Democratic Party; they use "progressive" to convince the masses that they aren't what they are.

Which is why I won't claim either label; both have been corrupted beyond what I'm willing to own.

I'll just say I'm part of the American left-wing, which is, in a global context, not all that left-wing, that used to be welcomed here at DU.