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

[H2O Man]

53. Jesse's runs -- and

particularly the first one -- was a great example of how a progressive could bridge the gap .....not only between progressives and liberals (a relatively small gap), but also between a progressive the media identified as "radical," and poor and working-class whites.

It's a curious thing that here on DU, I've read so many anti-Jesse posts over the years. It is more important to focus on what he accomplished, at a time when it was deemed "impossible," rather than his individual personality. Both of Jesse's campaigns opened a door that could have led to significant gains for liberals and progressives. The heads of the Democratic Party were surprised by his strength in the first run, then united to try to stop him the second time. The excuse at the time was all about McGovern in '72, which was clearly a distinct set of circumstances.