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

[H2O Man]

64. You were right.

Over the years, here on DU, I've wrote about the 1988 Democratic Primary, and events in that Boston park between Jesse and Michael D. By any objective measure, Jesse had earned the right to -- at very least -- be seriously considered for the VP slot. But that power-brokers in the party, who recognized that Jackson had the ability to expand the Democratic Party in a more significant way than any other politician in this era, feared what that meant to their security in the plush and comfortable offices.

While I don't know Jackson personally, I've been in the same room with him a few times, and my good friend Rubin knows him well. (Jackson was a Carter supporter, even when it wasn't popular.) He understood what Martin intended with the Poor Peoples Campaign. He could have brought far, far more of the people of all colors and belief systems into the party. More, he had far more appeal among the working-class republicans that heard his message, than Reagan enjoyed among "Reagan democrats."

I was one of many in that park that July 4th, when Dukakis snubbed Jesse and his many supporters. At the time, he led Bush the Elder in the polls. Shortly after that, he fell to obscurity.

There are many who recognize that President Obama, like the rest of the country, owes Rev. King for opening the small doors in the '50s and '60s, that led him into the Oval Office in 2008. Fewer seem aware of the vital contribution of Jesse Jackson. Again, I do not know him, so my view isn't based upon like or dislike of his personality. But I have great respect for him, based upon his dedication and accomplishments.