General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Two Different Mindsets at DU [View all]cheapdate
(3,811 posts)can help in bridging differences and making progress together, which is the only way that any real progress will be made.
But the same awareness of differences can be exploited to drive a wedge between different groups. Some people may have become so disillusioned, or so angry, or so ideologically obsessed that they no longer believe bridges are possible or desirable. I believe there are a considerable number of such people at DU that more or less fit this description. I believe that the OP and it's author share this perspective. I would be fine with that -- I accept that everyone is different. But I have problem when every thread or discussion gets blown up by unreasonable, hyperbolic, intemperate arguments.
I believe that centrist Democrats are centrist because that's what they believe. And when you go to their states and districts you'll find that that's what their constituents believe. I believe it will require a long, organized, and persistent effort to turn the mass of public opinion toward fully internalizing the values and conceptual thinking of the progressive perspective.
I think the progressive wing of the party has more influence than you suggest. I believe their influence is roughly proportional to their numbers and the numbers of their constituents. There are quite a few progressive voices in congress and they have increasing influence; Sheldon Whitehouse, Ron Wyden, Elizabeth Warren, Jack Reed, Emmanuel Cleaver, Raul Grijalva, the list goes on.