I can't think of any label in politics or perhaps anywhere else that has been better used as a negative label than liberal. I believe the late, great and ruthless political strategist Lee Atwater is the person who really turned "Liberal" into the scarlet letter of politics. Today, liberal has gained such a negative view that many people who consider themselves liberals do not claim the label. Liberal has become the favorite descriptive adjective of right wing Republicans for anyone or anything that opposes their views.

 

Democrats have failed completely in countering this label. Conservative has very little negative connotation. Negative traits have not been clearly attached to conservative, or any other word that Democrats could use to brand their opposition. The Democrats have failed to find a negative brand to hang on Republicans that could be used to counter liberal.

 

When someone is labeled liberal, what does it say about them? What do Republicans think of when they use liberal to label something or someone? Should Democrats embrace liberal more than they do and try to make liberal into a badge of honor instead of a political curse word? Is liberal the greatest label or brand ever used in politics?

The ironic thing is modern liberals aren't actually liberals in the classical definition. I'm more liberal than almost every democrat on the planet.

A little topical trivia:

 

It used to be "progressive" that was looked down upon. FDR tried to use "liberal," even though it referred to a broader branch of political philosophy, to get around the stigma. That stuck (and has made discussing "liberalism" confusing every since.)

A little topical trivia:

 

It used to be "progressive" that was looked down upon. FDR tried to use "liberal," even though it referred to a broader branch of political philosophy, to get around the stigma. That stuck (and has made discussing "liberalism" confusing every since.)

 

Another reason why I don't like FDR.

Calling someone a liberal today is about the same as calling someone a commie in the 50s.

I can't think of any label in politics or perhaps anywhere else that has been better used as a negative label than liberal. I believe the late, great and ruthless political strategist Lee Atwater is the person who really turned "Liberal" into the scarlet letter of politics. Today, liberal has gained such a negative view that many people who consider themselves liberals do not claim the label. Liberal has become the favorite descriptive adjective of right wing Republicans for anyone or anything that opposes their views.

 

Democrats have failed completely in countering this label. Conservative has very little negative connotation. Negative traits have not been clearly attached to conservative, or any other word that Democrats could use to brand their opposition. The Democrats have failed to find a negative brand to hang on Republicans that could be used to counter liberal.

 

When someone is labeled liberal, what does it say about them? What do Republicans think of when they use liberal to label something or someone? Should Democrats embrace liberal more than they do and try to make liberal into a badge of honor instead of a political curse word? Is liberal the greatest label or brand ever used in politics?

 

Racist, don't forget conservatives are racist.

Calling someone a liberal today is about the same as calling someone a commie in the 50s.

 

There ideas are similar. Seems to be a good fit.

Calling someone a liberal today is about the same as calling someone a commie in the 50s.

 

There ideas are similar. Seems to be a good fit.

Racist, don't forget conservatives are racist.

 

Don't forget homophobe, Islamaphobe, xenophobe, misogynist, etc.

Don't forget homophobe, Islamaphobe, xenophobe, misogynist, etc.

 

All for not rushing into change withought having the sense to slow down, analyze, think, ponder, and decide what's best. I will never apologize for standing for my religion ( take note, while not forcing it with threat of death on anyone) and wanting government and legislation out of my daily life. Truth is we are no longer free. Slaves to the elites and the crushing weight of a political system gone awray.

Calling someone a liberal today is about the same as calling someone a commie in the 50s.

 

So you're cool with using the liberal as a pejorative?

Course of history changed when Lee Atwater passed away far too soon.

I've always said socialist has much more of a stigma than racist. That's why Bernie would have never won. Liberal is becoming more and more synonymous with socialist everyday. The right becomes more and more frustrated with the left and thinks any sort of move by the left is a move towards socialism, and the left thinks the right is a bunch of heartless fools and pushes harder to the left. We always hear the rich are getting richer and the poorer are getting poorer. I think the proper analogy would be the liberals are getting more liberal and the conservatives are getting more conservative.

Course of history changed when Lee Atwater passed away far too soon.

 

A fascinating character, for sure.

 

Lee Atwater - Wikipedia

So you're cool with using the liberal as a pejorative?

 

yes.