Will the progressive wing gain power?

The influence of the progressive wing often hinges on various factors, as discussed by different experts in recent podcasts.

1. Motivation and Tactics: Bill O'Reilly notes that the progressive left within the Democratic Party is significantly more motivated and active compared to moderates. This motivation, combined with smart use of key issues like climate change and media influence, helps them gain traction and influence within the party 1.

2. Historical Context and Reform Movements: Historically, progressives have played crucial roles during transformative periods. The Progressive Era, for example, marked a time of significant reform in response to economic and social changes at the end of the 19th century. Rapid immigration, urbanization, and economic growth brought profound changes that progressive reformers sought to address 2 3.

   • 

     1

     Progressive Influence Unpacked

     00:26:46
   • 

     2

     The Progressive Era

     00:01:20
   • 

     3

     The Progressive Influence

     00:17:37
   • 

     4

     Progressive Reformers' Impact

     00:18:13

3. Youth and Innovation: Shaylyn Romney Garrett highlights that many young progressives were instrumental in driving societal change. These reformers responded to industrialization and urbanization by creating new ways to bring people together and addressing issues like loneliness and hyper-individualism, which in turn created societal change through increased social capital 4.

While the progressive wing's future power and influence are uncertain, their historical capability to adapt and respond to societal changes, combined with their current tactical motivations, suggests they could continue to be a significant force within political contexts.