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In reply to the discussion: The "Squad" left suffers complete wipeout in Illinois [View all]lapucelle
(21,047 posts)55. No, that is not "exactly what it says", and no amount of insistence will change that fact.
Last edited Fri Mar 20, 2026, 11:06 AM - Edit history (1)
It literally reads "mainstream liberals".
Notwithstanding any vibes that play into people's misunderstanding of the word, the word "mainstream" (like the word "insurgent" ) has an actual definition:
mainstream
: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence
: having, reflecting, or being compatible with the prevailing attitudes and values of a society or group
: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence
: having, reflecting, or being compatible with the prevailing attitudes and values of a society or group
Kamala Harris is a mainstream liberal, as are Joe Biden, Raphael Warnock, James Talrico, Pete Buttigeig, Cory Booker, Kathy Hochul, Hakeem Jeffries, and (notwithstanding his vibe) Chuck Schumer. (Pro tip: Check his voting record.) Democrats have many, many representatives and senators currently serving who are mainstream liberals.
Mainstream liberal Pramila Jayapal endorsed mainstream liberal candidate Daniel Biss in Illinois's ninth district primary race.
Anyone on social media claiming that there is no such thing as a mainstream liberal or a mainstream liberal Democrat needs to check their privilege.
While one is free to choose to ignore the dictionary and invent personal idiosyncratic definitions of words that have standard, agreed upon meanings, it is ill-advised to impose those definitions on a community at large.
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I'm here because I believe Republicans will do anything, violate any right, break any law, and support an idiot
surfered
Friday
#62
This RW language-loaded spin piece reads like it is a No Labels and/or Third Way and/or Blue Dog press release.
Celerity
Wednesday
#7
I wondered if any of the rethugs that ousted McCarthy were ever called "insurgents"
Takket
Wednesday
#20
Who and how are any of the winning Democrats siding with the ruling class over the working class?
betsuni
Wednesday
#16
Yes. He's nice! Positive -- didn't run against the Democratic Party as if the myth that the party is wildly unpopular
betsuni
Wednesday
#18
7.01% of the electorate preferred a right wing loon who wears a red beret and keeps 16 cats
lapucelle
Friday
#57
Some folks' surprise at the use of the term "leftist insurgents" raises an interesting point...
PeaceWave
Wednesday
#21
Thank you. As you say, the words "insurgent" and "terrorist" are NOT synonymous...
PeaceWave
Thursday
#39
Again, nowhere - even applying your own definition - is an "insurgent" deemed a "terrorist."
PeaceWave
Thursday
#49
Also... when these firebrands characterize themselves and their movement as some sort of REVOLUTION...
QueerDuck
Thursday
#27
"If Democrats can't do the job they should get out of the way." Revolution, transformation.
betsuni
Thursday
#38
I think it means that primary voters want to win statewide and national elections...not engage in virtue signaling or...
QueerDuck
Thursday
#41
We need people in Congress, who are interested in governing. That requires compromise and dialogue.
Walleye
Thursday
#31
Frankly, that's old line, old school politics that appears like weakness and conciliation and doesn't work any more.
lees1975
Thursday
#43