I'm not saying we're there yet, but what would be the signs that so-called "Netroots" has moved from a smart, savvy, often prgamatic and energetic movement to push progressive reform into hubris and power-hunger?
Some suggested signs to watch for:
* Start making lists of enemy Democrats you want to defeat -- instead of Republicans
* Requiring all Democrats to kiss their ass publicly and bow down and grovel (sort of like the Religious Right does).
* Liberal use of threats: Defy us and you "will pay!".
* Forget that we've only won a single election cycle (One!) and in many cases by slim margins (VA)
* Act like you are the voice of "The People", when in fact still a minority voice
* Conflate America's souring on the GOP with America becoming suddenly very progressive in all things
* Say things like "Hey, you're 12 points ahead, he can afford to lose a few points of [insert pet issue]"
* Spend all their time threatening/punishing/harassing/badgering politicians for not making unpopular decisions that are losers at the ballot box instead of trying to convince the larger public on the issue (making it easier for the politician to do the right thing)
* Anything that smells like Naderism: the sanctimonious, leftier-than-thou sneering that labels anything too popular or sensible or -- gasp -- winning as "too corporate/mainstream for me".
* Intolerant attitude towards healthy criticism (Kos' recent remark that if you don't like his refusal to contribute money then "fuck you")
Any others?
(crossposted from TPM)