I get the feeling that too many "progressives" are feeling extremely bloodthirsty, and losing sight of the forest for the trees.
The forest is a progressive agenda that addresses key issues to making our country stronger, better, more democratic. The trees are the current conservative republicans, and their corrupt value system.
In my own opinion, I think that a true progressive agenda can not be carried only by the Democratic party. A bipartisan coalition would be need to sustain a legislature and president in place long enough to hatch programs, finance them, get results, and make them a part of our great country.
The recent legislative program adopted by the German "grand coalition" government is perfectly in line with what the US will need to do in the coming years.
Finance a deficit / stoke economic growth and job creation / finance baby boomer retirement / shore up (or create) health care....
Because the German "left" and "right" are both in the governing coalition, representatives can vote for this package, and not have it blamed on them, or their party...(and I am convinced that our senators and congressman are more concerned with re-election than they are with serving the country). It turns political debate into a debate of ideas, instead of simplistic party line, talking point, single issue, hate mongering advertising
If the paint is peeling off the walls, there is no point fighting years to determine if it should be repainted blue or red. Sometimes you just have to paint it purple. But is this still possible in the USA? Or is it against the K street rules ? If a democrat votes for a democratic / progressive agenda, won't the pendulum swing back to the center-right, ending all hope for a long term progressive movement ? (see Clinton's first budget)
Back to the tree/forest analogy - a truly progressive agenda needs YEARS (decades) to bear its fruit. And if the roots are attacked 2-4 years after planting, there is no hope for the program (see no child left behind, a decently good idea that didn't get financed = useless program).
For some parts of the recent German legislative platform - http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000100&sid=aZ0WrFWmW46c
Imagine if Washington was able to come up with a compromise on some of the tough issues we as Americans are faced with ?