Draft:Moderate-Progressive divide

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, notable leaders of the moderate and progressive movements and rivals in the 2020 presidential primaries

In modern American politics, there is a divide between moderates and progressives. The split mostly takes place in the Democratic Party, but also affects left-leaning Independents.

Progressives, also called leftists, tend to prioritize greater social and economic equality and advocate for more and expanded social programs. Moderates, also called centrists, tend to be more patriotic, be willing to compromise with Republicans, and prioritize economic issues. The exact definitions of the terms are debated.

The divide emerged in the 2010s under the Obama administration, during disputes about economic and foreign policy. The divide was deepened with the 2016 and 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, as moderates Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Joe Biden respectively challenged and defeated Senator Bernie Sanders, along with others.

Background

Main article: Factions of the Democratic Party (United States)

In the past, progressive and moderate divides in the Democratic Party were based largely on certain social issues like gay marriage and abortion. However, Democrats largely coalesced on these issues, and new splits emerged.

Following the