re: Careful what you wish for
The "rabid" people are what Democrats have been pushing into power for a long time, now. What the heck do you think a "true progressive" actually IS? Obama doesn't exactly come from a "moderate" background either.
And what would a "progressive" with "cojones" do? Actually manage to finally rub out the last bit of political opposition?
Keep in mind that the Democratic leadership started this whole flap to try and burn some Republicans that have been on their target list for a long time. If they ended up setting themselves on fire in the process, it's their own fault.