Most of the policies advocated by Democrats are indeed outside the liberal tradition in that they totally reject the notion of limited, mixed, and Constitutional government. They may begin from rights but that is not where they end up. Democrats are interested in individual rights insofar as those rights are supported by some constituency; they do not assert rights against the government because they believe the government can become too powerful, but because those rights are something people – the community – wants.

I don’t know what it means to say that social democracy takes as it’s starting point communal solidarity. I don’t think it means much. They are still democrats, they believe in the principles of democracy – one vote per person. In this much, they support the individual rights of the citizens to control their government. They may not have as much of a tradition of rights (Great Britain excepted), but they certainly have incorporated many of the same principles in their post WW2 governments.

Briefly, they are different in origin (geographically and ideologically). While there may be some commonalities in policy choices, social democracy/democratic socialism takes as its starting communal solidarity over and above individual rights, which is a more Anglo-American starting point. The Democratic Party in the U.S., for all its emphasis on social welfare, still begins from individual rights. Thus, I dispute your claim here:

But Democratic policies are well outside the liberal tradition as well.

The Democrats and Republicans are surprising aligned in their fundamental principles of individual rights and exchange.

So, as I said before- why do you not admit that you are in the same camp as these people?

Because I am not in that camp, plain and simple. I do not work for Democrats, I have never voted for Democrats, and I do not endorse any Democratic candidate locally or nationally.

Why are you unwilling to admit you are a liberal or progressive in the American sense of the terms?

I am progressive on many social questions, but insanely “conservative” on moral and foundational issues (e.g., family, morality, promotion of virtue). I would be lost among Democrats if I were to artfully join them.

Are you going to explain to me how democratic socialism is substantively different from the policies advocated by the Democrats or liberals?

A quick correction to my post: As far as democratic socialism being outside the liberal tradition, I think that’s probably right. But Democratic policies are well outside the liberal tradition as well. The democratic socialist and the American liberal both accept illiberal, statist policies that reject the idea of limited government and advocate for massive redistribution of wealth at the hands of the demos.

So, as I said before- why do you not admit that you are in the same camp as these people? Why are you unwilling to admit you are a liberal or progressive in the American sense of the terms?

Are you sure:

One of them? Can you be a tad more specific?

BTW, Are your parents guarding your internet activity? As a responsible adult, I am worried about you.