I actually think that progressive <-> conservative political axis isn't a meaningful one in the current climate, and that the more operative axis is the libertarian <-> authoritarian. Importantly, there can be every combination of these four points on the political compass. I.e. there are authoritarian conservatives, and libertarian progressives; but there are also authoritarian progressives and libertarian conservatives.
>>d-z-m+(OP)
It's super meaningful because conservatives and progressives are nearly fully aligned on the issues mentioned above:
- police oversight
- abortion
- welfare
And even on dumber issues like public transit. Say what you will about authoritarianism being the real problem but most people vote and ally themselves based on the progressive-conservative axis.
>>d-z-m+(OP)
Progressive <-> conservative has always been a harmful red herring, but it's been made even worse by the shift to progressive <-> reactionary. Especially as most people continue using the word "conservative" as a synonym of "Republican", when the Democrats have been left as the more conservative party.