Right you are Faldgae, she is a born and bred American, all right. I finally comprehend that I was approaching the word with a somewhat blinkered perspective. I had absolutely no idea that this was the sense of the word on this side of the pond! I also now see the title of a new book, 'What liberal media' in a new light. Hmmm....

And I agree with eta, that the 'tax and spend' angle is both interesting and plausible. Delectable tongue- twister too ...trotskyite torsky....never mind!

And so, trophies and applause to: 'lexus liberal'(Amy); limousine liberal (slithy), socialist socialite (rhuby), trotskyist trotskyite (Faldage) (whew!)

Thanks all!