The Evolution and Usage of the Phrase 'Bleeding Heart Liberal'

The term 'bleeding heart liberal' has a long and complex evolution in political discourse. Originally a neutral expression of empathy, it transformed into a highly charged political epithet, reflecting changing attitudes toward both liberalism and conservatism over the 20th century.

Origin and Religious Context

The phrase 'bleeding heart' has roots in 19th-century American religious oratory. It was originally used to describe someone with a compassionate heart, as in Christ's wounded heart symbolizing his compassion. This usage was common in poetry, essays, and political speeches of the period, as seen in an 1862 speech:

“I come to you with a bleeding heart, honest and sincere motives, desiring to give you some plain thoughts.”

Pegler's Revival and Political Insult

Westbrook Pegler, an influential syndicated newspaper column author, resurrected the phrase in a derogatory sense in the 1930s. Pegler, known for his explosive language, was also a vocal critic of liberals, labor unions, and Communists. His use of 'bleeding heart' was part of a larger repertoire of insults he employed, including calling FDR 'Moosejaw' and Truman 'a thin-lipped hater.'

"I question the humanitarianism of any professional or semi-pro 'bleeding heart' who clamors that not a single person must be allowed to hunger but would stall the entire legislative program in a fight to pass a law intended at the most optimistic figure to save fourteen lives a year."

Pegler's usage of 'bleeding heart' was not immediate. It began to gain traction in the 1950s with Joe McCarthy's use of the term, referring to Edward R. Murrow. By the 1960s, the term had become a common political insult. Ronald Reagan, who later became a prominent conservative, described his political evolution by saying, "I was quite the bleeding-heart liberal once."

Metaphorical Uses and Broader Adoption

The phrase 'bleeding heart' began to be used more broadly in political satire and commentary. In 1963, Russell Baker included it in a list of political insults, and by the end of the decade, Ronald Reagan had modified his stance, often describing himself as a former 'bleeding heart' Democrat:

“Count me with the bleeding heart liberals.”

Despite its negative connotations, the term has been reclaimed by some liberals, who see it as a praise for their commitment to social justice and compassion. This reclamation can be seen in the context of the Civil Rights Movement and the work of organizations like the NAACP.

Key Takeaways

The phrase 'bleeding heart' originated as a religious term, symbolizing compassion. Westbrook Pegler revived it as a political insult in the 1930s. The term gained broader acceptance in political satire and commentary in the 1960s. Liberals sometimes use the term to reclaim its positive connotations of compassion and empathy.

Understanding the evolution of 'bleeding heart liberal' helps contextualize political discourse and the changing attitudes toward compassion and pragmatism in modern politics.