Nate, the Webster definitions are really simplistic. As far as Lincoln is concerned, his legacy was being elected without being on all the state ballots of the time which presaged the civil war. I think the historical evidence suggests that he was a pragmatist who, when thrust in the position of president, with a looming civil crisis, solved the problems set in front of him. For example, in order to get the northern states to fully back a war, and undermine the southern war effort, he promised freedom to the slaves. Not necessarily because he wanted to or was a “liberal” politician. Instead, he was a realist, who faced a existential crisis to his country and did what he had to do. A reality that I do not think many liberals today would be able to accept. Instead, I think liberal politicians will continue to pretend that pots of gold are buried under the bottom of rainbows which can only be reached by riding silver unicorns.