If you read about the rise of the far left in America in the 20th century, especially in books published contemporaneously or at any time pre-Reagan, you find ample evidence of the socialists trying to get people to call them Progressives. Amazing how Hillary blithely took on this label and no one commented. That's because we have a media made up of people who are politically aware in a VERY narrow political mindset. They simply have no idea what the left means in this country and what their "progress" has led to elsewhere.
I do think it's amusing that the "Fascist!" label has really gotten worn thin. The next thing will have to be something recycled--I predict a return of "Capitalist pig!"