You could be correct. On the other hand, it could just be that the real "democrat" has finally decided to "come out of the closet", so to speak. I don't think progressive/socialist/communist ideals have really changed. But the political climate that allows those on the left that lean that way to openly express their true desires is such that it's now OK to do so. And, naturally, they have a willing megaphone in the "mainstream" media to help broadcast the message.
Whatever it is, it has the potential to be really dangerous.