I believe that it is the combination of two things. One, that leftists are patient. Not saying that they are more patient than rational people, but their patience is key. Two, leftists have very skillfully made their agenda into a ratchet. That is, they understand that is self defeating to try to get every leftist policy/program they want implemented all at once. Instead they focus on securing small victories, “ratcheting” them in place as the widely accepted societal standard, then working towards their next small victory. If they fail it’s no big deal because their ratchet has guaranteed that even when they lose, they win.
This is something that conservatives can learn from. Leftist’s ideals and visions may be driven by emotions and feelings, but the manner in how they work to achieve their goals is very rational. Conservatives on the other hand have ideals and visions driven by rational thought, but the manner in how we work to achieve our goals is very irrational and emotion driven.
The conservative, for the most part, is very absolutist and will disregard out of hand any policy or politician who does not fit the mold of conservative one hundred percent (I am only speaking generally). The leftist will champion any person or policy that will in some way advance his agenda even if it does not fit the leftist mold one hundred percent. As a result, leftists are constantly making gains, or at the very least in a position to fight for gains, while conservatives are almost always playing defense. A perfect example of this is the gay marriage issue. Ten years ago would it have been considered a conservative ‘victory’ that a judge stated that a ban voted on by the citizens of a state didn’t violate the state constitution? Even when they lose, they win.
I believe that your post must be the post of the month, if not the day. It is very astute and well said. If you don't object, I will put it on my profile page (with credit to you). It bears repeating. Your three paragraphs bear more wisdom and profundity than anything I've read on here in some time. Thank you.