Indeed. Progressives are an existential threat to the current geriatric establishment owning the party, and they recognize them as such. They would sooner see the country in the hands of fascists than enact a single left-wing policy. Just look at Schumer, Kamala and their pals still refusing to endorse Mamdani, the one Democrat that has been able to generate any amount of momentum in years.

To the Republicans, Progressives are a political force they might actually have to try winning elections against, if the latters are ever able to muster a modicum of power inside of the party that is supposed to house them. A progressive Democratic party with populist messaging would certainly mean they can't rely on the absolute ineptitude of their opponents campaigning anymore.