It is not really people's worst instincts, but innate social games, communal-ethical language, inherent Wittgensteinian forms of life that people have been following since eons, and will surely continue to follow for quite some time.

If the progressives wish to ignore non-modern, "superstitious" morality dimensions heroically, they are acting irresponsibly on a grand scale. Rather than telling to outdo conservatives in bad appeals, all I would ask is to show some historical intelligence and perceivable charisma skills - just to attract attention of those not that passionate about modernity goods.

But apparently progressive leaders are doubling down on a trajectory that most folks do not wish to follow. Take Elisabeth Warren as a trooper for those social justices:

A supporter approaches you and says, "Senator, I'm old-fashioned and my faith teaches me that marriage is between one man and one woman." What is your response?

Well, I'm going to assume it's a guy who said that - She would not consider is was a woman.

Then just marry one woman. I'm cool with that. - Most likely, that kind of guy has a compliant wife.

Assuming you can find one. - Ha ha! Spoken downwards from a position of power, with visible satisfaction. Not classy, really.