>>4
"Liberal" has many different political meanings throughout the world. In the USA, it's one who is in support of a mixed economy with moderate to strong support for social safety nets (Social Security, Welfare, etc.) and the strengthening of their ever expanding corporatist regime. Both parties exhibit these behaviors to some degree, though Democrats are a bit more outspoken about such things.
Not sure what American "liberals" would be more accurately referred to politically in European countries.