IMHO liberal democrats misinterpreted the 2006 and 2008 elections, they thought the country was signaling an acceptance of the European, social democratic model. Turns out people were just fed up with George Bush. Our center-right leanings are still present, thankfully, because we are an independent group, we discard protectionism for individuality. This creed has served us well.
Re backwards vs. forwards, I wouldn't consider a broad political movement by the country in a progressive direction as a move forward; quite the contrary actually - individual rights are not a cornerstone of progressive agenda, they are a hindrance. We discarded that model centuries ago. I think "we the people" are clearly stating our rejection of that idea again today.
November will be interesting, I'm looking forward to the outcome.