I along with other "leftists" use it as a short-hand for left-wing politics, generally those who believe in politics usually placed on the left of the left-right spectrum, including but not limited to the abolition of what we believe are systematic unjustified inequalities within society.

I was lazy; I meant socially liberal, neo-progressive above but it was easier to use "left" because it's a quick short hand. The NYT seems to be very socially liberal but on issues that are often trivial while steadfastly being a big business/pro globalist mouthpiece, also backs US Govt with little push back.

That was my mistake on "left". I was lazy. I don't believe in a political spectrum but enough people understand that simply saying "left" meant everything in this paragraph mostly