Liberal, as it's used now, is another way of saying, "I honestly care about the well-being of people I've never met or otherwise interacted with". The smugness comes much later, at least 15 minutes, and is really only a byproduct.
I voted against the guy that wanted to invade Iran and stay in Iraq. I don't have any other power in this situation, and I have a
sneaking suspicion even the voting thing is a bit of a joke.