I guess there must have been a few Mitch McConnells around in the time of Samuel Adams, too

Bob Belvedere cites a very relevant passage on the bogus "prudence" of moderation from the writings of one of our early firebrands.

There are many fine things in the lengthy quote; here's a taste:

It is the Effect of a mistaken Prudence, which springs from Indolence or Cowardice or Hypocricy or I know not what, in those who should point out to them the constitutional Methods of Opposition to arbitrary Power. Too many are afraid to appear for the publick Liberty, and would fain flatter themselves that their Pusillanimity is true Prudence.