Explanation:

- The phrase "carried the day" means to win or be victorious in a debate, decision, or competition.

- In the sentence given: "For the time being, the liberals seem to have carried the day," it implies that the liberals have emerged victorious or have succeeded for now.

- Option 1: Unpopular - This means not liked or approved by many people. It does not relate to winning.

- Option 2: Winning - This means being successful or victorious, which aligns with the idiom "carried the day."

- Option 3: Popular - This indicates being liked or admired by many people, which differs from the idiom's focus on victory.

- Option 4: Despised - This means intensely disliked, which is not relevant to the idiom's meaning.