I don’t think I am being an “ideological purist” in opposing people like RFK Jr. in public office.
I changed my mind on exactly who Tulsi Gabbard is, because when she was interviewed on Tucker Carlson, she looked straight on and answered the questions clearly and unequivocally, signaling that the Democrat Party not only left her as it left Ronald Reagan and David Horowitz, but that her views have changed on important issues such as the 2nd Amendment.
I have no doubt I would still disagree with her on abortion and a few other major issues, but she isn’t the Leftist I thought she was. I am NOT saying I support her as a VP pick, or that she is is a conservative, but she said things, straight into the camera with unequivocal conviction that indicates she has had a come to Jesus internal dialogue, which forced me to retract some of the things I said about her in the past.
I have heard no such honest soul-baring on energy policy, 2nd Amendment, fiscal responsibility, climate change, abortion, or anything else from RFK Jr. that makes me think he is materially any different from who I thought he was.
I am glad he is running because I think it hurts Biden.
I don’t think you’re an ideological purist for opposing RFK Jr. He’s clearly very left of center and for me would be dismissible out of hand except that he shares some important qualities with Donald Trump. Namely that he’s an outsider (despite being a Kennedy) with a deep seated grudge against the deep state. I’m sure he’s wrong on 2A and abortion and other key issues but he also has rare strengths that make him hard for me to just write off. That’s just my take FWIW.