As you suggest, the problem is of a larger dimension. One prominent Cold War historian moved to the right in the 1980s when primary source materials were declassified. The new evidence discredited the Left’s anti-US interpretations about the origins of the Cold War that had come to prevail in much of academia. In the concluding phase of his career, the professor praised Reagan’s strategy and approach to the USSR and correctly predicted its success, to the chagrin of many Leftist colleagues.
Well it turned out that yes, the Rosenbergs WERE communist spies. Alger Hiss WAS a communist spy. etc. The Left campaigned vigorously for them and whined and cried when they were convicted and punished (this was the source of a lot of the bitterness against Richard Nixon)....but it turns out they were WRONG WRONG WRONG about everything. What they really can’t bear to admit is Joe McCarthy was right about all the commies in government - especially in the state department.