I agree with your point, but how do you distinguish the costumes at FR events (Dr. Raoul)from puppets? Isn't is a distinction without a difference?
BTW, I think the puppet/leftist conection has something to do with the "Bread and Puppet Theatre" based somewhere in Vermont -- they've been at the "artistic" center of leftist parades for decades, and perhaps are responsible for the 'institutionalizing' of puppets as the face of leftist political theatre.
Puppets (as made by the left) are just plain creepy. Plus they spen hours in papier mache constructing them, when they could be occupied with gainful employment.
Puppets are a leftist indicator, and there is no comparison to Dr. Raoul.