Now that I think about it, the opening post raises some interesting issues.
For starters, what is so important about political labels like Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, progressive, right-wing, left-wing, supporter of Israel, strong supporter of Israel, stronger supporter of Israel, and so on? The answer is, in part, that they are short-hand ways of summarizing a candidate’s (or any other person’s) positions on particular issues. They are an easy substitute for thorough, reasoned analysis of an issue and any related policy proposals, legislation, regulation or other executive-branch or judicial-branch action.
What disturbs me about the opening post is the implication that politician could “disguise” him/herself by using a misleading label. But serious voters do not have to worry about that, if they know what a candidate will do in response to an issue. Do you want government subsidies for yeshiva tuition? Do you want your sidewalk repaired? Better police protection for your mosque? Labels provide only the crudest hints of what a politician would do on these issues. It is incumbent upon voters to get direct, clear information on political issues.
I am also disturbed that some news sources think they have provided helpful information by reporting on labels, when they would be more helpful (but not necessarily more profitable) reporting on policy issues and genuine analysis.
So if you are worried about being tricked by a politician’s labels, don’t look at the labels, look at the issues and the policy proposals.