It’s populism. You have to see if someone’s policy positions are consistent over time, that they have a specific ideal they are following, vs what they think is the most popular policies.
Granted, it’s a huge pain with new politicians when they don’t have that history, but I think Tulsi had a pretty clear history that showed she wasn’t progressive.
I think you’ll be surprised at how much asbestos is still used worldwide, including in the US. We’re not using it as wall and ceiling insulation anymore, but it’s still used for things like pipes and vinyl floor tiles.