These are all legitimate policy options for a duly elected government.  And I entirely agree with you that rational individuals should conclude that their views were instrumental in their appointments.  Governments don't appoint opponents to their policies into positions of authority and influence.

And what constitutes "decent" and "most vulnerable" is entirely subjective.  After eight years of a "progressive" president, Americans are entitled to ask "How's that been working out for us?" and to opt for something else.