I think we all have gone thorough political evolution and devolution.
I started out as a moderate republican,a theocratic,a extreme militaristic,a liberal, a communist, a imperialist, and of course a dictator whose ready to send 50 million to reeducation camps. Because I am tired of showing dumda$$e$ the error of their ways, ie being unwilling to become educated about the issues I happen to care about.
As for Van Jones, I think he's a bit more American then most.
He at least willingly to involved the private sector as a partner, not having to make them do right kicking and screaming.