Flip Flopping

A candidate or politician who changes his mind on certain important issues over time is subject to being labeled a ‘flip-flopper’ accused of ‘flip-flopping.’ This word effectively functions to portray any vacillation or evolution or expansion or maturation in position as a negative thing - a sign of weakness.  

In this way, even someone who thinks with nuance or who grows more wise over time may be accused of mere flip-floppery. George W. Bush accused John Kerry of “flip flopping” during the presidential debates when Kerry acknowledged some nuance related to an issue.