repudiate

(verb) to reject as false
Many of the staunchest supporters of neoconservatism have now repudiated neoconservatism as a complete failure. They claim that neoconservatism is dead.


astute
(adjective) shrewd, or having the ability to accurately assess situations or people for one's own advantage.
Max is a very astute businessman. He has a very keen mind for making business deals.


candor

 (noun) the quality of openness and honesty in attitude and expression
In all candor, I think that Max is a complete nincompoop