A little theory on Moldaver & what her little group at the Observatory was.
So, for months there was this LITTLE detail in Episode 8 in the background that I noticed but never really pointed out before because I was still coming down from the hype of the show and I kinda forgot about it. And since I don't THINK I've seen anyone talk about these, I may as well. So near the beginning when Lucy walks into the observatory to meet Moldaver, there are 2 little NCR posters behind Lucy as she walks into the shot. And they were quite curious because they were quite different from the one we see in Vault 4. These posters were very communist-themed, While the one in Vault 4 were kinda like the ones in New Vegas, bright, patriotic "JOIN THE NCR, TODAY!" etc. While the Moldavor ones were the classic red n' white, some strong fists in the air, some text I can't make out with Aradesh(?)'s face on it.
So, I think Moldavor kinda started her own communist movement in the NCR after spending time there. She at some point lived in Shady Sands and she saw the potential in it/the NCR, but noticed some of the old world problems were still present in this new country. So she tried to start a movement. A movement I am guessing didn't gain traction...UNTIL the nuking of Shady Sands happened. Refugees from Shady Sands began to believe in her ideals due to them being lost and possibly the NCR government didn't really help the survivors of Shady Sands, or they didn't get -enough- help while Maldavor did actually try to help them all. And the reason she is called a "Witch" is because of the promise of unlimited power and that was her rallying call. "I will bring unlimited power to this hurt republic and I will bring it back to glory!" or something to that extent.
And during that time they kinda split off from the rest of the republic while still uniting under the NCR banner. They want to reform the NCR rather than start their own nation. They don't have the NCR government funding or real support. They may be seen as nothing more than a crazy cult still flying the NCR banner.
But I feel like since she was actually telling the truth. The NCR government (If there still is any) may reconsider. Even more so since the BOS now has their grubby PA greased hands on such a powerful device.
EDIT: Or maybe her formation of the movement was a RESPONSE to the nuking of Shady Sands. And it was created shortly after it's destruction
