One of these days, our side (but not in my lifetime) will learn how to play hardball politics like this...
Democrats view politics as bloodsport. They destroy and eviscerate their opponents. They play to win at all costs.
Until Republicans do they same thing back to the Dems, they can expect more of the same. Dems have absolutely no respect for the hapless and naive Pubbies.
On the other hand, Dems fear the Tea Party. We have principles, we mobilize, we support, and we vote. We fight back.