Yes they are the enemy.
The technique you describe is not new. Look at the commie left through out its history and you will see the same thing...from the French Revolution onward. With the media playing it for all its worth, and the 24 hour news cycle it will only get worse
Our solution is simple....Get out the vote. Get out the vote
A haiku based on the tired tactics of the leftist street:
Leftists are surprised
That arguments are not won
By yelling louder