I think it is because some of the "usual suspects" sway with the wind and go with what is popular.
Not to be picky abou the facts or anything, but you seem to be mistaking "bashing" for freepers asking floriduh voter to back up some of her more, shall we say, delusional rantings about Crist supporters maybe having human sacrifice parties to celebrate his victory, that disabled people should move out of Florida, that she's now seriously watching and considering supporting third party candidates, that Crist is a murderer, etc.
Maybe asking for backup to outrageous lies is "bashing". But most of us don't support watching lies get posted as fact on Free Republic.