That was done from a pessimistic attitude of a disloyal opposition. That was done to provide aid and comfort to our enemies in time of war and with firefights in progress.
These criticisms are very different. They come not from an almost treasonous opposition to the nation, but from profound disappointment that the 'better angels' did not prevail in the GOP. From the ill-conceived Gonzales appointment, to apparently asking for Ashcroft's resignation, to Bush's 'open-borders' policy, to his support for Spectre in the campaign against a conservative (which story became well-known after the election) and his seeming support for Spectre as committee chairman, and whatever else, including overspending at the national level, it does appear that the GOP has said to its core voters - where else ya gonna go?
Now you may disagree. But if that's actually true, then as the writer points out - staying home is place to go.