No, I wouldn't say rotten.
Susceptible to fearmongering, sure, but not rotten.
Silly for believing that the GOP really cares about national security when they oppose securing the borders, sure, but not rotten for wanting to believe that they care.
The sooner that you realize that the party cares only about the party -- and it's elites -- the better off you will be.
At least when the Dems make campaign promises, they really try to fulfill them. Since the money comes from the public treasury it costs them nothing and buys them votes. OTOH, the GOP whispers sweet nothings into the ears of conservatives with no intention on following through and actively working to do the opposite once back in office.
And we say the Democrat rank and file are dumb.