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.
BTW thanks for being so patronizing first thing in the morning. You guys wonder why so many people are turned off and don't pay attention. Try the real world and not lecturing from on high and you may just get a clue. I am tired of the threats and temper tantrums. If Hillary is back in the White House I won't find you and say I told you so, because that's not classy. But by all means keep turning people away. Great plan. Fortunately you are not running the party. So I am secure.
People who actually are involved on the ground know that the real battle is for the middle and if you guys persist in your threats to leave, then fine, we just will have to work even harder for more of the middle.