They are ganging up on him, no one could stand up to that kind of attack from 7 others + 2 or 3 moderators. Picking apart the 2 or 3 questionably unconservative things someone did over their 20 years in public service.
Second, to put it in clear and simple terms so Texas folks will understand, when you’re perceived as the top gun, everybody wants to try you. So you better either be the best shot and quick on the draw, get there in a hurry or hang up the guns and get out, before you run into a better shot and a faster draw.