Yup, that's how the political game is played in DC by the shameless socialists. The Repubs have no clue how to play the same game. They try to take the high road, only to be blasted by the lowly liberal/socialists. That is what WILL kill our nation. They (conservative Repubs) simply will not fight back. They want to "cross the aisle" so the "gimmes" think they are working for their benefit - think "bennies".
If Romney is to succeed in the next debate, he needs to state clearly and unequivocally the difference between socialism and capitalism/free enterprise, and why one has made this nation the envy of the world and why the other has failed mankind every time attempted. I doubt he will since the debate is about foreign policy. The squishy middle just don't care about ideology like us Constitutionalists.
I dream of a new Ronald Reagan who understood the differences. I think Romney does, but he won't articulate same so as not to turn of the centrists. But then what do I know?
How do you propose that they "fight back"? The MSM controls most of the narrative, and will refuse to publish or carry Republican's words. They can fight back in the new media, and are doing so.
The Republicans will have more spine and will "fight back" as the new media grows strong enough to protect them from the MSM.
Most politicians are not of the caliber of Ronald Reagan. He was a genius. He had a photographic memory. He was charismatic.
Newt has most of those characteristics, he fought back, and he was driven from the House by the MSM as a result.
If a Republican jaywalks, it is enough to drive them from public office, in the MSM. Consider the fake Valerie Plame "scandal", a completely made up affair designed to embarrass President Bush. Democrats are given a pass for felonies, until recently, when the new media has taken a few to the woodshed.