Why do you think this happened.
My theory is that leadership did this to “expose” those on the fringes. While their cachet with the narrow base might be increased, their national influence has been dashed upon the rocks.
Everything is done for a reason.
I think it happened because they’re idiots and didn’t understand the situation and deal with it properly.
Everything might be done for a reason, but never discount “stupid” as a potential reason. Cause this is just embarrassing they look like fools. They haven’t “exposed” the “fringes” they’ve exposed themselves.