That seems to have been a long term method that's been used in this "Information Age". Most folks don't think for themselves, so when their alternate brain, the major medias, start labeling "Militias", "Patriots", "Right Wingers", "Ultra-Conservatives", etc. as less than "Moderates" and bad for the health of the Nation/World, they just naturally follow along.
What a crappy way to live, letting somebody else do your thinking and form your opinions.