The insider reaction is feeding the sense of unease in flyover country.
In the President's case, the attacks were becoming personal against Gonzales whom happens to be a close friend. In this instance he had the right to speak in defense of his friend and ask for civility.
The Senators and their staff urging people to trust them is another matter. Trust is earned. They have not earned it. They don't have the right to expect faith they'll do right by the citizenry that elected them. Just to be clear for any that may be confused, yes, there are good Senators in the Body. The Body as a whole, however, has been a severe disappointment.
IF they had operated in good faith people would not be running advertisements. I do not think advertisements will influence the Senate, I believe many of them think they are ruling Lords, however the ads are a symptom of a broken Faith and the Republican Senate is the direct cause of this broken link. They caused the rift, which is why it's irritating beyond measure they would lecture anyone in the base. It rubs me the wrong way.
If they would prefer to lead, then they need to acknowledge it was their very lack of leadership that fueled the lack of faith they are capable of taking a principled stand in defense of the Constitution and nominated Judges (many smeared for years). Actions have consequences. Or lack of action in this particular case.