Is it possible that the "bashing" you describe is nothing more than the free expression of political dissent?
There is a very good chance that the host was certainly correct in his/her opinion that by ignoring the issue our leadership is putting Americans at risk, and undermining the principles on which the nation was founded.
"He stated that this issue threatened to tear the GOP apart."
Indeed.
Those who choose party over country will ultimately become isolated.
Many on each side are sincere and want what is best for the country. Calling those who disagree with us "racist" or "traitors" or other adhominen labels is not a rational discussion of the issue... and a few on both sides have been known to use ad hominen and irrational arguments. But most of us on each side ARE putting country over party.
The simple fact is that we have a disagreement over what is best for the country. I see freedom and a free economy run by the marketplace as best for the country. Others see a managed economy as best for the country. We are all pure in our intent. But obviously one of us just might be wrong.