It's an unmistakable sign of weakness. The Reagan Revolution was won with ideas, not invective. If we're really this bankrupt of ideas that hurling insults somehow improves our game, then we're a party in decline. You know, it's very interesting - Edwards' campaign appeared so grossly incompetent (if not malignant) in supporting its feminazi, papist-hating bloggers, and calling him a "faggot" makes him look like the victim now.
How few understand that these days.
The Reagan Revolution was won because he faced Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale.