Why would one waste time, money and resources eavesdropping on the campaign of a political opponent one openly disrespects and feels confident they will easily beat? I don’t get that part of the equation.
Just my opinion....
They are so arrogant and appalled that anyone outside their own exclusive club would dare (and succeed) to challenge them. Even though they thought they were going to win, they decided to obliterate him so he would never again pose a threat to the system (and be a “lesson” for anyone else who may get the same idea).
I think this was their intent with the Russian connection meme, in that they knew it was bogus, they made it up, thinking they would be in charge and their nefarious activities would remain covered up.