[Dr. Scarpetta]

The formerly much feared conservative shock troops are now in a near autistic state of self-flagellation, which if not checked could well result in the demise of this movement and indeed this republic.

Actually, I don't think this "near autistic state of self-flagellation will result in the demise of the movement." It will result in the demise of Rush Limbaugh's career.

[Grampa Dave]

Here is this phrase from this author: The formerly much feared conservative shock troops are now in a near autistic state of self-flagellation, which if not checked could well result in the demise of this movement and indeed this republic.

He gives entirely too much power to these third party losers. Here is how I would say it:

The formerly much feared third party conservative shock troops are now in a near autistic state of self-flagellation and total collapse into the ash heap of political graveyards. This is due to their increasing irrelevance each day that GW is president.

They are not about to destroy this president nor this republic. They are being replaced each day with new conservatives who are winners not whining losers. They know it, and we know it! They are the coreciders as they commit political suicide by becoming totally irrelevant and powerless.