Learn what ? How to be an asshole ?
Politics is (are?) war. The RATs realize this and more often than not, capitilize on it. The GOP doesn't have to come off as a bunch of insensitive a$$holes, partisan, opportunistic, etc. But until they come to grips with the fact that the RATs will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING necessary to win an election, they are at a distinct disadvantage.
For example, "On the" Fritz Mundane has had 3 or 4 days of "free" campaigning without even officially becoming a candidate. With the race as close as it is/was, that may be all of the edge the democRATs need.