I think that's a question for TB. He's the resident apologist for the Tea Party and all things right-wing.
He had no trouble excusing the Swift Boat tactics, no problem with GWBs AWOL in time of war, let him tell us how this is a reasonable campaign tactic. He even claimed GWB didn't lie about torture.
Let's call it "Creative Conservatism", and see what they can do with this one. And also check with Rush.