Democrats/Liberals can take pot shots at each other because they have a large spread of political positions, and some genuine conflicts. Also, they recognize there is something larcenous in all politicians, and assholes are not restricted by party. In other words, the Dems are not monolithic.

But the Republicans/Conservatives have this 11th commandment thing, where they cover up for each other and make excuses for each other (even when they privately think the man they're backing publicly is crazier than a bedbug). This is great to whip the faithful into line and good for party discipline, but sooner or later people start to notice...you've certainly seen it with the righties here on the Zone. They simply refuse to give an inch, they won't compromise, they won't concede, and even when you partially agree with them they accept nothing but total capitulation. They drive away potential allies and middle of the roaders, and even some sympathetic to some of their positions, and insult the uncommitted. They close ranks so completely that after a while no one believes them even when they're acting from honest conviction.

It's the Nixon syndrome. THAT's the metaphor I was groping for.