I don't quite understand Repubicans

I was so naive in 2000. I thought facts and logic were paramount. Bush taught up was down and black was white and THEY BOUGHT IT! The media dutifully reported what they were told. Then Bob Altemeyer's - The Authoritarians helped me understand that the Republicans are all about identity politics. No wonder wedge issues are the way to go for Republicans.

The Mark Sanford affair is illustrative. Rush Limbaugh, ignoring inconvenient facts like the start date of Sanford's affair, blames Democrats for stressing poor Sanford to the point he had to seek release in Argentina. Other hacks trot out their list of Democrats who cheat. One Texas right wing blog did logic back flips to minimize what Sanford did. "He was in Argentina ... but who cares?" Maybe the people who were depending on him like his wife, his kids, his staff and the people of South Carolina who were left without a proper transfer of command. And, "Emergency? South Carolina's constitution provides for that:" Except that emergencies can come at you fast. Why should South Carolinians have to wade through the process to get to a leader? In an EMERGENCY! There's more drivel "I rather suspect that Sanford was, in fact, "on call" in case of emergency". Republicans have a rich fantasy life.

I've learned to expect all of the above. Here's what surprises me now. I see online comments saying they are disappointed in Sanford, upset about the damage his actions have caused the Republican party. And, this kicker: calling out Sanford for inappropriately using biblical text. Whaa? Where is the unrelenting hypocrisy and the blatant lies I've come to expect? Please, let these folks take back their party from the batsh*t crazies.