FLASHBACK: Democratic Congressman Attacked Student Journalist ... And Democrats Defended It!
The assumption was that Etheridge was acting on his own, that he had behaved badly, and that was that. In fact, Democrats rallied to Etheridge’s defense. Here’s Politico reporting at the time:
"Motives matter, and I think you can see who was behind this," said DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse just now. "This was a Republican party tracking operation. If it wasn't a party tracker or intern, why is the face blurred and why is the source hidden? You know if it had been a right wing blog, they'd identify themselves and they'd be booking this person on TV all day. Republicans know if they admit their involvement in this game of gotcha it will undermine their credibility. One minute this guy is interviewing a member of Congress on camera and the next a video is released with his face blurred out? If that doesn’t tell you this is a Republican Party hatchet job nothing will." A national Democratic Party official e-mailed around a set of talking points about an hour ago, under the subject heading, "Etheridge Gotcha Video Background."
Etheridge apologized, and the media let it go.
The assumption by the Left, however, is that Gianforte must be abandoned by the Republicans forthwith.