I don't know why you are characterizing this as a republican blunder. It makes perfect sense.

The Republicans know the Democrats' obsession with civility means a dem would never invoke this prospective right to assassinate a political rival.

"But the Republicans are being illogical! This is a double standard! There is no intellectual honesty in such an argument!"

Stop trying to appeal to logic and honesty when it comes to Republicans. This liberal thinking is what got Trump elected the first time.

Accept that morals, ethics, and logic mean nothing to fascists before it is too late.

I swear, the patriot front could be doing door-to-door curb stomps once trump gets elected, and liberals would still be smugly pointing out that "violence is no way to solve political issues, chud. Check and mate ;)", right before they get curb stomped.