I’d avoid the Sandra Bernhard threads then. Seriously this reaction to Governor Palin is way out there. It makes the hate the President has gotten a picnic in comparison. The nearest thing I can liken it to is that since liberalism/socialism/communism is in essence a religion to these people any serious challenge is like attacking their core being and they must react this way to protect their sick worldview.
I think you have hit the proverbial nail. You can make a good case for cognitive dissonance here.