I think a lot of Republicans were really completely stunned by this. Palin had nothing to do with it...and all of a sudden, even the US president is implying that she did.
I remember being utterly confused when the press said that the shooter was influenced the “Tea Party” and “climate of hate” supposedly created by Sarah Palin. He had no connection with either the Tea Party or Palin, and I think many of us were blindsided by the attack.
There should have been more defense, but it was such an off-the-wall assault, bearing no connection to reality, that I think many average GOPers felt attacked themselves and had no idea of how to respond. It was bizarre.
Look for them to repeat this lie many times in the coming months.
Truth be damned, they’re gonna run with it anyway.