Of course they are to blame. Who but evil, mean spirited Republicans could try to attack the lovable leader of the US Senate! Who but evil, mean spirited, right-wing, waco Republicans would try to harm the New York Times, or the tabloids! Who but right-wing waco's would go after Tom Brokaw! It is clear that this must be the work of a vast rigth wing conspiracy! (/sarcasm)
Seriously, you gotta wonder what some of these folks use for brains!