Of course both parties have their politcally motivations, without a doubt, BUT I think, as a whole, at this time in history, if political motivation "tactics" were a "prize", yes, the Republicans take the cake.
I think this particular President irks the hell out of the Republicans for some reason. Probably much like Bush irked the hell out of a lot on the left. Only, the Right is so much better at "spin" than the Left is. It always seems to work for them. The left just seems to sit back and take it.
TIS