The media constantly amplify issues with respect to conservatives and Republicans. The issues are insignificant, but nevertheless, they are able to turn up the volume. All issues with respect to the Right are exaggerated and thereby conditioned in the minds of the audience. A good example is the ethics charges against Newt Gingrich. These charges were frivolous and insignificant for the most part, even the charges for which he was fined.
Exaggeration is a repetitive technique.
Therefore, single examples are really insignificant. It is the overall effect of daily exaggeration that conditions the minds of the audience.