Cultists defend the subject of their devotion against all slings, no matter whether the slings be worthy or not. Regardless of whether they support whatever action/belief/topic is currently the subject.
Now step back and ask, do you defend Trump no matter what? Do you support everything he does, regardless of whether you'd agree with the behavior coming from someone with a different letter attached to their name?
You make an interesting point, but it seems to me you are overlooking a larger point. The Democrats *ALWAYS* defend their people, regardless of how stupid, (Hank Johnson) corrupt,(too many to name) deceitful (Hillary) or insane (Pelosi) they may be. They treat politics as war, and they see no enemies to the left, regardless of the circumstances. You will simply not get a Democrat to criticize another Democrat to any serious degree.
We Republicans on the other hand, believing in certain standards of behavior, will not hesitate to attack one of our own. Often even before the facts are in. If the media accuses them of something, too many under our banner are all to quick to jump on them based on the media's (Democrat Operatives) say-so.
There is a strategic political power benefit from refusing to attack your own guy. Now an argument may be made that at some point you must, (if the conduct is egregious enough) but I think we are all too quick to do it, on the flimsiest basis, and on the most silly of issues. (Grab the P***y!)
I think borrowing a few plays from the Democrat book might actually help achieve a few more victories where they are needed. This is not necessarily the same thing as "cultist" type behavior, it is more along the lines of strategic behavior for winning.
At least this is what I'm thinking.