It's the only thing they've got left, Dave. Benghazigate turned out to be a black eye for the repubs. IRSgate isn't gaining traction except that the public is now questioning the use of the repubs favorite slush funds, the 501(c)(4) tax exempt groups. So now, all they're left with is defending the "lamestream" media.
Now, that must be a really foul taste in the mouths of the far rightwing.