The gist of Ritchey's letter centers on a claim that Democrats as a whole are worse than Republicans. There is no dissension that many Republican operatives such as Glen Beck or Limbaugh are bad. Democrats are worse.
What logic is that? Does saying that one group is worse justify the inappropriate actions of another?  If I steal a candy from a store does claiming that someone else stole a six pack excuse my theft?
I know that many Republicans feel betrayed by their own party as evidenced by anti-establishment candidates Trump and Cruz. Democrats have seized this internal conflict. In response, Ritchey seems to be saying, "Well, we're not as bad a you". That is revenge politics. 
I assume Ritchey found the five worst comments Obama said in 8 years. Does that "soften" Trump's expression that he would like to "punch" a protester or that Obama is Kenyan born?
I once heard an Shiite defending their atrocities by saying Sunni's were more ruthless. How do people get to that place?