Useful Idiots

From Wikipedia:

(Origins)
In political jargon, the term "useful idiot" was used to describe Soviet sympathizers in Western countries. The implication is that though the people in question naïvely thought themselves an ally of the Soviet Union, they were actually held in contempt and were being cynically used. The term has been extended to other people perceived as propagandists for a cause they do not understand.

Modern Usage:
"Useful idiot" is often used as a pejorative term for those who are seen to unwittingly support a malignant cause through their naive attempts to be a force for good.

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Though they would not, of course, use the term in the course of normal conversation, I think "useful idiots" is a perfect description for how the leaders of the Republican Party see the members of their party.