As the election nears, dissent is increasingly being looked down upon by some Republicans toward those other Republicans and conservatives would dare question either the choice of Sarah Palin or even John McCain’s campaign strategy.

Now two high profile conservatives are receiving this treatment.

Today, David Frum, a former economic speechwriter for President George W. Bush, and National Review Online blogger, wrote about the fusteration he’s had over those calling him out for criticizing the choice of Sarah Palin.  Here’s some of the things written about him today:

David Frum was on CBS this morning and expressed his view that the choice of Sarah Palin was a mistake. He complained that it was a play to the base that hurts people like Coleman and Dole who need help, and some centering from the top of the ticket would help them and McCain.

I’m getting really frustrated with the reflex some on the Right have to want to push conservatism to the side or on hold. Someone has to hold the line at all times. Ideas have consequences. And so do campaign choices.

And:

Let’s be honest, Frum was invited on CBS because the producer knew he has expressed repeatedly his dislike of Palin.  He represents a tiny fraction of conservatives but makes for good liberal TV.

Frum’s response:

I receive emails from readers every day who tell me that the only possible motive I could have for expressing doubts about the McCain ticket is my desire to attend cocktail parties, appear on TV, apply for a job in the Obama administration etc. Now I see this line of accusation appearing in the Corner too.

Let’s develop this thought a little. Suppose it were true? Suppose I were indeed a venal, light-minded chaser after television appearances and social invitations. What difference would it make?

Do my correspondents (and now my Corner colleagues) truly believe that - but for my pitiful media and social ambitions - nobody in America would have noticeed that Sarah Palin cannot speak three coherent consecutive words about finance or economics?

…

Perhaps it is our job at NRO is tell our readers only what they want to hear, without much regard to whether it is true. Perhaps it is our duty just to keep smiling and to insist that everything is dandy - that John McCain’s economic policies make sense, that his selection of Sarah Palin was an act of statesmanship, that she herself is the second coming of Anna Schwartz, and that nobody but an over-educated snob would ever suggest otherwise.

Frum’s not the only conservative making his fellows angry today.  Now even Bill Kristol is receiving the treatment for a column he wrote today suggesting McCain fire all his staff and start anew, saying McCain has nothing to lose and that he is “overmatched by Obama”.  For those who don’t know Kristol, he’s more or less taken it upon himself to dish out advice to McCain over the course of the campaign.  Last week, he was advising McCain to ratchet up the attack’s on Obama’s associations.  This week, he said the campaign has become pathetic, and is “flailing around.”

Forget that besides the staff firing idea, Kristol suggests McCain make a strong case for his economic plan and to remind voters about the dangers of unified government, which are both good ideas.  That’s not enough for some conservatives.  Apparently, Kristol’s comments about McCain’s campaign suddenly make him a supporter of Obama.

Apparently Frum and Kristol are learning that if you dare question anything the McCain campaign does, you’re a target.

By the way, all this applies to the Democrats, too.  It’s just that the Republicans have been vocal about it recently.  As far as I’ve seen, anyway.