I'm not sure it is too far. Again, there is a distinct difference between using "senseless" rhetorically and using it literally. The piece conflates the two.

Then again, about the literal, I've met too many—to be fair, both left and right—who cannot understand the motivations of "the other" side (either deliberately or on a simple cognitive level), and therefore for whom the word "senseless" represents an accurate portrayal of "other" actions.

Now, had the essay author noted that those on the right did just this, I think you might not find fault with the piece; but then again, had the essayist done this there would be no attack on Obama, now would there?

I mention this caveat because there are some on the left who abuse other words in a manner similar to the essay's author accusation, as a means of dismissal (an old piece, but relevant).