This is the standard right-wing strategy. Speak of your opponent exactly as you deserve to be spoken about. As long as you do it first, it makes accusing you of what you're actually doing less impactful, and sows doubt.
Basically, they know that one side is militaristic, and the other is not, but they side with the militaristic side ideologically, so they reflexively demonize their opponents with terms that better describe themselves, Knowing it's a bad look intentionally distancing themselves from the reality of what they stand for.
Basically, they know that one side is militaristic, and the other is not, but they side with the militaristic side ideologically, so they reflexively demonize their opponents with terms that better describe themselves, Knowing it's a bad look intentionally distancing themselves from the reality of what they stand for.