Didn't get the elected official you wanted? Blame it on Russia. RIght-wing and left-wing reactionaries screaming at each other? Blame it on Russia. Store out of the food you want? Blame it on Russia. Slow Internet? Blame it on Russia. Ever since the Cold War took place, Russophobia is as much a staple of American politics as the two-party system. Of course, it is unfair to saddle all the blame on Russia without evidence.
Do not misunderstand me when I mention Russophobia. Criticizing current Russian laws and policies when one would criticize any other country for making those laws and/or policies is not Russophobia. Russophobia can range from blaming political and other problems on Russia or Russians without evidence to assuming that all Russians hold certain political, religious, and cultural ideals. It can also mean characterizing Russia as a cold wasteland with a hostile leader and nothing more.
Of course, it is unfair to judge an individual by their country's government before getting to know their particular stance on those issues. I am sure every Russian has run into questions about communism, Putin, and Adidas tracksuits. Not only that, it never hurts to remember that Russians are people like any other group in the world. There are hackers, criminals, and corrupt politicians, but there are also people who are just like us, who have jobs, hobbies, families, and individual beliefs.
This is mere speculation, but I think the escalating Russophobia is a mere diversion from a very real internal threat: political polarization. Every day, people move to further ends of the political spectrum; dragging Russia into the mess won't solve anything, but will hurt many hardworking Russians and Russian-Americans. Russophobia will only be a disservice not only to Russians but to Americans as well. That said, we should not resort to using Russophobia as a buzzword to throw around in debate or play for our party.