Please explain republicans and GM?

Did the republicans not know we are in a recession? did they not know unemployment is at its highest in 26 years? did they not know that if they did not p this bailout/loan the dollar would lose its value, the stock market would tumble down? did they not know they are risking losing 2.5 million jobs? FOR WHAT? The president elect AND president are both against them but they still rejected it. Don't they understand its not about teaching the big three a lesson there is plenty of time for that, they need to look at the big picture America is in need, they need a morale boost, they need hope they need to save as much key institutions as possible. Rep. keep talking about the airlines but we weren't in a RECESSION during that time. Im non-partisan if the Dem. did the same thing I would be just as confused, somebody please explain.