By Emily Pierce, CQ-Roll Call

The Senate’s top Republican on Sunday joined the chorus of criticism at the Republican National Committee’s fundraising strategy that openly acknowledged a plan to stoke the politics of fear.

Appearing on ABC’s “This Week,” Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said the RNC fundraising presentation that pictured President Barack Obama as the Joker from “Batman,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi as “Cruella De Vil” and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as “Scooby Doo,” was “not helpful.”

“I don’t like it and I don’t know anybody that does,” said the Kentucky Republican, who declined to say whether anyone should be punished or fired for crafting the document.

“Typically, the way parties raise money is because people believe in the causes that they advocate,” he said. “I think the way we raise money from donors across America is to stand for things that we think are important.”

On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) also expressed displeasure with the strategy. “There is not excuse for that type of stuff. ... the way I understand it, some junior guy there raising funds tried that as a fundraising tool. I don’t want to condemn somebody but the fact of the matter is I’m ashamed of that.”

However, Hatch said he doesn’t believe RNC Chairman Michael Steele knew about the presentation and he said he still has faith in Steele’s leadership.

“I think he’s a very fine guy. He made mistakes like everybody does, but he’s a good face for our party,” said Hatch. “I think he’s articulate, he’s smart, he has a lot on the ball. He’s going to get criticized no matter what he does but he was one of the first to come out and say that was irresponsible.”

The fundraising PowerPoint presentation, which was first reported by Politico, noted that RNC fundraising pitches should capitalize on fear in general and a perceived trend toward socialism in the country.