What do you see as future of the Tea Party movement?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Sarah Palin is telling Tea Partiers they have to pick a party - either Republican or Democrat.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/02/18/art.tea.jpg caption="FILE PHOTO: Tea Partiers protested Congress' and Pres. Obama's health care reform efforts back in September."]
Speaking to Republicans in Arkansas, Palin started by praising the Tea Party, calling it a "grand movement" that she loves because it's "all about the people."
But she was quick to say tea party candidates won't win in our two-party system unless they join an established party. No surprise which one Palin thinks they'd be better of with.
Meanwhile there's a new poll that sheds some light on who actually makes up the Tea Party movement.
The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows activists are mostly male, rural, college-educated and overwhelmingly conservative.
The survey shows about 11 percent of Americans say they've actively supported the Tea Party either by giving money or going to a rally; and another 24 percent say they favor the movement but haven't taken any actions to support it. That's a total of 35 percent who could be described as Tea Party supporters. Not an insignificant number....
Which is exactly why it could be a problem for the GOP. If the Tea Party movement succeeds in getting candidates on the ballot, they could wind up splitting votes with the Republicans - and ultimately help the Democrats win.
Which is probably why Sarah Palin is asking them to pick a side. Meanwhile not such a great turnout for Palin at that Arkansas event. Reportedly less than half of the lover level seats were occupied in the 18,000 seat hall and the entire upper level was covered in black drapes.
Here’s my question to you: What do you see as the future of the Tea Party movement?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Now the time for U.S. to irritate China by meeting with the Dalai Lama?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In a move sure to get the Chinese all riled up - President Obama met today with the Dalai Lama at the White House.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/02/18/art.dalai.dc.jpg caption="The Dalai Lama draws in the snow with his finger outside the White House after meeting with Pres. Obama earlier today. The meeting drew angry protests from China."]
The president commended the Tibetan spiritual leader's commitment to non-violence and stated his support for the preservation of Tibet's identity and human rights.
After the meeting, the Dalai Lama told reporters he was very happy with the session; and that Mr. Obama was very much supportive. The exiled leader says he admires the U.S. as a champion of freedom and talked about promoting religious harmony and human value.
Here's the problem: China warned ahead of time that the meeting would damage relations with the U.S. The Chinese view the Dalai Lama as a separatist who wants to overthrow Chinese rule. The Dalai Lama insists that's not true. And - critics are after the president for not meeting with him last fall when he came to Washington.
All of which is why the White House kept today's meeting very low key - it wasn't held in the Oval Office where presidents usually meet with world leaders, and there were no reporters allowed. The White House only released a single photo.
Meanwhile it might not be the best time to tick off the Chinese. Relations are already strained between the two countries due to trade disputes, a recent U.S. arm sales deal for Taiwan, and a censorship disagreement over Google. Not to mention the fact that the Chinese hold a staggering amount of U.S. debt - hundreds of billions of dollars worth.
Here’s my question to you: Is now the time for the U.S. to irritate China by meeting with the Dalai Lama?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
How can Tiger Woods rehabilitate his image?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
So Tiger Woods has decided to talk… just in time for the Masters.
Woods is scheduled to speak publicly for the first time tomorrow at PGA headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
But there will be no questions allowed; and only a select few members of the press will be permitted to attend.
Woods will say what he has to say about the total collapse of his personal life and professional career - and then walk away, presumably expecting that to be the end of it. No questions, no need to admit more than the bare minimum - and then, bingo. Back to the business of playing golf, making millions and rescuing television's golf ratings.
Piece of cake. But my guess is it won't work.
If he's looking for forgiveness, he has to ask - humbly and with contrition. He has to answer questions about why he decided to throw away his marriage and arguably the most successful career in the history of sports for a few stolen moments. Well, a lot of stolen moments actually - with a bunch of bimbos.
In other words, he has to convince the sponsors, his fans, and his fellow golf pros that he is something besides an artificial, superficial, spoiled athlete.
If he doesn't do that, it will be a short comeback.
Here’s my question to you: How can Tiger Woods rehabilitate his image?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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