Tea Party favorable rating almost as high as Dems & GOP
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks at the Tea Party Express' "Showdown in Searchlight" rally March 27 in Searchlight, Nevada. The rally, held in the hometown of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), serves as the kickoff for a 42-city bus tour that ends in D.C. April 15. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's about time. The American people may have finally had it with both Democrats and Republicans... and might just start seriously considering another option.
A new USA Today/Gallup poll shows for the first time, the two major political parties are viewed unfavorably by most Americans. What's more - the Tea Party movement's favorable rating of 37 percent is nearly as high as the 41 percent for Democrats and 42 percent for Republicans.
This means the anti-tax, anti-big government movement that's only about one year old is ranking almost as high as these political machines that have been around for a couple hundred years.
The same poll shows 28 percent of all adults call themselves supporters of the Tea Party... more than a quarter of Americans is nothing to sneeze at. When it comes to their politics, Tea Party supporters mostly lean Republican and conservative. They're also more likely to be male and less likely to be poor.
But in many other areas, Tea Partiers are representative of the general public - including their age, education, employment status and race. And whether it ultimately comes from the Tea Party or not, it could finally mean some real competition for the 2 major parties, which have long since ceased to give much of a damn about American citizens.
Meanwhile an article in the British Newspaper "The Telegraph" suggests that with Americans so disgusted with their politicians, a real outsider is needed in the White House. They say no one stands out like General David Petraeus, head of U.S. Central Command.
Petraeus emphatically denies any interest in being president... but then again, so have lots and lots of other future candidates.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean when the Tea Party movement has a favorable rating almost as high as the Democrats and Republicans?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Driscoll writes:
Finally the electorate smells the rotting stench emanating from that cesspool called Washington, D.C. The ruling class has not listened to what is important to the people (jobs are #1). They are disgusted with the methods used to ram this health care reform down our throats.
Sam writes:
It means that the U.S. is in trouble as its citizens support a novelty of simpletons rather than substance.
Chris in Philadelphia writes:
Until they find a mouthpiece other than Caribou Barbie, very little. They need electable candidates, and if they find a couple of those it could be really bad for Republicans and Democrats.
Ryan writes:
The Tea Party doesn't have any real solutions to solving our problems. All they have is their anger. We need a lot more than sound bites and fury to fix things. Show me some substance.
Jim in Chicago writes:
It's sad when a one-dimensional political party achieves popular parity with the more established parties, but that does not equate to success. The Tea Party is not so much rising in the polls as the Democrats and Republicans are falling. The Tea Party is presently filling the void, the vacuum, from the two major parties' loss of faith from the general electorate.
Tom in Texas writes:
Hopefully, the Tea Party will split the GOP down the middle. You may think they are the "mad-as hell-not-gonna-take-it- anymore" populist movement of the future. I look at those crowds (and their signs) and see ignorant rednecks who do not like the fact that their President is a black man. Period.
D. in Atlanta writes:
It means that when someone said, "don't worry, things could be worse," they were right!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
IT'S ALL OBAMA'S FAULT!!!
WASHINGTON, D.C.
It means that there are a number of people that are more than sympathetic to the "cause". I say they should go for it and vote their conscience and let the chips fall where they may. They should go forth and create a new Third Party. More power to them
The answer is pretty obvious, Jack. More people are disappointed with the two party system. Both democrats and republicans have shown that they care more for their parties than they do for the people who elected them to office. Now, if only we can find more independants to run; we won't have to worry about the fanatic conservatives in the tea party.
Democrats are racist and anti feminists as demonstrated by the demeaning and defaming comments regarding Sarah Palin and Michael Steele. Republicans aren't real bright as demonstrated by their letting a bunch of bigoted socialists get away with taxing us more and restricting our freedoms. Sounds like the TEA party is the way to go.
I remember a similar party forming in another country. This party was know for the brown shirts they wore. I think they are no more than rabel following loud mouth individuals. They need to be stopped before they tear this country apart.
Jack,
I think there is a huge silent majority out there who are taking the "wait and see" attitude regarding those tea baggers who are against anything President Obama tries to do. All we seem to see on TV are groups of white faces screaming in anger and holding up horrible signs. I really don't think they are a majority at all.
Jon
Lakeland, MN
What does it mean when the Tea Party movement has a favorable rating almost as high as the Democrats and Republicans?
It says to me that the Republican party can't hold it together, which will result in more seats for the Democrats.
That works for me. We need to kick ALL obstructionist OUT of office, both Democrats and Republicans. Americans NEED leaders who will put THEM first, not last.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Jack,
Since my idea of a tea party is a bunch of people getting together,listening to music,and drink tea PEACEFULLY,this is rather disturbing because the Tea Party movement is FAR from that.
Greg M. Largo,FL
It means they're just about as respected. The Tea Party is a joke. A bunch of idiots who wouldn't know how to tie their shoe laces let alone run a government efficiently. These people just want to go back to the 1950s when Blacks were still being misstreated and women were nothing more than simpleton's in the minds of their husbands. Everyone sees them as crazy cooks who just listen to Fox Noise and the uber Conservative talk radio with the likes of Limbaugh & Beck and think these fools speak the truth about the world when they don't. If the Tea party listened to CNN, read a news paper every day, and acutally made up their own minds they'd probably actually gain some real intelligence.
Terrence Cain
Big Spring, TX
Was that (as high as) or (as low as) ?
Jerry in GA
I just read a statement by George Wallace, Jr. in our local paper. He states that he's attended Tea Party rallies because they remind him of the folks who supported (the late and largely unlamented pestilence that was) his father and, unfortunately, he's right. They're a bunch of inbred, ignorant, potentially homicidal racists and their popularity in some quarters means nothing less than – EVIL NEVER DIES!
Susan
Tuscaloosa AL
I think that we should look at it like this...only 30-40% of the people in this country generally vote – the question is asking of everyone. So you have people who say they are democrates and people who are republicans...and then you have the real voters, aka these days as the tea party.
Lawrenceville, Ga
Well Jack,
I think it means that the "Tea Party", whatever that means, needs to organize further, endorse or field their own candidates, and create a party of it's own.
It's way past time that there are more than two viable political parties on ballots.
I for one, vote Libertarian, and Green Party candidates.
I'd like to see another party.
Anything to erode the stranglehold that Demoncrats and Repugnantcan'ts have on our once great democracy.....
Michael G
Tampa, FL
It means that there is no end of lunatics, fools, idiots and those who are deliberately blind beyond any degree of rational intelligence. We are toast.
Well considering the media is trying to disregard them, they seem to have gained a lot of support for their anti wasteful gov't spending that we have had for 30 years!
If you add all of the numbers together, it means that over three fourths of American voters finally believe in "something".
In the past, American voter apathy has been down right embarrassing based on the percentage of people that actually voted but what it is really sad is that the weather has been the major factor in voter turn-out in many elections.
Voting has been a right, a privilege and an obligation that has been ignored by many Americans for too many years.
It means we have an awful lot of Americans who have fallen prey to hate and fear mongering. What a sad statistic.
I think that just the fact that our main stream media is so anti tea party makes me believe they should be supported!
But really who would think increasing the size of our ever wasteful bankrupt gov't would be a good idea?
Cedar City, UT
It means we have a defacto third party system in place! That might make the DEMs and Middle of the road REPs start shaking in their boots.
It means the fat cats are in trouble . When the slaves rise up the puppet masters are done.!
Perhaps it means that people realize that the two-party system has been the death of the Republic as some founders realized. Another party is hopefully only the beginning of the end for Democrats and Republicans, as both parties have forsaken their roots. Hopefully the Tea Party will become more of a constitutional party, and not some neocon monstrosity...
Disaffection with all that politic.
Mike from Houston, TX
It means that the time for a third option, has come, and that the people are ready for a return to the democratic process.
It means that our current political system has lost the confidence of the American people to represent them. It's time for a political revolution. Our present 'aisle' separted congress has ceased being effective to guide America in the right direction.
David, Las Vegas
Jack,
It means that many people are frustrated with both parties and their perpetual bickering and gridlock, and are expressing that frustration by giving thumbs up to the Tea Party extremists. The best thing that could possibly happen for the Democrats is that the Tea Party folks will actually begin taking those favorable ratings seriously and field their own candidates in large numbers of congressional and gubernatorial races this November. That will guarantee a landslide of wins for the Democrats.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
It means that somebody misread the polls. Or it means that many Americans are not participating in some of those polls. The Tea Party movement, from my perspective, is on the brink of being a hate group. Not all of them, but from what I see, many fit that definition.
The Tea Party is just the Republican party, by another name.
The Tea Party followers repesent the core of American values. Not necessarily all the members represent the same thing exactly but the ideas generated and talked about seem to exemplify the core values of "solid" Americans who have remained silent much too long. I'm glad that something has awakened the "who cares" groups of citizens to the point of caring what happens to this wonderful society we live in. I hope it's not too late.
George from Crofton, Kentucky
I believe that says more about the Democrats and the Republicans than it says about the Tea Party.
It means Americans aspire for something better than the disfunctional Republican and Democratic parties. However, with obvious disconnect from reality and spelling shown by the Tea Party Jihadists that's just means we'd be jumping out of an uncomfortable frying pan and into a raging fire.
The TP is not viable as a political party as it represents a very small segment of the voting population. It gets press because CNN reports on their member's activities. That's it.
I think the tea party strong showing is a sign of the times just like during the great depression when the communist party started to show strength. Now all we need is for Sarah Palin to grow a moustache and Rush Limbaugh already has the weight to play the part of Goering. It should make for and interesting midterm election.
Jack, It Simply Means That it is Time to Vote All of Them Out of Office, and to Elect a New Set of Liars.
Jack,
Finally the 2 incumbent parties are losing their grip on the mindless sheep that follow them. Unfortunately it is an extreme right party making its way into the fray. More religious right trying to force their views down OUR throats.
It means the Republican and Demorcrat incumbants better run for cover come this November. The Tea Party Movement may not be a viable political party but these patriotic Americans are making their point around the nation. No to pandering, feckless, entrenched incumbants, who could give a damn about you and me.
And we're still waiting to hear Wolf sing.
It means America has achieved perfect balance: 1/3 progressive, 1/3 conservative, and 1/3 crazy.
Ed
Port Aransas, Tx
It is no surprise that the Tea Party and the GOP have similar ratings, since they are basically the same thing. This means that GOP members who are uncomfortable with the Tea Party will leave it soon and vote for someone else.
it means the dem are scared sick that is why the media is attacking them so much . their is going to be a big shake up in gov.
Sadly, it means what we've voters have known for decades - what choice do we have? If "none of the above" were on the ballot, it would garner more votes than the Dems, GOP, and Tea Party combined.
It means that your country is at a very dangerous cross-roads. It is inconceivable, that a President who spends the country's resources on its people is some how, anti- American. Furthermore, the media (including CNN) , should be pointing out the patent absurdity of the Tea Party movement, rather than legitimizing it in hopes of procuring a headline. An assassination would make for higher ratings, but would push your country over the edge- and in this global economy, the rest of the world would follow!
We Canadians share this continent with you. As you know, we do have three main parties and sometimes more. It's a way of fine tuning the power of the party in charge. That is, if we have a minority government the agreement of a second party that may be favourable to proposed legislation can side with the leading power to pass it.
As your neighbour you see me obtain the very same 'product' as you at half the price you pay. We get wholesale rates for our health care because the phrase "for the people by the people, etc" means we don't have a dictator at the head of some 'private' company set the price we pay nor control who can and who can't be taken care of. None of our expensive taxes are diverted into a black hole. I remember Dr.Gupta on Larry King's show a few years ago with Michael Moore admitting he has to get permission to procede with a procedure after examining a patient.. Yet the Republicans scare your citizens with that's what happens here in canada. Total lie. My double bypass and the later imbedding of an ICD was done without anyone but my surgeon and a second opinion from a collegue of his.
Don't continue to be held hostage-Nationalize the health INSURANCE companies and begin single payer.. I saw one blog where a lady pays almost $800.00 per month for an insurance policy. I pay just a few hundred dollars a YEAR more. She would save over $8,000.00 per year under our system. Delays? Sometimes. Refused? NEVER!!
Tea Party favorable rating could only result from polling a White Supremacist convention. I seriously doubt a single Hispanic voter would even acquaint themselves with the white power bible thumping tea party membership.
It means misery LOVES company!
If this is true, it is possible those who voted for Hillary instead of Barack because she was white and a woman – most of them , so called, blue democrats from southern states like Texas and Alabama.
That we all are tire of the same and want changes. However this will also have a big impact on the upcoming elections. The GOP and the independents are gone to be rivals, fighting for the same voters and this in turn will set a clear pass for the democrats to stay in. In other words more of the BS......
I hope that the majority of those supporting the democrats like the existing Cuban system. We are heading that way.
I'd like to believe that it means that there is a viable, third party in America. Sadly, after listening to the Tea Party rhetoric and watching the vitriol and hate that apparently permeates the rallies, it probably means that there are a great many ignorant people in our nation. And unfortunately these folks seem to be hell-bent redirect the course of our nation because they have all the answers. The "right" answers, that is. Never mind who the "American people" elected as president during the last election. Indeed, I am very, very tired of hearing what the American people want... because as surely as I am breathing today, the Tea Party folks and the affiliated Republican strategists and otherwise do not speak for me. And last time I checked... I was an American. But then, I suppose it's altogether possible that my birth certificate could be wrong...
Benicia, California
All the tea baggers are mad, well where were they when:
We had eight years of Bush and Cheney – NOW you get mad?
You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount in 2000 and
appointed a President.
You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate
energy policy.
You didn't get mad when a covert CIA operative (Valerie Plame) got outed.
You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.
You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.
You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 billion(and counting) on said illegal war.
You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.
You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people.
You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans.
You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.
You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.
You didn't get mad when we let a major US city, New Orleans, drown.
You didn't get mad when we gave a 900 billion tax break to the rich.
You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.
You FINALLY got mad when the government decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick. Yes, illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, stealing your tax dollars to make the rich richer, are all okay with you, but helping other Americans...oh no...now you're mad.
Well isn't that special.
It means ignorance is more pervasive than we realize! People must not be fully aware of the polarizing platform the tea party advocates and the undercurrent of hate and prejudice that accompanies it. If people are not ignorant of these ideas, than as a country we are in trouble and have sought to be reactionary even if it compromises intellect and civility.
Sadly, it means there are many undereducated, misinformed angry old white people being riled up by the right wing media types of AM radio and faux News. I know u won't read this on the air..but it's true.
It means there are that many Americans who believe everything they hear on TV, or listen to on the radio. They have no concern for their own good, just what they are propagandized into buying. Most of these people are so ashamed of what society has become, but rather than looking constructively on how to change for the better, they scream and shout about Forefathers, and Constitutiontional rights. How many of them are living off the system as much as anyone else in this country. They meet in public parks, have police present for their speakers, all of which would be gone if they had their way. Ignorant people follow, true leaders inspire, they come up with no solutions just complain about anyone elses.
The Tea Party's rating is just as meaningless as that for the Republicans and Democrats - what only counts is what people do on election day. We've been done this road before during the Clinton administration when the Republican Party used the dissatisfaction of the American people to take over the House and Senate. Of course, we know that the Republicans got caught up in the trappings of power and dissapated the good will they had earned.
As the Tea Party is an amalgam of ad hoc groups, there will be those politicians who take advantage and continue business as usual. Expect a number of both Democrats and Republicans to take the "Tea Party" pledge come this fall, and there will be others who run under the Tea Party banner who will get elected and immediately seek the best offer they can find.
Cynical? Not really, not so long as people remember that they can always vote them out. As citizens, we can always remember that the ballot box is how to keep their feet to the fire. Turn them all out now.
What it says to me is that people are angry at their government and looking for some way to express that anger in a world where the media would rather talk about the latest Hollywood or PGA scandal than about critical issues like unemployment and our national debt. People blame both parties for the current situation and are tired of the blame game that both parties are engaged in. They see CNN calling out Senator Coburn instead of the Senators who refused to pay for the unemployment extension. They are so fed up that even a movement that has Sarah Palin attached to it seems to make more sense than the stuff being spewed in Washington.
I am a Tea Party activist, a business consultant , bestselling author and a legal immigrant from India. Obama and the Dems are openly attacking free speech and free enterprise.
Dissenters were patriotic during Bush era and now everyone who opposes Obama agenda is a racist and a segregationist- give me a break!
It is time that the rest of the country woke up to the fact that these politicians want power over citizens and they will do whatever they can to keep it.
Minesh, Troy, MI
Not a surprise to me Jack. I have watched in amazement as people have decided to support the republican agenda again just because its been a tough year. Surprised that most folks seem to have forgotten that 7 trillion of the 8 trilliion dollar debt was amassed under the Bush watch; amazed that we expect 8 years of poor budget management to be fixed in 1 year; amazed that we believe the outrageous lies the gop told about health care (death panels, please)
Yes Jack, amazed that according to most reports many of the tea partiers are the recipents of government programs....Yes jack I am amazed and dumbfounded at the stupiditity of my fellow americans and I'm a republican....
It should be a wake up call to both Parties that the public views them the same way they do the Tea Party wingnuts. MAYBE they had both better figure out a way to solve America's problems instead of concentrating on how their party can win the next election.
Jack,it means the country is tired of being told, what is best for us, by a socialist regime!!
Jumpin on the band wagon. You can change politicians all you want, but in the end you end up with just people.
The tea party having ratings above 15% means that they will keep growing until they reach a "zenith" point, in which the majority of the members will have different major issues, which will cause the movement to implode once issues fall away, and politicians supposedly "change to match the situation." Basically it means for the next decade, Americans won't have much to talk about or complain, unless there is more prolems. Americans are rather impatient at times, and it can hurt politicians if they don't present both instant, and long-term solutions, although they rarely get credit for long-term solutions, which may very well be the case with Mr. Obama.
Boise, Idaho
Chilling...very chilling.
Olga
Austin, Texas
It means this country is comprised mostly of lunatics.
The "Tea" in "tea party" is an acronym for "taxed enough already". I think the American people are beginning to realize that the Obama administration is all about raising taxes, including everyone that makes less than $250,000 annually.
As you recently said, Mr. Cafferty...how dare they, the Obama administration, break their promise of more "openness and transparency in government"? That's why the American people are so upset with Obama...because he has not fulfilled a single promise that he made during his Presidential campaign in 2008.
The US is ready and ripe for a third party. Perot was as close as the tea party but he let threats on his family stop him.
It's sad when a one dimensional political party achieves popular parity with the more established parties, but that does not equate to sucsess as I see it. The Tea Party is not so much rising in the polls as the Democrats and Republicans are falling. The Tea Party is presently filling the void, the vacuum, from the two major party's loss of faith from the generel electorate.
From listening and observing it appears to me that the tea party consists of the uninformed impressing the gullible. Do you remember the 60's Jack? Everyone who could play a guitar became a political pundit. Nothing really changes does it?
It means they haven't defined themselves. For example, the reason there are no spokespeople for the Tea party in New Hampshire is there is no agreement to what it stands for. Once the Tea Party starts taking stands on issues, the independents will align again with Obama.
they represent nothing ,so they need to get a life and find better things to do such as take care of their families instead of demostrating against obamas policies and waste the rest of american people time.
The Tea Party is not a real entity. It has not structure and no leader. It is a collection of discontents without any coherent plans. It has endoresed a few canidates without much success,
Jack...if you split it three ways it makes sense to see they have equal footing..1/3 left...1/3 right..1/3 trying to get in front of the other. What a dance!
It means Americans are mad at the way they're being treated by their government and specifically by their representatives. Our elected officials are more interested in the perks of the job, the power it brings, toeing the party line, raising money and getting reelected than they are about the people who voted them into office. A long way of saying they're out of touch with the electorate and the electorate is pissed.
It means that half of Americans have a lower than average IQ.
IT means somebody is cooking the books or fudging the numbers.
About as much as daytime television drama ratings!
It just confirms that there are a large number of people out there that are disillusioned with the political process and parties per se. But then that implies change – an THAT by definition is a liberal ideal.
OMG – the tea party is a bunch of activist liberals!
looks like the republicans we be hurt more by this then the dem's.way to go teaparty's.I lov the wingnut's.
It shows a definite dissatisfaction with the groups in both houses..The Dems are perhaps a little too much to the left to satisfy a large portion of the country, and the Repubs still remind people of what created a large chunk of the debt, unemployment stats that plague your country..This has created a gap that the Tea Party has offered refuge to..It is fascinating to watch McCain, Palin and Romney attempt to align themselves with the TP...I mean "just say no" isn't much of a campaign slogan, is it?
Jack, when will you and other reporters get the facts straight? The Tea Party is not a third political party, but a very large group of Americans who are angry and are making their voices heard. TEA....TAXES ENOUGH ALREADY. They are upset with Democrats and Republicans who have sold our country out by big government spending and unconstitutional intrusion into our lives. Democrats and Republicans who are more centrist and conservative with our tax dollars are supported by the TEA party Americans. They are Americans who have attracted support from conservatives like Sarah Palin. Americans who will vote in November and send those people who have not listened back home.
It is not unusual for a movement, specifically a protest movement, to have high popularity numbers. All it is jack is a protest movement. It has no real leadership. Sarah Palin has low popularity numbers outside those who are part of the movement.The movement most likely will be only a whisper after November, unless they get real leadership who will direct its followers to a more moderate platform to attract the moderate Democrats and Republicans as well as Independents.
A favorable rating "almost as high as" means the same thing as "not quite as high as."
In other words, as much as people don't like Democrats and Republicans, they hate the Tea Party movement even more.
Adam P.
St. Louis, MO
This is what makes America so great. We the people are starting to wake up and hopefully take some positive action against the big money people in Washington who have sold their lives to Satan thru the lobbyist and big businesses that support them.
It means little until the party gets people in office. I am hoping this is done with independents rather than people within the current political machines.
Jack it means a tipping point has been reached. Everyone in the lower, middle and upper classes will have a close family member who will sympathize with the tea party. The Obama administration, other democratic leaders and members of the media have said or reported that they are racists and bigots. The friends and family members look at them and see this is not the case and wonder what other lies Obama , the democratic leaders and media are telling. If Obama and his supporters do not stop attacking the tea party and start listening to them very few democrats will be safe in the next elections. The Republicans should see that not one democrat goes unopposed. They will be shocked at who is defeated. Waterloo ontario
It means two things Jack, one good and one bad:
The good thing is that the American public has finally seen that the Reps and Dems are essentially employees of the same Political Corporation of the US. They are both wholly owned by international corporations and only differ on social issues. The rise of a 3rd party will force both parties to reconsider their loyalties.
The bad thing is the Tea Party isn't exactly a great alternative. Their heart is in the right place but their inability to cleanse their party of the crazies makes them very unpalatable to the people like me who have never taken a poll before-which is a higher number of people than those sampled in the one you are citing. I guess I just don't see how a political party in the 21st century can think that we will survive without a strong central government and a tax rate that will pay for what we need.
It means that your survey techiques are antiquated and outdated. I'll bet you if you do a study of who and what this group is truly comprised of, you'll see that all these are, are the way right leaning Republicans that have existed every since the right wing fringe has been around. Nothing new here.
It means the cry for a third party has finally been heard; too bad the Big Two will never allow it. Our government doesn't allow for monopolies in business, but they love having their own.
What I hope that it DOESN'T mean is that Cariboo Barbie will be its candidate for President. What I hope that it DOES mean is that we'll be ushering in a group of movers and shakers and throwing out the deadbeats whose only interest lies in their reelection.
It means that some people are starting to grow a brain. Some people have finally figured out that both the dems and pubs are for more wars, more corporate welfare. more oil wells, more nukes, more illegal aliens, and more federal debt . The u.s. has a negative cash balance of 65 trillion dollars but both parties continue to spend and spend and spend money we do not have.
The main issue is to keep the democrat and republican liars out of the running for anyone we choose. While they have changed suits the bunch that's in there now would cross dress to get votes if they thought it would help.
Wecome to the "None of the above" choice. BOTH the Democrats and Republicans have sold out to special interests and mismanagement of government, and a larger faction is realizing that this has to change and that the solution is not in either party.
Jack, the issue boils down to this for the idependent voters who have flocked to the Tea Party on the basis of the one issue of big spending, can they hold their noses and vote for conservative politicians and ideals that have driven them away from the Republican party for the past 30 years?
I can only hope it means Republicans will lose voting power, since the Tea Party people are not any different than the GOP. If this movement can take votes away from regular Republicans, than it will bode well for the party for the common man, which is the Democratic party.
Jack,
It means that Americans are tired of being ignored by our elected officials. We didn't elect them so that they could give themselves raises. We didn't elect them so that could cater to their friends. We didn't elect them so that they could force us into something we strongly objected to. The Tea Party is a result of Democrats and Republicans constantly turning a deaf ear to the people who voted for them. We're tired of it.
I think you hit the nail on the head, Jack. Americans (at least a whole lot of them) are tired opf the partisan ideologues who seem to control the government. We are a centirst society. The radical oscillation between two polar opposites gives no comfort to those in the middle - in fact it breeds a great deal of distrust. So, if Patreous of someone else without dramatic partisanship or ideoilogy (other than being American, not European) somes along, more power to him or her.
# 1 Jack it verifies that indeed we are discusted with do-nothing politicians who talk a good game until they actually get to Washington, DC. 2nd, it says that the Dems are doing a horrible job getting the facts across to the American People. The awful truth is that the size of the Government grew by more under GWB than any other president in recent history, and that unless you make millions of dollars per year, your taxes will probably decrease under current & proposed legislation. If the "Tea Party" can weed out the bigots, liars & followers of liars such as Beck & Limbaugh, they can conceivably become a viable party, otherwise they are doomed to remain the Party of the uneducated & uninformed and not a real player.
I knew someone was truly 'scared' when the Democrats lowered themselves to LIES about what was said by the members of the TEA Party (the N-word lie for one). I mean how stupid do they think we are, IF those words WERE being yelled out, was it when ever camera and recording device was turned off? Were cell phones all not working during that 5 minutes or so, did all the media covering the event also go on lunch break? That is what disgust ME about the current TWO political parties in power, they refuse to be HONEST and FRANK when talking to us or DEALING with the people 'THEY' are supposed to be SERVING! November cannot come fast enough, if you ask me.
Walter, Pacific Grove, California
It means if you are a minority or poor watch out, they hate you and want to get rid of you.
Eric R.
Washington D.C
Jack this just proves experience pollsters can get any answer someone wants. When the questions are manipulated in such a way they will give you the answers you want. This is more obvious than any past polls.
Also we wonder what questions were asked in order to derive at these numbers.
Really!! We are to believe a large number of American agree with the tea party (Now this is pushing it) look at the type of folks are in this tea party.
In no way do I believe a large number of good educated American Identify with this disrespectful wing nut tea party.
Skeptical.
It means that 28% of your citizens are ignorant.
Political parties in general are not well thought of, even the potential new ones.
it means that speaker pelosi was wrong in her initial assesment that this movement is 'astro-turf'. it also means that there is a large and growing group that has just had it with both parties. while the greater part of the movement are of people who identify themselves as more conservative leaning, there is a segment within it who are moderate and even democrats. for better or worse,the tea party may be a preview of the future of american politics. maybe in the future, instead of voters being more concerned whether the candidate has a D or R after their name, they would focus on the positions and actual record of people seeking public office.
NC
Seems to me the "tea party" whatever that is... stands for the same things the Libertarian Party does. The BIG difference is the Libertarian Party is a legitimate political party that is on the ballot already. Why not support the Libertarian Party... the only EXISTING established party that seeks to dramatically downsize government??? Exactly how does a non-party-party get on the ballot? The Libertarians have fought for decades to be on the ballot. and give Americans a legitimate chance to vote for smaller government. Starting over with a "tea party" means fighting for the same gains it took Libertarians DECADES to achieve before being a legitimate party. Makes no sense. Just vote for the existing party that has been pushing for a dramatic downsizing of the Federal Government for the past 40 years. Why start over at square one ???
So we have rich white people that lean towards republican, that belong to the tea pukes. Boy, I am fooled!
Don't see where it means anything, appears to me that it is made up of a bunch of Democrats and Republicans that wouldn't be satisfied if they had their way on everything. They are primarily of the upper income bracket that don't want the scum bag lower class having anything except being a servant to them.
Jack,
Basically it makes little sense to me... All we need to be looking for is positive change... The Tea Party is basically acting just like the Rebublicans, they don't like what the Democrats are doing, but that is all... I have yet to hear any viable alternatives for a better way to change things from either group, so it amazes me how many people follow when all they say is don't so this and don't so that, buy can't tell you what to do different that is better...
it's hard to believe, in my opinion. The extreme tea baggers fly planes into IRS buildings and some plan to abduct and kill cops to overthrow the government. crazy..
Dear Jack, What it means is that it could be a disaster for the Republican Party. The' Tea Partiers' are mostly a group of angry Conservative Republicans. If the 'Tea Party' puts up their own candidate against the Republican, they will split the vote. The Republicans are desperately trying absorb the 'Partiers' into their Party. I guess we will have to wait and see......
It means that right now no party has a large or favorable audience.
Jack, how could you not be disgusted by how both parties operate. The posturing for purely political reasons is appalling. I can't tell you how many people I hear say that they wished there was a way to get rid of every single one of them and put some people in place with some common sense who actually care about the people. The Tea Party is but one of probably more movements to come.
The Gospel according to Hannity:
Tea Partyers = Timothy McVeigh Wanabees
Timother McVeigh Wannabies = Home grown Terrorist
Ergo: Tea Partyers = Home grown Terrorist (via Hannity postulate)
QED
I think it's indicative of the this country's frustration with "same ol" politics. But I don't think it's going to become a third party representing masses of people. I think some of these people will be absorbed by the GOPS, some by the Dems...and there we are...back to square one and two again.
Maria
Brunswick,MD
The dichotomy needs to end. The Republicans stink it up with partisan ploys, then come the Dems who one up them in stupidity. If the trend continues, the Republicans will be replacing the Dems, and one up their lunacy.
It means that our worst nightmare of Sarah Palin being President is one step closer to a horrific reality.
Corey
Jackson, Mich.
I'll remind everyone here, this is a movement, not a "party". The Democrats and Republicans had better take notice of future candidates in their own party's. You can be replaced!
Mark
I hope it means that the US citizens are sending a message to our politicians to stop the corruption!! However, I most certainly fear that it does not. Desperate times require desperate measures!!! The Republicans are most certainly desperate to take back the white house!! They will stop at nothing to do so. I can only pray that each and every Tea Party person is getting fair & balanced information before they make any decisions. But they probably are not!! I DEMAND to know how many of those so called activists are relying on some form of government? Ect> govt. medica or financial assistance. I sometimes fear some folks do not understand why they are protesting in the first place? Oh, that’s right….Fear!!!!!! Always the rich taking advantage of the scared poor person. I am positive those folks do not make over 200,000? The Fat cats always manage to take advantage of the poor. When I think of some of the information these folks get from non other than Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, etc….scares they hell out of me…..getting “nothing but the facts” is THE MOST IMPORTANT decision making element. I guess this tea party movement could impress me if it consisted of “just facts” from the media as well as our politicians.
Mary-NJ
The Tea Party Movement is just another attempt at having a 3d party and some of their ideas may slip into Congress by both Democrats and Republicans. Sara Palin will be the leader of it until it flzzles out and then she will pick up some other interesting project like McCain.
I think it shows how bad of a job George Bush did. He alienated people from the Republican Party, destroyed the economy and he made everyone so fearful of the government they are afraid to submit their Census information.
Jack,
What does it mean that the Tea Bag movement has almost the same approval ratings as the Republican and Democratic parties...probably not much. Other than being mostly: conservative, male, and not poor (according to your article), they have very few commonalities within their movement. Oh wait!... male, not poor, and conservative and not wanting to lose power; where have we seen that before? Maybe there are commonalities after all:)
Best,
Joseph
Brooklyn, NY
Lexington SC It means that they are just as legitimate as Democrats and Republicans, that's what it means.
It means there are a ton of racist, ignorant, entitled idiots in this country, Jack, that is what it means.
that the USA is in trouble as it's citizens support a novelty of simpletons rather than substance
The Tea Partier's just need a real job and their ranks will drop. The country doesn't need a former General in the White House looking for a place to deploy troops, the life blood of the career military. That too would signal military spending and once again putting the educational needs in the back of the bus, if it's on the bus at all. I've long tired of so many in Congress being "Uber Patriots" when they did all they could NOT to serve, it should be required that they serve instead of calling for volunteers.
It just means there are more crazy people around than we thought.
Shows me that that 37% of the country are out of their minds!
Tea for two, but the people are not inviting the Democrats or Republicans. They are fed up with Washington and the way it operates. But without viable third party candidates with loads of money it will be the same old business as usual. It's all about lack of choice.
Jack,
The fact is that Americans know very little about the Tea Party and since most people claim to hate the Republicans and Democrats, despite constantly re-electing them, it's natural that the "new kid in town" is going to get some positive attention simply for existing. However as more Americans realize that "Tea Party" is just a euphemism for "Nazi Party" they'll realize they're still better off with Pelosi and Boehner.
Brian
Boise, ID
Jack–
It means that Americans are more into blaming and complaining than in finding solutions to our many problems. I have yet to hear anything from the Tea partiers about what they would do to impove America. They are excellent at saying what they don't like and won't do. A do-nothing president to go with our do-nothing congress would put us in a hard place.
It means that we can now identify with certainty which Americans are complete idiots. Look, the major parties have all kinds of serious issues–most notably the lack of political will to take on the deficit. But any "movement" that counts Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin as its thought leaders is demonstrably vacuous. These people revel in misinformation and simple-minded platitudes. The Tea Party Movement is little more than inarticulate fury with no intellectual center. The fact that they poll as well as they do says that 37 percent of Americans are incapable of critical thought.
why are we so afraid to change parties. were wrong in thinking ours is ok but the other guys suck. that mentality has prevailed for far too long..it is not going to change soon, because of the money.. if a candidate doesnt have enough money for his campaign he will lose.. he or she doesnt have enough exposure.lets take a chance and see what happens.. the politicians are arrogant in thinking that most americans will eventually vote them in because of their experience.both parties are guilty of this . AMERICA, VOTE FOR A 3RD PARTY CANDIDATE IN ALL THE COMING ELECTIONS,INCLUDING THE LOCAL ONES
Jack, it means the same thing it has meant in past years. That there are a bunch of people out there that are disgusted with Washington D.C. politics and making noise. When election time comes, however, they will ease back into the old, comfortable Dem/Repub, voting pattern because they don't REALLY believe that they can vote the bums out, and they believe THEIR politician is OK, it is always someone else's fault. End result-no change, other than a few numbers for/against the Dem/Repub partys in power and no change in D.C.
I am having a VERY hard time believing the Tea Baggers have a 37 percent favorable rating. Seriously how many people in America are that ignorant to support an obviously racist bigoted rightwing bunch of nutbags like the Tea Baggers?
While I am disgusted by the republicans refusal to work for the best of America and keep being obstructionists all in the name of Party over Country and I am disgusted by the spineless cowardice of democrats, the Tea Baggers present the WORST face of America and I would rather look at the poll as Two Thirds of America have an unfavorable view of the Tea Baggers.
It means that politicians are completely out of touch with what this country is all about. They ignore what the people have been saying to them for years, and finally many of us are completely fed up and we aren't going to take it anymore. The Tea Party movement is not going away even though you in the media think it is a big joke. I know they go against the beliefs of most of the news media but you will just have to get used to it. Haven't you noticed that fewer and fewer people are watching CNN?
As long as Sarah is on the side of the Tea Party, I do not want anything to do with it. This woman is like the Daughter of Charles Manson and Ann Coulter. As long as they lie and distort the truth, they will have a good following. They almost got the health care bill stopped by lying. Death Panels, and paid abortions? That was not in the bill, but people believed it. If you tell someone often enough, they will believe it. As in the weopons of mass destruction in Iraq. We had the Reciept from the first Bush Admin.
The Tea Party IS mostly Republicans, isn't it? How can you count them when the Republicans rush out to protest in the Tea Party movement also. You are counting them twice. I doubt that they are that large.
They are only protesting because they haven't been hearing the truth .
A neighbor heard on Fox News that the government was going to take away our Social Security. Nonsense!
They still think Obama wasn't born in the USA....he's a Muslim, and numerous other things that are going around....no wonder they protest, when they are fed lies , and their crude signs are showing their ignorance..
Doris
Ojai, California
What does it mean Jack. It means there is a chance that the inmates will run the asylum. Actually, it is quite frightening that out and out racists have such a favorable rating. And where do u get these polls, Jack? No one ever asks me nor anyone I know. If u want the likes of the 1/2 term governor from Alaska or Mark Rubio from Fla to rule, lots of luck America! Right down the toilet, we go!
I think it means, I hope,it means, that more and more Americans are finally waking up to the fact that the dunkies and the elephants are not providing a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people". Maybe, enough Americans will gain back the poweer it takes to throw these ultra leftisit, ultra rightist, and useless fennce sitters back into the holes they sprung from.
In God We Trust; In the USA we speak English; we don't want hand-outs; we want the opportunity for a good job with a chance of working hard and earning a piece of the pie; we don't feel obligated to feed, clothe, educate, and provide health care for those here illegally;in fact, we want them outta here...now. we wish no war with people of any other religion, but we damn sure will protect ourselves and our own to the death
It means we have a bunch of Uber Conservatives trying to seize the Goverment with scare tactics and Sarah Palin.
The political slide to the left is now 2 years old and is being led by the President. The Tea Party movement is a push-back to the right by disenchanted folks who don't like the slide. Its only [problem is being perceived as extreme. American voters don't like extremes.
If the Tea Party movement can reign in the rhetoric and focus on a more centrist approach, they could upset the Democratic apple cart come November and just possibly change the political landscape in America for a long time to come.
Gary H. Boyd, Scottsdale, Arizona
it means the media has done its job as the forth seat of power. may god have mercy on them.
Hahaha the Tea party ?!
The new right wing fundamentalist, rich white mans militia more like it..hahhaa
Sadly, racism and other forms of selfishness are rampant in our country. All we can hope is that the group will either moderate or burn out.
Boise
It means there really *is* hope for America! It means that we will see some *real* change in Washington this November!
Jack,
Sorry to say, it is simple.
Propaganda works. Rush L et. al. are highly paid by the very rich to sway the masses which seems to be working. It is a pity that most of us are so very stupid and actually believe their lies.
Just goes to show the human animal is a very emotional being and rational thought and judgment is a very rare commodity.
We just love attack ads and gossip so hang on to your seat. The corporate-persons are just warming up.
“First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi
I think they've been ignored, laughed at and are now being fought. It's only a matter of time before they win.
The Democrats and Republicans are basically two sides of the same coin, and the Tea Party seems to be a third dimension of that coin. I can't figure out what they stand for, they're run by their radical fringe, they're more interested in blame than solutions, and a vast majority of their "leaders" are opportunistic politicians who have proven time and again that they're hypocrites who stop caring about your problems the moment they're elected. Somehow I always suspected that when a third party emerged it would be more of the same.
Writing from Rome, New York
I think it means people are paying attention. The major parties have made some big mistakes, and they're paying for them now. Hopefully they'll straighten up once they realize opposition exists and actually work for the American people, or maybe they'll just be voted out in the next election. Either way, Americans win.
Without getting into too much detail, it means America is in desperate need of a third party to straddle the middle of ideological spectrum. One that can bring conservative fiscal restraint, while being progressive enough so as not to mire the country in 18th century principles. It shows nothing at either end of the left or right is good for any of us.
Jack to hell with your polls and the "white ,rich,and racist " Tea party. The only people they care about is themselves. You can get any response you want with a poll. Its all in the phrasing of your question. Is your brain capable of producing a real authentic thought on its own? Surprise us Jack with a real question you alone own. I DARE YOU!!!!
It means that America has lost her way and is open to heretics and fringe crazies. This is the way Hitler came to power, and its how a wacko (I'm thinking Palin et al when I say that) sees an opening for personal power when the masses become disoriented and disenfranchised. Voter beware.
Jack,I'm surprised that you would let yourself be influenced by a simple Gallup poll.Gallup polls don't always tell the truth.No doubt the Tea Party Movement has been gaining allot of momentum lately.But I honestly think,this will all change soon,because of the news and arrests,of some of those White extremist Militia members,along with the rest of those other growing violent racist fanatical hate groups, and fake patriots,all associated in some way, with the Tea Party activists,who believe in promoting revolution,violence, and total hatred against president Obama,his adm.,as well as the recent racial slurs,and threats against members of Congress. I don't believe the majority of the American people,like to be bullied around,and forced to return to the old status quo,and greedy and bad politics of the past.
San Juan,Puerto Rico.
Jack, folks everywhere in America have been awakened to the utter broken failure of our corrupt political system. Third world dictators are corrupt in a vicious ruthless way. American politicians are EXPERT at a more devious corruption which is based on deception. Americans are finnaly sick, tired, and angry........................and plan on doing something about it, kind of like in 1775 in Colonial America.
Welcome to the Tea Party.
CNN loves the Tea Bagger movement. Erick Erickson now works for CNN? Really? Jack, you are so much better than CNN. CNN really sucks. Bring back Bernie Shaw.
Coral Springs, FL
It means people are frustrated with their parties and playing politics. All the republicans and Democrats care about is their next election and how to pander to people. They flip flop so much you have no idea what they really stand for. Term limits is the start to changing politics in this country. As soon as you can make a living at politics you have lost your country.
It means that the pollsters are slanted towards the angry tea baggers and not giving true readings on how the country really feels. Half of the protesters don't even know what the hell they're protesting and the rest just want their 15 minutes in the spotlight on the evening news! Make the older ones hand over their social security checks and we'll see how many of them turn tail and run back home!
It means that the American public is sick and tired of being sick and tired of the same old,same old in DC. The people are demanding CHANGE and they want it NOW! Whoever is intelligent enough to listen to the electorate will be voted in.
Jack, what it means is that the Tea Party movement is NOT made up just with conservatives, or Republicans. It is made up of people who are FED UP with the federal government, and want REAL CHANGE rather than what was "promised" and broken by the current regime. How the Tea Party is treated by the mainstream media in the next few months will have an effect on the November elections. And if the current trend continues, look for Democrats & other liberals scratching their heads and saying "What happened?"
Do you know when is B.Y.O.B. night at the R.N.C.? I mean, with field trips to lesbians strips clubs and five stars hotels, that's gotta be some kind of Paaaty!
Polls, Polls and more polls, once again I nor any one I know has been polled, but here is my answer to that... No, No, I will not become a member of a new party that exhibits lunatic behavior...... the nuts I know are better than those I dont. No Tea-Party for me.
It means that there's competition Jack plain and simple! Most Tea Partiers are Republican like you said Jack in your question and I can pretty much guarantee there are more Democrats than Republicans and Tea Partiers that will vote not against Mr Obama but for the President in 2012, I really believe Jack that Obama will be re-elected in 2012 but whoever runs against him is going to give him a run for his money unless its Sarah Palin!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
The majority of the public are also woefully and embarrassingly ill educated, and don't understand 90% of the stuff thats going on in the government or why, as well as not understanding a thing that goes on outside their own country, and promoting one of the most closed minded mind sets on the planet. The reporters don't do anything good in the way of changing this because they are more concerned with money than they are with truth. For example, the reporters would have Americans believe that hundreds of thousands of Canadians cross the border every year to receive health care in the US because they have been denied in Canada when that just isn't true. Of course the Tea Party is growing when most of them wouldn't know their own hand from their feet.
The only thing it means is that the Party who lost the election are bitter, mad, childish and won't allow the will of what America chose be done. How can u be a new party led by the same people? Sarah Palin and alot of republicans are who they listen to and lead their rallys,,,, so how are they differen't.
Its the same song and dance. Every time republicans loose they want to vote everyone out and re-elect themselves.
It means, people can be made to believe any lie, either because they want to believe it’s true, or because they are afraid it is true. All politicians, and especially the organizers of the Tea Party movement, understand this and are masters of manipulation.
It means that the Democrats need to get their act together. They have to remember who won the last two national elections, and why. They have to locate their backbones and remember that they, not the Republicans, are the majority in Congress. They only need 50% plus one in every vote.
What does it mean for the Republicans? That they are still paying for their unquestioning loyalty to George W. Bush, and that the independent voters still don't trust them to run the country. That might take another generation to change.
What does it mean for the Tea Party? That its members will get their hopes up and be severely disappointed. They aren't going to acquire the experienced leadership, the money, and the organization they'd need to set up a third party before the recession ends and their movement fizzles out. In the end, the GOP will coopt their issues and exploit the Tea Partiers the same way it did the evangelicals.
It means simply that Dems and GOPs have to make a real effort to start cooperating on some issues and stop being so divisive for the sake of political grandstanding. The only way for congress to improve their approval rating is to demonstrate that they don’t hate the other half of Americans. I think adding another party into the fold is exactly the wrong way to go; it will only serve to split votes thereby enriching the environment for a fight. You think we can’t get anything done now? Wait till we have more fighters in the ring. And what if a purist Tea Party candidate was to win an election? Bush already proved that letting corporations run wild and not paying for anything doesn’t work.
Jack,
This is so interesting that they have done nothing but tap into angst and misinformed soundbites but resonate with the fearful older voter and the unemployed! It is a good time to bring in a congress that is not so long in the tooth but am not sure this movement would garner the votes to do that... Major legislation is on the plate for us...we need a congress that has the intestinal fortitude to bring it! None of those who have been there longer than 2 terms will do America much good!
Jack,
What does it say when the Tea Party's chief spokesperson, half-Governor Sarah Palin managed a state where Alaska receives nearly $2 in government money for every $1 paid in taxes.
When states like Alaska stop living on federally-subsidized welfare, I 'll start to listen. Right now, all I see is hypocrisy.
Jack,
It doesn't really matter what they call it ... the Tea Party, the Coffee Party, or whatever. There is a large segment of the population who is dissatisfied with not only what government does, but how they do it. The direct answer to your question is that their is large demand for responsible government, and a wholesale belief that we're not getting it in the current two-party system. Politics in this country has become so shrill and sometimes downright nasty that it is conceivable that we'll see in the near future elections with three, four, or even five political parties. European style coalition government might happen here soon. What is certain is that large change will occur ... hopefully it will begin with an end to the gerrymandering that virtually guarantees minimal turn-over in the Congress. These guys need to know that their jobs are on the line from the moment they are sworn in. That is not the case now in most districts.
Rick,
Medina,OH
If people believe that the so called Tea Party is the answer to the existing dead lock in Washington DC between Democrats and Republicans, then truly the Crazy Years have begun.
Polls Ah Polls, ...People should by now realize polls are garbage. Just look at "Fox New's so called polls"....They frame the question to support there agenda. It's very easy to word any question to support your cause...Like the question That Fox uses to fool people into believing "American's" are against healthcare reform. Polls should be illegal unless the places and people polled are chosen by God. (As a side note)...Until The "Corupt Five " of the Supreme court are replaced the Will of the people will remain..."The will of the ruling class".
Jack, It means the those that were polled only see the skin on the banana and not the rotten fruit inside.
It is certainly telling. People are more Libertarian than the folks in Washington who think the solution to all problems is to create more government to overrsee it. The majority of people are conservative in nature. they understand the need for limited government, and they think they are better at determining the course of their life and what is better for them than the government. Incumbents better beware. The big government, free spending days are over. they have all turned into lunatic shopaholics who claim to be saving us money while spending more money because it is "on sale".
It means there are a whole lot of uninformed Americans. My favorite tea partiers are the ones who are older, gray haired and obviously retired. Someone needs to collect their socialist Medicare cards and cut off their SOCIAL Security.
It means the world has gone completely mad and I'm about to keep my opinions to myself. Once all morals are gone, there's nothing left but to hide in one's closet - for safety sake.
It really means nothing at this point. Most of us believe the "Tea Party" movement is the new Republican party. And frankly I'm a little tired of the Republican party old or new. A party with a name like "2012 Reform Party" that will focus on restoring principals and dignity to the American government, might catch my ear. And the speaker doesn't sound like scrapping nails on a chalk board.
It means that the party of "no" has negatively protested itself into a corner. Neither Republicans or the Tea Party speaks for "Americans" as they both loudly and endlessly proclaim, they speak only for those people who agrees with them.
The public is saying that Americans are not happy with either party, and that it is time to align themselves with the people and get some work done – TOGETHER!
It means 1/3 of the country will not be paying taxes this year. Thats all it really means. They aren't going to be able to compete in tough primaries once the serious bulk of the campaigning begins. BUT, if they some how elect someone, that will mean they will be able to tea bag the rest of the populous. Stay away from bunk beds.
James Frost, NYC
The Tea Party is hypocritical movement that ignores the budget realities of the federal government, but also many state governments. These people want lower taxes and more limited government. But when things really go bad or natural disaster strikes these same people will cry: "What is the govt. going to do about it?" We need to take a good look at our entitlement programs and how to bring them into line. But also we need to streamline the whole govt. including the huge Pentagon bureaucracy to make it run more efficiently. In addition, we need to beef up the IRS to finally collect the $400 billion or more every year that is legitimately owed in taxes. The plain truth is Americans want all the benefits of big government, but don't want to pay the taxes to support it. I only say this to the tea party people: Whenever you are hit by a large snowstorm, don't depend on your local municipality to remove the snow and salt the roads. Be self reliant and get out there and do it yourself! Also, if anybody on Social Security and Medicare is in the Tea Party: you people are the biggest hyprocrites of all! These are big government programs that provide a modicum of security for our senior citizens, and they require large amounts of money in taxes to adequately fund them.
It appears that the public feels relieved that there is an alternative to the old guard parties. Maybe they can find solace if there is a glimmer of hope for a bettter future for all, Even a Party that can come down to the level of the common folk. The major parties are passing legislation that is fulfilling their own egos and "to hell" with everybody else.
It reveals what I've been saying for years now and that is we the American people are not very smart. We are gullible and easily mislead and so is the so-call free press.
Just this one time please use your brain that God in his wisdom gave you. If the republicans cannot run on their best failures like the holly trickledown theory, how else will they regain power? Brilliant let's create a "Tea Party"; we can now run away from our past failures but still work to elect republicans. Candidates that are supposed to be different, but take the time before you are made a fool of again and look closely.
Any sane person should be allowed to wonder and be confused about this “Tea Party”. This party should be a separate party from the Republican Party. In any sane thought you may wonder why a frustrated “Tea Party Supporter” would support a republican. Oh yea, their ideology is more in tuned with that of the republican party, then riddle me this why in the hack do we need a “Tea Party”.
There is no “Tea Party” but we the swing and independent voters keep legitimizing this scheme to get the Republican Party back in power.
It mean that it is 28% of the 200 people attending all of their events.
Jack, it means that the anger and frustration over the recession is growing by leaps and bounds every day. Unfortunately, people
choose to identify with the ignorant and uneducated leaders of the Tea Party. A man tells people on Cable TV to break windows
in Democratic Congressional Offices and they do it. The same
mentality leads to a You Tube threat on a Republican member of Congress because he is Jewish. We all feel this frustration,
but more and more people are following the crude behavior
of the Republicans and the Tea Party. I am angry about my taxes, but I pay them. A man inspired by the Tea Party sets his house on fire,
and flies a plane into the IRS office. All of these people are looking for a target. It is common knowledge that the Large Banks, Mortgage Companies, in concert with corrupt politicians created our financial
crisis. However, it is much easier to attack your Congressional Represesentative, than to try and find a solution to the problems.
Until they find a mouthpiece other than Caribou Barbie very little. They need electable candidates, and if they find a couple of those it should be really bad for Republicans and Democrats.
It simply and unconditionally means that countless people do not seem intelligent enough to discern the difference between truth and propaganda. E.G. : Government is too big, Obama is a muslim, Personal freedom is being killed..Obama is a socialist.: We want our country back.(Back from what?) And there is more.
A consistant failure to be willing to USE one's brains,and to think rationally is a certain recipe for a collapse of a workable society
gerry at edmonton.can..
The Tea Party is just more glorification of ignorance and stupidity in this rapidly sinking country. We are a declining power, and no one deserves to fail more than we do. Petraeus for president? Why on EARTH would anyone want that?
Tell you what Jack let's set the way-back machine for 2008.....
W had a budget deficit of 3.3 Trillion if you bothered to add in the Iraq war...he started the TARP program and then began the bail-outs of the auto and banking industries.
But where were the Teabaggers then..........they were no where in site but wait till 2009 when we swear in an African-American president...POOF...they appear...you tell me where were they were hiding in 2008.
And Jack look at those teabagger crowds.....you have to hunt hard to find a Latino or Asian or African-American face in those crowds....why is that Jack..? Maybe that's the question you ought to be asking.
My question to you Jack, who are you asking in your polls? When they stop the nastiness and wanting Palin as their head, I will begin to look at them as having legitimate complaints about the Government. So far the Tea Baggers have proved themselves to be on the Fringe of Right Wing Nuts. With Palin speaking for them as the Real America, I rest my case.
I am mad as hell and I am not going take it any more , they should all move and take their tea party with them . maybe to the land of OZ just follow the yellow brick road
It means that when someone said, "don't worry, things could be worse", they were right!
"So they have you working your Holidays Jack? Pinching Pennies from your pockets. What a book you will be able to write after this catastrophy. Sit down and enjoy a cuppa Jack, It may be your last."
It's too bad there doesn't appear to be a word in Latin for "mea culpa"
Jim Russell
Kingston, Ontario
The tea party doesn't have any real solutions to solving our problems. All they have is their anger. We need a lot more than sound bites and fury to fix things. Show me some substance.
I agree with a lot of these people's points. Actually, I felt this way a few years before they became known, and therefore I don't agree with them about how to fix the problems. Their idea is to elect all Republicans. My idea has been to replace all the incumbents, maybe with someone of the same party, and maybe not. But one thing we don't want is a house full of Republicans, like we had from 1995 until 2007.
Jack, It's still way to early to know whether they will last, considering they keep saying, "we have no one in charge of anything", but who knows? I think, from talking to lots of active voters around me, that this is definitely the right time to organize a third, and even a fourth party. Unfortunately, our country has a history of third and fourth parties going great guns right up until the elections, and then falling completely apart (conveniently). One thing is for sure; our country has never needed a breath of fresh air (and thought), as is does right now. The telling point should come following November's election. If we just wind up with the same-old, same-old, hopefully that would be the tipping point to near anarchy, ie.,enough to get everyone who cares, out to vote for REAL change in 2012 (if the country makes it that long). Layne A. Antioch, Il.
Well It means that the people have nothing but just complain about our system. And they a might be the ones that have lost there jobs and cant find anything yet so they have to follow people who yell the lowdest. This nation does not need another party because we can concentrate on fixing our proplems together. what ever happen to lets work togerther.
Approval of only 37% means that the DNCs and left-wing media's campaign of lies, propaganda, smear, and sabotage continues to be effective. I refuse to believe the alternative- that 63% favor bigger government, higher taxes, and more shredding of the US Constitution.
It means America is tired of the same old song and dance with the war of the congress the people wants team work in congress and that just dose not look possible so bring on the independents .
I'm all for new partys...but the right wing tea party has to be the one that breaks through?? weak, dude.
That's the key word here "Almost". Look; I know how alot of members of the Democratic and Republican party are really a sleazy bunch of crooked thieves compared to some of our Canadian politicians, but bringing in the Tea Party as a political party would basically do alot more harm then good to your country Jack. Republicans are right, Democrats are left, and the Tea Party group are an extreme right. Allowing them to become a party would just make a colossal misbalance in the ideological balance and would make America very much more conservative, and maybe even fascist; and considering that people have a misconception that independent voters are people with a middle ground view, everyone who has a Libertarian view may join the Tea Party group thinking that it's free of the shackles of Right and Left, without realizing this party is further right.
It Sarah Palin is the leader and spokesman of t his movement, it isn't going anywhere except back where it came from. It's just a bunch of rabble rousers and discontents who want to blame someone besides the real curprit, the Republican Party.
It means that there IS hope for America!
Where is the Coffee Party in all this?
Hopefully, the Tea Party will split the GOP down the middle. You may think they are the mad-as hell-not -gonna -take -it- anymore populist movement of the future. I look at those crowds( and their signs) and see ignorant rednecks who do not like the fact that their President is a black man. Period..
Two words: Evacuate America.
It means that Cornell Professor Ted Lowi's dream of a legitimate third party in the political system is finally coming true! CNN should interview him!
When you compare favorable ratings of the Tea Party being about the same as Democrats and Republicans, that would normally be considered the KISS OF DEATH if it was a candidate on the campaign trail.
It means it's time for a viable third party. Long overdue if you ask me, I'm a registered Libertarian.
Rick
Agoura Hills, CA
Wack-tivists usually get all of the attention, all the tea-baggers are lacking are tin-foil hats and and a 4th grade comprehension of reality.
Jack, you have often reminded us that when it comes to pulling that lever, or pushing that button in the polling station we still vote for the same clowns. What can change that? All of us, and particularly you with the pulpit you have available - thank goodness
It means that a good part of Americans have lost their mind!
What it means is that the American public is just as brain dead now as they were in 2000,and 2004. Not much has changed.
Anti-government and big corporations is old as dirt, not just the last year as you stated.
The Tea Party movement is popular because the people – of, by and for whom this country is designed and governed by – are fed up with the selfishness and moneygrubbing of the current politicians, and for that matter the recent history of politicians. Politicians are to be governed by the people, NOT the executive branch...another egoist and legacy builder. This country's constitution has worked well for 200 years, but won't if politicians refuse to abide by it. And they'll be unemployed too.
Jack,
Are you so sure the Tea Party is truly independent? Have you looked at the money trail? I suspect this tea party conservative movement is more of an arrangement by the media to have something to talk about, just as with Sara Palin blowing in the wind. A lot of hot air with no real solutions.
To me, It means the end is nigh.
It tells me that the Tea Parties haven't had the time yet to become disillusioned in their own movement yet. If you asked any 100 Tea Partiers what they believe in, it'll be 100 different things. If they actually became a party, you would be hard pressed to even find 100 Tea partiers anymore.
Jack it means that there are a lot of unhappy old white folks in this country.
Jack all it means is the Tea Party is nothing but a bunch of WASP who belong to the Republican Party. They are no better than what we have in power. When will the Americans wake up? Nuff said.
Dear Jack. It means I need to move to Canada. ASAP.
It means that most Americans don't look much past headlines, blogs, or talking points and are gullible to the loudest group.
What it means Jack, is that the dumbing down of America has finally out run our common sense - if the loonies in the Tea Party is the best we can do - stick a fork in us - WERE DONE!
The "Tea Party" gets a favorable rating that almost as high as America's two major party doesn't mean much to me:
Because anyone who would give ANY favorable rating at all to any of America's so-called parties– Democrat, Republican or so-called "Tea Party" is a damn fool.
The Tea Party is the 21st Century version of the KKK. Should be called the RRR...Radical Raciest Republicans.
Jack, it means that we have another right wing conservative party. Just call them Republicans 2.0.
Jack, it must mean that the Tea Party is becomming one of those political party things that one George Washington is generally believed to have condoned the rise and influence of? Almost there, Tea Party. Already, even. Hey. The Democrats and Republicans have had a big head start, but with the investment of some hard work and time...?
It means our political system has finally completed its trip to Hell in a hand basket!
I have heard enough of the Tea Party movement in the media. Has anyone actually taken a look at these folks? Most of them have no idea what they are looking for in the US government and are only involved to feel like they are a part of something big. I like however the idea of a new party forming but with this current group it is only a matter of time before they are as corrupt as the rest of the government. Just wait a few years then ask this question.
Shawn
FT Campbell, KY
Jack, it means that there are too many ill-informed people in our nation who have obviously forgotten how to think for themselves and have unfortunately fallen victim to the PROPAGANDA and DISINFORMATION that the Tea Party is fueled by. Grow up people!
Jack, in answer to your question, it means that it's time to move to Europe. Additionally, it's time to expand your sample to include more people who are from this planet.
It means that USA Today/Gallup poll people are tea partiers.
If the Tea Party has that favorable a rating, it means this country is in BIG TROUBLE! They are simply to radical and reactionary – I think this portends to violence!
Jack,
It means almost nothing. Democrats are unhappy that Obama hasn't been more aggressive in executing change. Republicans are unhappy because Obama has been too aggressive in executing change. And the teabaggers are just unhappy, period. Lots of unhappy people....
It means this country is in a lot of trouble and that our people are getting more and more fanatical. They want to get rid of anyone that disagrees with them....many of them are fanatically religious as well.....sounds like the Taliban. God help us.
The Tea party movement is like a bowel movement. Everyone needs one but after they pass they are quickly forgotten. We have lived so long with primarily a two party system that all the rest have become obsolete. In reality no party is better then the other. When America is thriving and there is no war we are perfectly happy with what ever party is in office at the time.
The Tea Party movement is nothing more than an unpopular Republican party trying to re-brand itself. The group is extreme and dangerous, the word terrorism comes to mind in some cases. The Dems are far from perfect but they have not killed anyone or planned to do so.
Jack, it means it's time for the Libertarian Party.
The Libertarian Party believes in strict Constitutional government, laissez-faire capitalism, limited governmental control in our private lives, the elimination of the IRS, abolition of socialist entitlement programs like Obamacare, the elimination of the Fed, the world's largest counterfeiter, and the return of the U.S economy to the Gold Standard.
The Libertarian Party is one of the larges parties in America, regularly run nominees in every race, and stands ready to welcome all Tea Party members sick to death of both the Democrat and Republican parties.
It means the people are waking to a sad reality: we're all pushing the buttons on the snack machine but the stocks so old it's not palatable any more. Time to eat fresh!
It means that someone is not happy with the present state of the government. I'm not so sure that anyone can get anything done under the present circumstances. But, the present government controllers aren’t getting it done. If we can keep the “BIG BUSINESS” out of the way we can make progress. Obama needs to be stronger and kick their butts out of the way.
The people of this country are tired of all the lies ! We are not stupid and we know that this Congress and President are spending us into a deep debt that our children will pay for. Why is it they worry about healthcare more than creating real jobs?
It means 1/4 of the american population has lost their mind ! The far right has got these people so wound up, it is pathetic. They cannot see they are being used.......Just look at the roots of this tea party, big business and same old neo-cons... "its the same old song, but with a
different beat...."
Teaparty popularity should not be a surprise. It means American wants freedom from Govt.
It means people have gone crazy. Remember the Bush administration? American voters threw them out for a reason! Now, they want to elect more ultra right wing conservatives? This is ridiculous. The Democrats are turning this Economy around and quickly given how badly the Neo-Con's screwed up! Now the American people want to elect another Neo-con? American voters need to get a grip!
Jack
Your poll results mean
the poll was a wacked slanted poll given in small southern states with little or no minorities.
Please stop trying to force the tea party joke down our throats.
I just don't understand. When I see the Tea Party, it just seems to be a bunch of angry, racist, Republicans! Is it that hard for people to just open their eyes and think for themselves! Approval rating means nothing! Everybody needs to take a step back and take a good long look at themselves.
This is very scarey.
It means that the illierates, racists and religious fanatics who make up the Tea Party are getting enough coverage by the press to allow the other illeiterates racist and religious fanatics in our country (who used to be a little afraid to show who they were) believe that it is OK to be a racist and religious fanatic. I and my family have agreed to move to Canada if this group continues to be seen as a viable "voice" of America.
Tea Party being taken seriously?...a frightening prospect. Wake up people! When a radical group of misinformed, brainwashed, Sarah Palin worshippers gains this kind of noteriety, we'd better pay attention. Remember what happened in Germany in the 1930s!
"Jack, it must mean that the Tea Party is becomming one of those political party things that one George Washington is generally believed to have condoned the rise and influence of? Almost there, Tea Party. Already, even. Hey. The Democrats and Republicans have had a big head start, but with the investment of some hard work and time...?"
Not to have condoned. I guess I could also leave my city and state so others can tell which dumb ass didn't pay attention and butchered his own smart ass comment?
Brian
Topeka, KS
It only means people are frustrated by the economy and taking it out on Obama when it was GWB who put us in this tailspin. Secondly, the non-white people in positions of power. E.g. Nancy Pelosi, Sotomeyer, Obama, Steel etc. White males are accustomed to power and seeing it eroded is causing the frustration! Atlanta, Ga
The Tea Party is a representative and reactionary movement that represents traditional American values and feel disenfranchised by government focus on tolerating illegal aliens, their losing both jobs and neighborhoods. We cannot assimilate the vast numbers of immigrants in general. Those numbers have quadrupled. There is resentment that jobs were sent abroad, education has deteriorated and we can give out children less than our parents were able to give to us.
It means the polls are about as diverse and objective as the movement.
Frankly – we all know it just indicates how racist the U.S. is, regardless of mixed race president and Republicans responding by attempting to check him with a black Chairman (not for true equallity reasons).
We still have a lot of deep rooted and closet racists.
It means alot more people are forgetting to take their meds.
To me, the Tea Party is far more dangerous than anything we have seen thus far. What I DO believe is that the Dems and Republicans have generally lost their sense of what true 'leadership' is. We are driven by political gains and losses, rather than what is truly best for the U.S.
The Republicans have done all they can to stir fear into the people of the country about health care rather than trying to be true leaders in the issue. The Dems are so set on trying to get SOMETHING thru the legislature that their are some important features that are being applied that may not be in the best interest of the entire country.
Obama and government are right to get SOMETHING meaningful passed, but the fear factor has become so great that the people do not really know for certain what they are receiving and if the REALLY need to be fearful of it.
Jack
Mr. Cafferty
If you anyhow endorse (there was a slight undertone the way you spoke) this gang of noise-making mostly rich mostly old mostly racist and allmost all radicall-right people, I will regretfully stop watching your segment that I liked untill now.
There Mr. Jack, you have my opinion
Frank
Are you serious? Tea Partyers? Why don't you just call them for what they are: glorified lynch mobs. This is all part of the Obama back lash we knew was coming. Now you're giving it credence through bogus polls and wait...A suggestion from a BRITISH newspaper for..., wait for it..., General Petraeus! I suppose that paper will support him if he does run too huh?
They now have the right thanks to a corrupt supreme court. I can't believe you broadcast this crap. No wonder CNN is going under.
It means another slap in the face for the Libertarian Party, which has been advocating many of the Tea Party principles for generations. Somehow the Libertarians have been largely ignored by all major media outlets. I recall only one appearance on CNN from Bob Barr, Libertarian candidate for president during the last election cycle. I guess we should have asked FOX news to organize marches for us. Maybe then they'd let us into the debates.
It means that there is a Third Party Revolution brewing. I foresee the Tea Party becoming a major player in congressional elections in the future, but they don't have a real shot at high office because they are far too stained with the fringe title. It seems that if neither party gets their act together, we could see a third party candidate elected to the Presidency much sooner than previously thought.
I can dream, can't i?
Can you say Ross Perot? These disgruntled feelings come and go.
It was just a year ago that we were breathing a sigh of relief that the Bush nightmare was over. The economy is coming back, we have a smart energetic President who is doing an excellent job of getting our country back on track and improving our image overseas. Relax folks. Do we really want to listen to Palin and her ilk for much longer?
The progress of the Tea Party is two things. One: Politicans just don't get it: Two: The American do and this will be demonstrated in Nov.
Please, tea party is just another face to the republicans, I think they are just gathered on hating Obama, hope republican's will never get in power again or this will be the end of this country, are we that stupid to not see that Obama is trying to save this country from going down the history like previous great nations.
What it means is that there is a large amount of dislike of business-as-usual in Washington, D.C. represented under the heading of Tea Parties, but that dislike comes from several different sources, some of which can be mutually exclusive. If someone wants to tap that rising dislike, they will be tap-dancing on a minefield.
The Tea Party aligns itself with and is supported by the GOP. Where were these so called fiscal conservatives when every GOP administration since 1981 failed to pass a balanced budget and raised our National Debt from $1 Trillion for the first 205 years of the country's existence to over $11 Trillion after Bush II?
It means that the fall of the American empire is at hand. If the American people are beginning to welcome the screaming, name calling, racially polarizing tea party extremist onto the political stage, it's time for free thinking independents to pack up and leave this nation to it's own internal destruction. Sarah will fiddle while the USA goes down in flames. Change the incription on our coins from " in God we trust" to " I'll get back to ya!"
The Tea Party began as a reaction to further Socialization. Health care is just the latest in government takeovers, going back to police and fire services and public education. Why should I pay for your child to learn to read? And if you want a fire engine or police, pay up or get yourself a hose and a gun, like real Americans.
Soon we'll be saving big time on government services. Well armed militias patrolling your streets will take care of the illegal aliens and all the other undesireables.
Dreamin' of a White Christmas!
25% favorable is news? Framing it "as high as" either party is a twist, isn't it? In most other news stories the the poll showing a 25% favorable rating is scored a very low approval.
Jack,
The Tea Party was started by some woman who came here from England 11 years ago.When she started it,she was looking for nominations for whoever wanted to run this "organization".When she asked her husband to nominate her,her OWN HUSBAND wouldn't even nominate her so she nominated herself...AND WON!Her own husband probably thought it was ridiculous to begin with and boy was he ever right.
Greg M. Largo,FL
It means that perhaps they took the poll in a Conservative district. It also means that the percentage points do not add up to 100 percent, check it out.
I will never vote for anyone that a Teabagger or a Palin backs. Both are so mean spirited and we don't need that kind of stuff for our Country.
There is nothing wrong with our President, he is working for all of us. If another Conservative gets in there will be numerous wars, that is why they want someone like Petraus to be elected. Elect a military person and we will continually be in a war. We can't afford it both moneywise and losing our sons and daughters.
I am sorry Jack but on this one it only proves that you are as dumb as the average Republican. The reason popularity is so similar is BECAUSE the Tea Partiers ARE the Republican Party, that is why as you pointed out that they are mostly WHITE. How can the same party under a different name be deemed LESS popular than it is under it's original name? You in the media keep hoping for a story of a THIRD party and keep hyping the Tea Party as that third party but the reality is it is only an illusion of a third party dreamed up by media hype by media pundits such as yourself. Come November those in the Tea Party are going to vote for the same tired old Republicans they have always voted for and once again it will become as apparent as the overly large nose on your face that there are ONLY two political parties in the US regardless of how factions of each name themselves.
It means that selective polling can just about show anything.The Tea Party please! nothing but a bunch of disgruntle White folks who speaks for themselves and Not America! Go to the Latino,Black,Hispanic,Arab and the rest of American that votes and see what happens.It's never going to be the way it use to be so get over it!
I'd like to see ALL partys removed. Once a politician is elected he/she should be an American Employee and not a selfserving radical. People should wake up and vote everyone out of service and start anew.
Jack, I have said this many times...we did not need an amateur in the Whitehouse at such a crucial time...if we were programmed at this time to manditorily have a negro in da whithaus....it should have been an experienced negger, name of Colin Pal... WE are going to suffer as a cuntry due to this dumb nigger in the whiehaus.
It's terrifying to think that 28 percent of adults are nuts enough to support a group that sees Sarah Palin as a leader. Shelby, NC
Jack, Take two aspirin and go to bed. You need a nap.
Polls are like what,Jack? That's right most everyone has one(I'm P.C). Stop answering the phone, get caller ID. And when these morons do get through give them some bogus answer. You know the answer they "want" to hear. Let's move on!
Jack
The Democrats and Republicans are truly sad.
Unsure if the T-Party will be good or bad.
I am assured improvements over the status quo.
Hail, to the next candidate Ross Perot
Jack,
How do you think the people would really vote in their respective districts? NO ONE asked me if I would vote for Quacks who would pay Palin to speak at their meetings.
Joe
The Tea Party movement having a favorable rating almost as high as the Democrats and Republicans is very alarming in my opinion. Their leaders are a bunch of ideological kooks and the truth is that they are trying to take over the Republican Party. As evidence of this, just look at the Republican primaries all over the country and how well that tea party candidates are doing on an overall basis.
Any of these candidates winning their races for Congress is just like sending another Michele Bachmann to the House and another Jim DeMint to the Senate. This should be very alarming in a year that is supposed to be bad for Democrats where many of these Republican candidates will probably win their general election races on a default basis. If you think that Congress is bad right now, then think of what it will be like with more Michele Bachmann and Jim DeMint minded people there!
It means that we the people are tired of our representatives just flat out ignoring us and we are going to make a lot of changes come election day.
Hi Jack,
The Tea party may appeal to those who are male, white, etc, but unless I woke up in another country this is still America and this country is not made up of only one race. Sure the Tea party showed up after Barak was elected and know how to to "rally the troops" but they are still a group and not a viable political party that most Americans will want in office. Unless you enjoy taking this country back to the 1700's.
It means that FOXnooz's latest PAC is making headway. You should be as concerned as those of us who don't sip their kool-aid. That Ailes and crew can continue to use untruths and fear tactics to promote their less government – less oversight agenda means that you guys in the media aren't error checking their propaganda and "keeping it real". Shame on you.
This just means they are just as unpopular as the democrats and republicans. Besides, any party that has Sarah Palin as a supporter will tend to be unpopular.
Jack,
Where was the Tea Party when Pres. Bush was destroying the country. The Tea Party exist because we have a black President. These white mostly male conservatives do not represent the majority of the country. Aren't there enough white males in power? Soon as someone black is became president, they act like the country is about to fall apart. The sad thing is that most of the Republicans are white males that feel the same way as the Tea Party members. I don't want of the tea party people running any part of the government.. The reason why they are as popular with the rest of congress is because you are probably polling white males.
Sean
Seattle
I have to say that yes, 90% of American people are so ignorant and ill educated, to quote a blogger from above, that we cannot take their screams and shouts seriously. The problem is: only 90% of Americans (this is my estimation) are educated about facts: ie: healthcare, environment, what caused the economy to fail, etc. that now we have to take their hysteria...seriously; just by sheer numbers. It's absolutely insane if you take a sociological or psychological approach.
So, in the end, the hysterical masses listen to each other and their crazed leaders. The Tea Party represents a group of nut-jobs, who can't accept a black president, will not look at actual facts of economy and historical change such as: Medicare and Social Security, or what every military family relies on now...which is gov't run health care, or how about those "Armageddon hollering" Republicans?? I'm just blown away by the lack of education in this country. Scary.
Jack, I say this country got a lot of racist include all who support Tea Party. It is another name for the KKK.
Oh please Jack! The TEA partyless is the Republican party faking anger. These are the same people that showed up in tens of thousands to see Palin during the election and there were not enough of them to win the election for them. So, before people get bamboozled by a phony Republican party, they better know that these people are not new. If they couldn't get McCain/Palin elected, they are still the minority.
It is very clear, that the Tea Partiers has all the money, Health Insurance, and jobs, so why wouldn't they have all the time in the world to respond to your polls. The average poor, none white, and jobless people is just to busy trying to earn a dollar to pay their bills. This group (The so called Tea Partiers) is the old organization that was called the KKK back in the day. This group will not succeed, because the ordinary people who they don't have any thing in common with, will show up at the polls when need be. Just look at what happened during the last election. The saying that African American is almost always late, but we sure do show up when needed, is a understatement.
It is time that something make our deaf representatives stick a hear aid in their ears and listen to the music the American people are making. We are tired of taxation without representation and fed up with representation that has nothing to do with our true feelings and governmental desires but instead has everything to do with our representatives asperations, greed and self centered goals. I will attend the very first Tea Party rally that hits Long Island and if they put forth a qualified, competent candidate, I will pull that lever in a heart beat.
I never guess. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.
– Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Hi there Jack
Wow ,loaded question as always.What does it mean that the Tea party has a favorable rating comparable to the major two party's?
Not much actually,it means folks are tired of the same o, same old.I wish the Tea folks would stop with the we don't need government,we have our trash picked up ,we drive our roads ,and I would challenge any Tea Partier to relinquish Medicare ,Social Secuity or Welfare benefits for the sake of the Tea Party.Everyone gripes and moans about the government ,however forgetting how much we all rely on the govrenment in our own lives everyday.
Thank you for reading!
Have a Great evening jack
Thanks
Julia
Not surprising when you consider the coverage they get from main stream media. Hateful ignorant bigots make for good ratings, apparently.
These Tea Party people are the same bunch that supported George Wallace when he sought the Presidency and who later rallied behind H. Ross Perot. They are mostly racist white men who hate the thought of paying any taxes to support our government, except the military and law enforcement, and resent the fact that we live in a social democracy. They will have about as little an effect on 2010 politics as they have in the past. To merely call them irrelevant is a gift.
Marty W.
Springfield, IL
It don't mean jack, JACK. The Tea Party has no pull with nothing and nobody. In two years they will need some surport from a Big Company.
Mr Jordan
Jack it's time to call "a spade a spade". "Tea Party" is the wrong name for Sarah Palin's latest passion. A more proper name would be the "White Power" party. The white supremacists, neo-Nazis and anti-Semites have used the Tea Parties in the past, and they will definitely be on hand to use the next "tea party" rallies on July4th to recruit new members.
This says twp things. One how people can be sheep and used to vote against their own interest to further another's agenda. Second, it shows the world how non-progressive this country really is because basically they're mad because the President of the United States happens to be black man.
Gee Jack, White, Male, Affluent, and Conservative, Isn't a Republican?
Well Jack, it means just one thing, like your math, 42 +41+37=108 so the Republicans are voting twice as Tea Baggers abd Republicans so it is just a lot of hot air, a LOT like you are Jack!
It's simple Jack. I'm a life-long Democrat but I and most other Americans are fed up with Politicians lying (both Demo./GOP's) pre-election times and once elected they think that we're too dump to remember and they continue to built bigger government and increase our national debt and force socialism down our throats. They have been correct in the past but now we're going to take back our country. Go Tea Parties ! Judy
What do think about the Tea Party and the poll you cited?
Nobody polls people like me!
I believe that I am part of a majority. I and people like me. helped elect President Obama and we will again.
White republican men are the same people associated with the tea party also probably voted for W. Do we want to listen to there opinions. I think we better not. a little patience and more brain power is the only way we will get back what W lost...jobs, ecological health and respect.
Yes it all goes back to W and these tea party types that kept him in office and helped make this mess.
Why would anyone be surprised by the Tea Party's popularity? We now have four political parties in this country. Democrats, Republicans, Televised press, and the Tea party. Next will be all the old dog politicians will claim to be part of the Tea Party – it needs a leader not a retread!!
Come on Jack , we haven't had a political party other then a Republican or Democrate as President of the United States since Andrew Johnson in 1869 ? It seems as if both the Republicans and the Democrates have combined their parties to form one party that has been ruling these United States for over 141 years . The Tea Party's success is only due to the Republican and Democratic Failures .
Mr. Cafferty
As long as the 'Tea Party' remains a theoretical party they will have popularity. But as soon as they organize, nominate representatives to stand for the party, and develop a political philosophy, they will lose that popularity. It would only fracture the Republican voting base. As a democrat I would look forward to it.
I think it means we need to improve the educational standards in our country but stupid people have rights too. This group is clearly an uneducated, possibly corporation funded group of racist hypocritical pools of southern white bigots. I am white myself and can still clearly see they only exist because Obama is president and they are racist. The media in general needs to stop giving this group any grandeur or making it seem like 100 people protesting at D.C. is anything substantial. I would like to see the actual poll and how it was conducted that says most people think the Tea Party is anything more that a joke and an illegitimate fracture of the Republican party. I'm sick of the bi-party system but I know there are more options out there like the Green Party or the Libertarian party. For as anti socialist as the teapartiers are they look like socialist nazis with their racist and hateful speeches.