Is the Tea Party for real?
Tea Party backed Christine O'Donnell. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Tea Party movement might just be the best thing that ever happened to the Democrats - raising questions about internal divisions among Republicans.
Two Tea Party favorites defeated more mainstream Republicans in yesterday's primaries. In Delaware, Christine O'Donnell easily won over nine-time U.S. Rep. Mike Castle in the Senate primary.
Castle, who held elected office in Delaware for more than 40 years, had the entire national GOP establishment behind him while O'Donnell was endorsed by Sarah Palin.
Many believe O'Donnell's win means the Democrats now have an unexpected chance to keep the Delaware Senate seat once held by Vice President Joe Biden. One Republican strategist described the Delaware primary results as "straight out of Harry Reid's dream journal."
Meanwhile, another Tea Party victory came in New York, where Carl Paladino beat Rick Lazio in the primary for governor. Paladino will run against the heavily favored Democrat, Andrew Cuomo.
Although some question the ability of Tea Party candidates to win in the general election, others insist it is one of the most powerful movements in recent American history.
A piece in the Washington Examiner headlined "One nation under revolt" says that while many have ignored or belittled the Tea Party, it has only grown stronger - showing an unprecedented level of activism and enthusiasm.
And here's part of the reason for the Tea Party's success: a new CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll shows only one in four Americans say they trust the government to do what is right always or most of the time.
Here’s my question to you: Is the Tea Party for real?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
The Tea Party movement will probably end up Ross Perot-ing the Republican Party, and the Democrats will retain a majority. So in the end, all of their activism just brings about the exact opposite of what they want. Great strategy...
The Tea Party is a bunch of complainers so they appeal to most Americans on one platform or another; however, there is no policy, no solutions, no debates, and no interviews given to the media other than fox news. So what happens if/when they hold a political office? Probably not much given the intellect of Palin, O'Donnell, Paul & the rest of these "patriiots"!
I believe the TeaParty has evolved into something very real. The malcontents and miscreants now have a new home. It's only fitting.
Is Tea party for real? Wait till November, Jack.
Dudes & Dudetts, I strongly suggest you read the September 2010 issue of Forbes Magazine "Obama's problem with Business": How Obama thinks, Finally this article makes complete sense as to how Barrack Obama acts and thinks, the article goes to Obama's Jr's book he wrote and his fathers beliefs he wrote to make the connections.
If you don't read this article then you will remain ignorant and simple minded forever.
William F. Buckley once said "in the end, the American people will do the right thing". Well the Tea Party is now doing the right thing. Bill would be proud.
I remember people saying the same thing about the Reform party. Now they hardly exist at all.
Loganville, Ga.
I'll bet that last night the Tea Party became real enough for U.S. Rep. Mike Castle who after his defeat by a somewhat nutty lady is probably still walking around in a daze. And guess what? As long as American voters feel that their elected officials are in politics only for self gain and could care less about the public the Tea Party anger and power will become even more real to a lot of fat cat politicians.
The TEA party group isn't exactly my cup of tea(pun intended) but it's nice to see people not backed by the big two actually have some level of success in their bids for public office. That being said, I don't really expect that the TEA party movement is any kind of sign of a critical realignment.
I think it's more the case that when people are unhappy, especially when the economy is in the tank, it's easy for them to latch on to something like the TEA party. On the surface at least, it resonates with a lot of our concerns.
Of course, if we're being honest with ourselves, the TEA party is probably just a scheme created by Democrats to maintain control of congress this November. Clever devils.
Yes,
The Tea Party is real, but it I do not think it is mainstream.
This former Republican and conservative will not be associated with the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hanity, Glen Beck and Pat Robertson that elevated themselves as leader of the conservatives.
So, they have at the primary level, but I do not think they get the support to be elected.
At least not from me!
The T.E.A. party is for real, and not going away. It is real America of all stripes who are tired of the gov't getting larger and larger and taking more and more. Thomas Jefferson said "A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have"
People need to quit the garbage about TEA members. These are real Americans, concerned about the direction of the country and the drunken spending by an old, out of touch (and date) whoreish Congress.
"Taxed Enough Already" is the theme. Even if O'Donnell doesn't win in Delaware, or the others in their respective states....it's a message to the GOP to become the Grand Old Party again, and do things "By the book", ie. the Constitution.
Yes the Tea Party is for real. The continued ignoring of the movement is done at the "establishment" partys' peril. Why is this so difficult for people to understand? The Tea Party Patriots are not concerned whether our government is controlled by Democrats or Republicans. The Tea Party Patriots are concerned that our government is controlled by WE THE PEOPLE. Unfortunately, our government and the political parties are slow to understand this point.
Yes Jack, it is for real. The main stream media is finding it hard to believe, but it is a real grass roots movement diverse in age, sex, religion and color.
Yes, it appears that the Tea Potty is for real, just like the Third Reich was for real in Europe 60 years ago until the Allied Forces destroyed one of the worst right wing dictatorships in the history of mankind.
The problem we have is after WWII the Europeans shipped the survivors to the US. Who's Next??
Nope Jack...it's not.....please keep promoting that idea! The Republicans said it was not and got beat in the primaries. I hope the Dems say the same thing and they are beaten in the general election. We need at least one other functioning party to break the strangle hold that the GOP and Dems have over our country....maybe the Tea Party is the one. And no...I am not a Tea-Bagger. I also would like to see MoveOn.org form a party, though I would rarely if ever agree with them. WE NEED MORE THAN TWO PARTIES!!!!
Sure the Tea Party is real. It's as real as Ross Perot and Vice Admiral James Stockton's Reform Party of the United States of America or Ralph Nader's Green Party.
Yes, it's for real but for unfortunate reasons – a back lash against equality and equity. The participants seem to be self-centered baby boomers, "what about me", and folks scared of loosing power and privilege. What happened to social responsibility and justice ? to the social contract ? Under the umbrella of "take back the government" I don't hear any real policy. Tax complaints? What part of taxes don't they like, that aren't worth paying – social welfare?, medicare?, social security? i.e. what doesn't directly benefit them right now. Want smaller government – read less control of big industries to protect the food supply, energy independence, the environment, and check the pharmaceutical industries profits. The Tea Party sentiment is at odds with America's basic principles of liberty, equality and justice. The U.S. golden age has passed in favor of personal enrichment.
People can spin this as internal divisions in the Republican party if they want, but the Washinton Examiner seems to be on the money. Who wants to continue to pay tax money to a government that overspends the way ours has for decades? This is not about Republicans or Democrats as parties. It's about Republicans and Democrats together as a corrupted system. They all need to go!
I cant believe people are still asking this. Use your eyes.
I hope so. I am tired of democrats and the republicans for their cheating ways.
Tea partiers, when questioned about their views and support of the "party mandates", show serious lack of reasoning and critical thinking skills, which in my mind, point to an even greater lack in our public education system, that helped produce these reactive and lazy minds...boulder,co
There should be term limits, that's the true answer. For the House, a 2 year term followed by a 2 year jail term. The senate gets the same.
They're as real as money can buy.
The Tea Party is the last bastion of people who cannot fathom that the country is changing and becoming more inclusive right before their very eyes. Tea Partyist want to take the country "back in time".
Byron
Houston, Texas
Jack,
It is still too early to believe the tea party is such a powerful movement,wait till the General election results are out,then we will know if they fit into modern political discourse both in America and the world.
The tea party will take America back to the 60's and gradually aid the final decline of the almighty land of dream.
Lets watch and see.
The Tea baggers get the headlines but fringe politics will always remain just that.. fringe. The real power will always rest with the mainstream as they represent, well, the mainstream.
The Tea Party is for real! And will vote incumbents of both parties out.
Many Americans are tired of Party Politics. It seems to me that both parties no longer exist to benefit the people – they exist to benefit themselves. I am so tired of politicians who say and do whatever the party leaders tell them to do! I am not a member of the TEA party, and Sarah Pallin makes me want to scratch my ears off, but I support the idea that our government was created by the people, for the people, and I respect the idea that citizens can have a powerful impact on their government...its how it should be.
Yes, it is. Too bad for the liberals who fought tooth and nail to dismiss them as stupid, uninformed, etc. All because these folks and many others refuse to be good little communists like Obama and Pelosi would have us be. The media elite doesn't think for me, it never has and God willing, never will. I think for myself.
Glade Valley, N. Carolina
While both Democrats and Republicans have done their best to portray the Tea Party movement as a bunch of extremists, many are just beginning to realize that most of these people are everyday main street Americans who are fed up with politics as usual and want to see this great nation get back on track. It's not a matter of supporting the Red or the Blue party. It only matters that you support the Red, White and Blue and unfortunately, too many politicians have forgotten that.
Those of us who understand what the Teaparty actually is know that not only is it for real, it will continue to grow as more and more of us learn of our Founding Father's extensive explaination of the Constitution which left-wing law schools conveniently stopped teaching during the Progresive movement 90 years ago. And we will take our country back from the Progressives and New World Order traitors. There's no turning back. Too many of us know what has been done to our country for it to continue much longer.
The Teabaggers do not have the power to win in November. All they will do is help the Dems win. Sort of ironic, isnt it......
Yes. Don't count them out in the general elections either. Tea Bags seem to have their own version of English, but they vote.
Carol, MA
It remains to be seen if a Tea Party candidate can win a general election. As an independent I would not vote for most of their candidates, and find their activism to be great for the Tea Party, not good for the Republicans who created the party out of fear, and now it's back fired on them and their establishment. Come November we will find out how real they are!
Real – yes... Serious- NO WAY...Republicans r going to have to handle PALIN–kinda funny because they've been using her like a cheap date. Come November and the big boys come out to play –then we'll see who's left standing...
The only way the tea party becomes irrelevant will be when people vote the status quo. This way of voting has gotten all of us-R and D- where we are today. If you want larger, more bloated government that only consumes, then continue down your path to destruction. If you truly want to change the course we are on, you must change the people who are piloting this vessel.
The Tea Party is as much against the mainstream Republican party as they are the Democrats. People in it are seriously concerned about the direction the party took during the Bush administration and have not bought the GOP's forced, halfhearted rembracing of conservative fiscal policy. I realize all the talk is about Obama and what he has done, but this movement also represents serious disenchantment with the Republican party itself. They are for real and may split the Republican party. If that happens it will require serious soul searching among Republicans. The Tea Party is not going to just get on board with the Republican goal to win back the House and Senate. It is not a zero sum game among Republicans and Democrats right now. The ideals and agenda of the Republican party is itself being challenged, That is the real story.
Sure as hell, the Tea Party is for real. The people of America are sick and tired of the status quo in Washington. We need people who will think and act independently for the betterment of America. We need to restore our country to greatness, and if this is the only way to do it, so be it.
Tea Party activists are real, that said, so were the people who voted for Ross Perot, of which, I was one. I was very angry, at the time, and what I actually did was get Bill Clinton elected. Since he was the lesser of my two evils, at the time, it didn't matter. Without Perot I would have voted for Clinton anyway. But what if I really, really hadn't liked Clinton. Looking at it that way, I would have been far smarter to vote for the first George Bush. I had to learn all this the hard way.
Of course they're real. What sort of question is that? Also, I find it interesting that this is considered a "republican" organization that could help Dems. The Tea party never claimed affiliation with either dominant party.
What if they win? What if they increase the Republican numbers instead of deminishing them? What if they end up TEA BAGGING the DEMOCRATS
I can't wait for the Tea party to have a major victory this November and show some of these democrats and republicans that many people are tired of out of control government spending and national party agendas.
Once the economy picks up the tea party will be a distant memory. The media will have to work themselves into a lather over something else, though.
The "Tea Party" is right out of a Hitchcock movie – real scary.
J-
I've never been to a rally. I don't like the expression. I'm pro choice, anti-more-tax, pro-American, pro constitution, pro equal rights and pretty irritated with the current administration. I'm voting 'conservative' out of pure shame. So yea, it's real.
Real? Maybe yes; maybe no.
What is real is the contempt most of us have for the way our elected officials feed at the public trough and put their interests (party first) ahead of ours.
Steven P
It will bring about exactly what we want!
The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government, are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce; with which last the power of taxation will, for the most part, be connected. The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State.
James Madison, Federalist 45
Yes it is because the two primary parties in the US generally have earned our distrust, but is the Tea Party really better? Time will tell.
Yes it's for real. It's an opportunity for the closeted middle class American who yearns for the "good ole day's to return." Those days were when the populous majority had absolute power and minorities were not a threat. Unfortunately, not enough Americans are biggoted enough to support their tactics.
Mike Castle had the backing of the entire national GOP organization, but not the backing of the majority of the people. Tea Party members are mostly average Americans that are sick of Washington as well as the Democrat and Republican parties. If the GOP is going to suceed they need to go back the conservative candidates.
Complete US insanity isn't far away
That 25% number is scary. It should be much, much lower. Like zero.
Sure its real.
The Tea Party™, a division of Koch Industries.
The teabaggers and republicans are finished. This country will never allow it to go back to the days of GW and the machine of pure evil. Sure, people like Beck and Hannity will ramble on and on but ultimately only the lunatic fringe follows them. Not enough to do any damage.
It is a great day for America!!!!
Am I happy with the government right now? NO! The Democrats are on their high horse about forcing through an agenda and the Republicans are the party of no. I want a government that will work together and each side give some to come up with some good legislation. I would become involved in a party that wants that. But the Tea Party candidates have said so many crazy things: "Abolish the Dept of Education, Elimate some of the Amendments to the Constitution, the list goes on and on. I'm afraid they will push things even to further extremes. I'm an Independent and I can't believe people are serious about supporting the Tea Party.
Of course Jack, it's for real. I think the American voters have realized that it is not about having the Republicans or the Democrats in office, if they are not for possitive change. Now its the time for a new point of view.
The tea party is a crazy joke. Just because they have a lot of people, doesn't make them any less crazy.
There is a way to express dissent, I would never accept the tea party ideology. There is no cohesiveness, it is more racism than anything else. The leaders have one mantra small government, they preach anarchy and create divisiveness. That is not what this country needs. The world is moving forward, and America is falling behind, not fighting for things like economic development, and aeducation, but religion and abortion. Soone we will have the Asian countries who have a good mix between governmental control nd democracy overtake us. A country as large and progressive as America needs a strong Federal government to control foreign pokicy and the economy. If it was left to the Tea Party this country would be fractured to pieces.
No, we the people are like a child's mother. The republican party has been naughty so the tea party is there punishment. Maybe this changes the way the GOP works.
Is US on its way to become a 3-party country? If so splitting up Repbulicans into Republican Party and Tea Party only serves the interest of the Democrats.
I'm not complaining 🙂
Jack, Is the Tea Party for real? Does the little piggy go wee all the way home.
Are you kidding Jack?
Dick Armey's running this group their just too dumb to realize they're being used.
Yes the Tea Party is real and the dems need to wake up and smell the take over!
The Tea Party is the baby sister of the Republican Party. They will slap her down by November. The Republican Party is run by white fundamentalists conservative Christan males and women do what they are told.
Sure, the tea party is for real. That's why Dems and Independents will turn out in record numbers in November to prevent them from winning their elections
Keep saying it's a joke. Why should Delaware Republicans vote for a Republican that ISN'T? Castle's a liberal! If nothing else, they kept a lifer from going back to D.C. The message is clear. More people are getting sick of carrying the losers in this Country. Maybe if we quit handing everything out, cut expenses and made people (including D.C.) live within their means we could get the USA back on track. Progressives are destroying this Country (that's current Dems and many Repubs included). Maybe there will be another surprise in November? I sent Christine my check all the way from here in Indiana. Go Conservatives!!
The Tea Party is an extension of the bread and circus agenda of the white rich guy Republicans who delude middle and lower income voters with issues that are culturally inflamentory while they rob the hen house.
Jack,
You ask if they are for real. After they get their "15 minutes of fame" - and completely destroy the Republican Party - they will be "real" history! The Tea Party, Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck are the best reasons for voters to vote for the Democrats in November.
Yes, the Tea Party is for real! I do not attend any rallys, but I am a big supporter for what they stand for. And, I like you a lot.
Barbara
Atlanta, GA
Yes, the two parties don't listen to oridinary people. The Tea Party is one faction that has said enough is enough. I hope other people will say enough and form another party.
The only thing they agree on is Christian Fundmentalism.
If they win, get ready for the American Taliban!
The group is for real and the mainstreamers ("old guys") need to get on board.
I sure hope it is, the two other parties need to have a burr put under their butts, and I'm stocking up on Tea Bags, we are have a Tea Party Party! milk in your tea Jack?
Why are the "Taxed Enough Already" party so angry?
The law is clear... they volunteered to be obligated. It's sad how few Americans (or Congress) bother to read the laws enacted.
I have yet to find a law that violates the natural and personal liberty of the free inhabitants domiciled within the boundaries of these united States of America. The government is their servant.
But those poor U.S. citizens / residents residing at residences, duly enrolled and enumerated "human resources", are voluntary serfs, obligated to perform for their masters, in government.
Yes it's for real but won't last. As soon as the wannbe Republicans find out that it's Billionaire Money that formed and supports it for and to their advantage, they will fall off as Independants as Charley Crist in Florida, as started. The Republican Greed is shining brightly in their ranks, and hiding behind their phony Right Wing values? Whoops- How's that you say? How can you believe in lieing, cheating and stealing and still make it to church every Sunday!
The "Tea Party" is composed of ignorant, racist, insurrectionist, seditious rabble, the worst in America. Are they for real? You betcha.
Yes, and if it can run the neoconservatives back to from whence they came, the Democratic Party, it will have been a God send
Half of the people in the country can't read above 8th grade level. We may not get a chance to raise those levels if the Tparty has its way.
Yeah, they're for real . 🙁
The Tea Party is REAL...Republicans- Excluding Anything Liberal
The Tea Party is real, real nuts. There is no doubt that a lot of people are angry with where the government is going. Unfortunately, there is a 360 degree spread of opinion as to where it should be going. Small government sounds good until it is your favorite program to be cut. When Tea Party supported candidates start doing things, most of their proponents will be just as unhappy with them as with who they replaced.
Jim, Craig, CO
The Tea Party movement is for real. The fact that it may cost Republicans elections should be of no concern to Tea Party members, however. Democrats and Republicans alike have been following the same path towards a bigger, more expensive, and more intrusive federal government for decades. It's nice to see a movement that, at least in most respects, wants some real change.
Cincinnati, OH
The Tea party exemplifies the disgust Americans have with Washington. The problem is there has been so much rhetoric from special interests to influence Americans opinions and the way they think that they can't quite identify the real problems, much less come up with a solution. we can change politicians every month but until we get the lobbyists and special interest money out of Washington nothing will change.
Is the Pope Catholic? You must be joking. This movement is taking this country where it needs to be. Less govenrment, lower taxes and less regulation...The Dems are going to loose big time in Nov. The Tea Party revolution has officially arrived and last night was our
"Bunker Hill"
I have long warned my friends about voting for "single-issue" candidates, which in essence is what the Tea Party is presenting.
The Tea Party is trying to pull the GOP off its current course, which might be a good thing, but in doing so they risk splitting the party and rendering it powerless. The Romans' symbol of a bundle of sticks (with an axe in the middle) represents a strong party, sort of. Not sure what the axe is for in this case – budget/tax cuts?
Tssshhh pretty well summed it up for me. I'm not an activist but I (am many of my friends) are just plain sick and tired of the politics as usual gang. I do not like the way this country is headed and can't wait for change to really happen – this begins in November. The Tea Party began with people who are not content with this administration nor with congress – we need to vote them out and NOW. No more "lifetime" politicians.
Sadly, yes. Intolerant, me-first people, with racist leanings have found their place to belong. The only thing scarier than their politics is the way they've high jacked a religion founded on 'love thy neighbor as thyself' to spread their 'poor people are evil and lazy' message.
Sure they are for real. A good philosophy? Who knows. I don't go too much out of my way to research movements like this because you inevitably find they have no real platform. Just a series of talking points designed to cause a little emotion and energy. I have no idea what the Tea Party would do in office if they came to power. I know that my gun rights would stay the same or increase. That's about it. "Decrease the size of government." I have no idea what that means. Disband the army? Revoke social programs? Well that won't work. Sure it sounds good to a bunch of beered up anarchist Repubs who don't like paying taxes, but there isn't much reality behind it. So, are they for real? Yes. Would I ever vote for someone who gives an hour long speech based on "we like our guns?" Nope. You may criticize Obama, but what's your plan Tea Party?
As real as the money folks that are backing it. As a Black American, I'm concerned because no where can I find what their platform is....they want lower taxes, they want less government, and what else? They want there country back....who stole it.....they want to go back to the founding fathers ideas for the country....wasn't that before civil rights? If given power what does that mean for folks of color? They say they want changes but there doesn't seem to be a consistent message or platform from one states Tea Party to another. And lastly, I'm scared by endorsements from scary people like Sarah Palin. Can you tell us what they stand for?
The Tea Party speaks mainly to disenfranchised voters in specific populist constituencies. By it's own construct it can't speak to the majority of Americans–especially those who don't come from a rural or suburban white background. For this reason, as voter 'anger' spins further and further into voter confusion, when the Tea Party offers no legitimate vision for the entirety of American citizens, it will burn out or subjugate itself to target groups.
The anger from the people is real but the extremists (not the people)are taking over the republican party! Actually, it is even worst than that! People want a voice for their anger which nothing good comes from making decision while being angry and they hear from the tea party that they feel their pain to fight against special interests! In fact, it seems from some reporting done that special interests are funding the personalities of the tea party; so the people i.e. the voters are real but the personalities of the tea party are fake!
It's a third Party and that's what everyone has been saying we need. I however, think we need a 4th as I'm not too happy and no longer supportive of Numbers 1, 2, and 3.
I think the Tea Party is a bunch of Republicans on steroids only not ashamed of their wanting to throw everyone else off a cliff. They should be, they just don't give a "by gosh or oh golly"
Being from Delaware I've watched this unfold and become the news spark it is today. The tea party, in my opinion, began on real idea, with some really great goals. But it has been hijacked by religous zealots who I for one, cannot take seriously.
The tea party gives me hope. I was so nervous the Dems, finger on the trigger aimed at their feet, were going to blow the elections but now I have hope! The Tea Partiers are going to hopefully split the Republicans vote, alienate the independents and hopefully Dems show up to vote. There's not much that scares me more than Tea Partiers in office, those who truly refuse to cooperate with the other party(s). Congress is pretty divided now, but I can only imagine if some of the true loonies get in. Rove is looking good right now...
The T party folks think they are real.
I think the real question will the T party being considered "real" by the majority of the voters. I am thinkin "not so much".
So real as in are they living and breathing YES. Real as in electible....No way
Yes Jack, the Tea Party is definitely for real but then again so is pixie dust and unicorns. Don't believe me, take a poll and see how many of those who love Sarah Palin and support the Teabaggers also believe that.
Further, at what point do these anti-government anti-establishment anti-incumbent meatheads realize that the day after their candidates take office, they become governmental incumbents of the establishment?
They had better realize this...there is a No Refund policy so don't bother to save your receipt for your contribution to their campaigns. Good time to be in the beer industry though. Soon, all the Tea Party supporters will need some to cry into.
It is amazing someone like Rangel is elected and we all know what a thug he is. As he said Obama needs him. Two of a kind.
Yea tea party.
Was what happened in Germany in 1933 for real?
The Tea Party is concentrated on eliminating the Inbred politicians who have made their livihoods off the backs or the American people from the halls of politics. Republicans have endorsed this program. Hopefully Democrats will "see the light" and follow the lead. I'd be very worried if I was part of the establishment at this time. Does Harry Ried come to mind?
Yes, they're for real and won't be going away. What I don't understand is why so many folks associate the Teaparty with Republicans, given that half are Democrats and Independents.
The Tea Party is for real but not necessarily right or wise. These voters do not appreciate that the problems inherited from the past were so immense that the cure was going to be long and very painful. The problem with these people is they think that there are easy and instant fixes out there . If their philosophy had been adopted at the beginning of Obama's term the country would have been in a depression of unimaginabe proportions and would have been world wide. Too frightening to contemplate.
Yes, they are real! But can't they find real candidates?!
The Tea Party is for real only in the minds of right wing republicans. How many people voted in Deleware as opposed to the population? The population is 900,000 and about 50,000 voted? Let's see that's 0.5% of the population.
Yes the Tea Party is real. I'm a Republican, and I'm tired of the "old guard" in Washington DC that are out of touch with the people they are supposed to represent. It's time for government of/by/for the people again.
Jack, Tea Party is a fake and lie. They never get it. I bet Tea Party plan to destroy our Country. They are fake, period!
It would apear so. Just ask the GOP, they seem to be loosing some on their seats to tea Partiers. Now, the real question is, "How many seats will the DEMs lose to the Tea Party?"
I am a member of the TEA Party and we are sick of both Dem and Rep who will not do the will of the people...we the people want to have a voice and a ear that will listen to what we the tax payer (and who pays there huge salary) wants...they work for us or should but don't..so yes the Tea party is for real and we will move forward..
This whole "tea party" movement is probably the best thing that has happened to the democrats. While I give props to their primary victories over GOP rivals, this country is NOT going to benefit if there are people on the right-wing of the right-wing. Recent history has shown what partisan politics is capable of: absolutely nothing. Be it democratic spending or republican tax cuts, true progress can not come from a single party.
The Tea Party is nothing but a joke. These are people who clearly don't know anything about the causes for the Boston Tea Party, can't name their own congressman, don't understand how much we rely on the government to protect us and are immature enough to still believe in a sky daddy who will get mad if we have health care for everyone.
– Peter, Valley Village, CA
Economic outlook determines the winner of elections. If people are unemployed, poor and angry, they won't vote for the people who're set on doing everything (including middle east peace talks) but aggressively tackle economic problems. That's the voter that doesn't consistently vote for either party, who also determines the winner. Just like we're surprised to see tea partiers win primaries, come November we'll be surprised they won senate seats. And I won't blame people for voting for them.
The Tea Party is a power play by the right arm of the GOP to force the GOP further to the right, it has worked thus far and it appears as though they are in a position to ensure that the GOPs chosen leader is one of them. We will see them try to minimize the Tea Party influence for 2012 to be competive in a general election, however, they have said enough crazy things that the dems will paint the entire GOP as Tea Party fanatics.
Yeah they're for real. Real loud, real uninformed, real divisive and a real danger to our republic.
Hope not....for if they are, racism may once again surface and international respect for the US collective "iQ" will be under severe stress..... the same way it was under the previous administration.
All they are doing is criticizing without offering alternative/concrete solutions.
I can't figure who said it better, P.T.Barnum – 'no-one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American Public" or Lincoln -"You can fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time ..."
Of course the Tea Party is for real, Jack.
Mike
Ottawa, Canada
Is there anyone here that think they are going to be effective when they get to congress. It may "feel" good now but is a lot different in the well of the Senate
I'll be honest– as a high school student, I'm less informed about the Tea Party's actual opinions than I care to admit but from my fairly moderate friends and teachers, it's been instilled in me that they are more libertarian extremists. How factual this is, I don't know but I've been hoping to look into it more. Perhaps it doesn't matter whether the Tea Party will be remembered in the halls of history, only that, in the most Hawthorne-esque way, the Tea Party may or may not be "real" to us, but that it is real to it's voters and they are the ones that are making decisions.
I think they are real but they won't win any election.
The moderate republicans always made their way to carry the votes of the radicals (the tea baggers). Now the party is broke and neither part will make an election by themselves. Democrats are the only winners of this equation.
The Tea Party is for real, and their tactics are alarming. It's a racist agenda disguised as people for smaller government. It'll be even scarier if these people start winning elections. I think everyone who rarely or never votes are going to come out of the woodwork in November, either to eagerly support or oppose Tea Party candidates. Hopefully they won't gain a foothold in our government. As much as I don't like the mess we're in now, I'd rather we kept the status quo than to have the Tea Party running this country.
It is funny how the left claims to be so brilliant, but at the same time, still does not understand the Tea Party movement. The Tea Party movement grew out of the Ron Paul campaign and was comprised of disenfranchised voters that were against both major parties. Many were swing voters that helped to get Obama elected, but now have become “conservatives” given the ridiculous attacks made by the Democrats and sickening performance of the Obama Admin. The fact that there is disagreement among conservatives does not mean the Democrats automatically gain those votes. Remember the division between Clinton and Obama?
The Tea-baggers are real right-wing extremists that have no chance of convincing reasonable people that they should hold office. We don't need anymore far left or right people in Washington. We need pragmatic people who will find solutions to problems that people care about. Solutions are not found in the fringes, they are found on middle-ground. If you want more partisanship then vote for this group of wing-nuts.
Jack,
The Tea Party is "real," but is it relevant?
I think it is. I think that the frightening images from the Tea Party meetings will be everywhere, and I think they will generate heat on both ends of the political spectrum...
In the end, I think Democrats will benefit more from their "reality" than Republicans.
Is it enough to be against everything, but really not anything?
Angry people without solutions are just angry people.
The world today is very different than the world of the founders as well as Reagan
god help us if these clowns get in to power we will become a thrid world country in two to four years.
The Tea Party is for real. Doesn't going up against the Republican establishment say something? The Tea Party is pro conservative. Wait til November and we will see how strong the Tea Party really is.
Better yet, here's the real question. If the Tea Party state they are not associated or affiliated with neither the Republican or Democrat party, then why are the Tea Party candidates eliciting and accepting help with their campaigns for the general election?
Yes, Jack, the Tea Party is for real. The sad part is that they have been hoodwinked by corporate America into believing the problem lies with the Obama Administration. The Tea Partiers have forgotten that is was the Bush/Cheney people who Spent the Surplus, Created the Deficit, Borrowed from China, Outsourced Our Jobs, Violated the Constitution and Bailed out the Banks. While I live frugally (no credit cards/mortgages/loans), I believe our government needs to invest in small business and infrastructure at this time in order to get us out of the mess. Given time, Obama will have us on the road to recovery. It's already happening here in Michigan. Every day, I read about new businesses and new jobs created as a result of the Recovery Program. Bonnie in Michigan
the Tea Party goes against this entire broken system. Whether you have a D or R next to your name....it doesn't matter. No more pork. No more special interest groups taking control of all the decisions. No more spending until this country can get the debt under control. Pretty simple, yet powerful platform. Slightly more complicated than "throw the bums out and start over". Will it work? Who knows. I find it funny that those principles get highjacked by the media and other politicians and it becomes a "far right wing extremist" group. The original groups were made up a all parties. I am a conservative and find it funny how the GOP is getting fired up over the Tea Party nominees and how "un-electable" they are. We will see in November. I would rather this serve as a wake up call to all Repubs and Dems that you are not safe in your cushy govt job anymore. A few "lost" seats on the GOP are worth making the point instead of elected more useless bodies into office regardless of the party.
Yes, they're real. Real angry.
The teabag movent ain't nothing but a joke. I think they are going to do more bad than good. A lot of these canidates are inexperience but to the American people who is falling this group better be careful who they vote out and who they vote in especially these teabaggers. Bernard w bennettsville s.c.
Yes, it looks for real, but it is artificial. It issponsored by ultra right big corp's.
Our society has always held a fringe element of social and political perspectives. In the wake of current economic conditions, huge historical changes to health care, one of the longest wars, and a president of color, some people are more than willing to take the easy to understand explanation wrapped in overly patriotic undertones. And many people/ political parties are ready to fan and exploit it. The tea party may be a joke, but we should be careful to not become the punchline.
Sorry Jack, but if it runs in the republican primary, walks, talks, and acts like a republican, its a Republican.
I as a tea party supporter would vote for a dem if they were for shrinking "government and taxes" in our lives. we are not republicans only. we are for real it is the rest that are a fantasy, a vote for tea party is a vote to slow or stop the stealing from all.
A few years ago, consultants convinced companies to create an upscale brand for products, such as, Lexus and ProScan. Tea Party is the re-branded Republican right. The only thing upscale about the movement is the upper tax bracket financing, but the foot soldiers enjoy the the dollars which give them a platform
The Tea Party will be the Republicans worst nightmare because although the Republicans will eventually find out that getting behind them is the only way chance they will have to win. The problem: the independents are not going to vote for a punch of extremists. So, you think this is a slaughter for the Democrats – not so fast!
Most of the tea party consists of older white people. Less than one percent of it's following is black. It's obvious they do not represent anything real it's just a bunch of people who want too take us back in time. They will cause the conservative right too self destruct now and when it comes to 2012 all Barack Obama will have to do is let Sarah palin open her mouth and he will win the election. And she doesn't care. She is making millions prancing around with Glenn beck making stuff up.
There is no question the Tea Party is for real.
The real question is are they electable. If they continue advocating an ultra-right agenda I believe their chances in Nov. are dismal in most states.
If Tea Party candidates do manage to seat as many as 4 or 5 candidates, we will look back on this time as Shangri-La. At least for the 1st 12 months or so until Lobbyist and other special interests get their ear and they will become just like all the other politicians in Washington.
Self-serving, on the take and out of touch.
Remember, the job of any politician is to, first, get elected, then, re-elected. Anything else is an invisible second.
I think it is for real and should legitimize itself to the mainstream by breaking away from the RNC and becoming a third party. It has become an unwanted identity of the party as a whole in many cases and has cost many true republicans votes in the primaries.
The Tea Party is about as real as McCain's chances of winning the presidency were once he picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. She takes away any credibility of the movement...which is far too right leaning for most intelligent mainstream Americans.
I believe the Tea Party can return our country to what it once was...an Arctic wasteland.
The Tea Party is the last desparate attempt by the boomer generation to maintain the dominance held by the US after conquering the world in WWII.
Right now the Tea party is being portrayed as the lunatic fringe of the Republicans, but if they reorganized themselves as a new political party, the "Conservative Party", and got a serious platform instead of just complaining about everything, they would be very real, as long as they could separate themselves from the GOP.
The problem, Jack, is that they can't do any of that.
If you have to ask if the tea party is real, then you don't understand what it's about. It isn't a part of a party, it isn't just Republicans, it is Americans who are concerned about the size, scope and power of our government. They are concerned because they see the government borrowing 33% of their budget and because they're reasonable people, they know that isn't sustainable. They oppose politicians and business as usual. Believe it or not, the tea party is actually interested in real fundamental change in Washington, unlike the kind of "change" that Obama delivered, which has turned out to be just making the government bigger. How is that change?
Hopefully yes. The more Americans involved in the political process, the stronger our nation is.
I believe the Tea Party Movement shows a divide in the Republican party more than anything else. The Tea Party is a move towards extremism, and I believe the voters will realize this and vote in favor of the Democrats. We shall see in November.
Dubuque, IA
when the big TEA party rally in front of the capital happened, BO said on TV that he did not know a rally had taken place!
so....here we are today and look what is happening.
The TEA party will get people excited to go out and vote. That is what it is all about.
And it is working!
The left cannot get people excited so they will stay home and not vote in november.
Read the writting on the wall!
Jack, The Tea Party for real? these are brainwashed maniacs who have been convinced by FOX and other Conservative media outlets to vote against things that are in their interest as citizens of these United States. The Tea Party Movement will be sweeped under the carpet of history and God help us if this embarrassment to the Nation is remembered for years to come.
Sorry, Jack, but the only thing 'real' about the Tea Party, is the reality of their extremism.
The tea party seems to be nothing more than the fringe right of the republican party. So yes, they're for real. Their popularity is easy to explain. They offer blame during tough economic times. Your life is tough because of Mexicans and Muslims. It Obama's fault. It's the government, etc., etc.. You actually have unemployed blue collar workers holding rallies to get more tax breaks for millionaires while complaining about deficeits. If they really are dumb enough to think that "taking your government back from special interest" means voting for republicans, then I understand their admiration for Sarah Palin.
I think the Tea Party suffers from delusions of grandeur and a Messiah complex, despite their attempt to pin that tag on Obama.
Just look at Glenn Beck's rally–these people think they are anointed by God to "take back the country." Coalition politics is just boring compared to being part of a revolutionary movement that will bring America back to God.
Like most zealots, they don't see the need to interact in a meaningful way with anybody who doesn't agree with their strict dogma–including fellow Republicans.
I always thought the "American Taliban" description was overdone, but with all this talk of restoring the One True Faith and defeating the heathen interlopers, they sure sound a lot like the Taliban.
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One less RINO in Washington, Jack.
Each one replaced by a TRUE CONSERVATVE.
And if these "we the people" Tea Party conservatives are picking off their OWN, just think how bad it will be for the Democrats up for reelection this Nov. 2nd, when they focus on their REAL ENEMY: the Liberal Democrats.
If I was an incumbant Democrat, hoping to secure my job this November 2nd, I would be VERY, VERY worried.
Is anyone outside of Washington really clamouring for the alternatives? Two(and six) years ago it was "Anyone but Bush". Now it's "Anyone but the established political elite".
I don't give a rat's behind WHAT party they belong too. I want people who want to set an EXAMPLE for the rest of us. Drop the Congressional pension plan. Put that money into the national debt. Live on Social Security. I bet you"ll fix it THEN. Drop your Health Care package. Survive on Medicare. You'll fix THAT too! Why don't you tighten YOUR belts for once. You are supposed to try and make things BETTER. Start with the person looking out of the mirror at you!
the tea party movement started out as for the people and was led by founders that spoke out for the common good like Ron Paul... it was quickly picked up by the cliche politicians in an effort to string back the right wing into the same irrelevant issues in order to keep themselves popular among people without selling out to their special interests. The tea party is no longer for the people and has turned into an angry mob that uses illogical reasoning to be anti government. The intentions for it seemed to be good but it's turned into another way for the right wing extremes to lead the sheeple by deomonstrating intolerance towards other Americans... whether it be Muslims, Immigrants, or homosexuals.
That's for the voters to decide. We'll see in November.
Its for real a reactionary movement, forged from anger, fear and discontent. Whether it has any legs to last for any length of time remains to be seen, but eventually it may have to either take over the GOP, or break away from it.
The Tea Party is definitely for real and is a sign of things to come for the Republican Party. The Tea Party is rooted in "Palinism" and the partys search for a big tent center again, frankly I think it is PR genius and so unlike the GOP. Naysayers probably don't get the big tent picture because the tent is so large as tpo contain Glen Beck's ego ...it strains the eyes ... it's none other than the loyal opposition to the invasive goverment and socialistic path of the current administration which due to poor econmic policies and letting the banks run rampant is now forced to kow tow (no pun intended) to foriegn financial interests and walking softly so as not to incite religious radicals.
Tea party looks like a Vanilla Cone ice cream deeped in chocolate. The more it stays out there the softer it gets in the centre. At the end, there is nothing left of it but the foamy liquid. Looking forward to see that happening.
Jacksonville, Florida
This is a joke. Anyone part of this group is a joke. The first time something goes wrong, guess who they will be calling? The big ol' bad government. Everyone complaining about over draft fees, who fixed that? People complaining about all the money they lost due to market collaspe, who fixed that? People only want government in their lives until one of the Big( Banks, Pharma, Oil) take advantage of them.
Yes Jack, the TEA PARTY is real, but I'm afraid for our country. The
theme of the movement is just plain hate everything. Hate the gov't,
hate public education, hate social security,hate Medicare, hate anybody
who is not hateful like they are. What is there not to hate or like? I would
like to know what they would do if disaster strikes them, I guess, they
would still hate the gov't for helping them . Lord have mercy!
Houston, Texas
The Tea Party is quite real and it will not be going away. Every Tea Party gathering I have attended has overflowed the venue. The attendees are people who have spent their time working, raising their family, paying their taxes and ignoring politics. They will not be ignoring politics this election or the next as the administration has gotten their full attention and they intend to dramatically change the direction of this country. I promise you Jack, the election results are going to suprise the mis-guided deaf members of congress. We are coming in mass and nothing is going to stop us from getting this done.
Be real Jack. The tea party is a complete myth. As soon as Obama leaves office the tea party will disolve. If the tea party cared about physical responsibilty from our politicians, where was the tea party when every GOP and some stupid Democrats voted to go to war with no facts.
I wonder how many people take the time to actually write their elected officials. I found myself sitting next to "one of them" at a dinner and asked "How many letters do you have to get to think maybe you have a problem?". The answer was ten. Why?, said I. The answer was "if ten people took the trouble to write, a thousand didn't". And no, not those "write in campaigns"..just one letter from one ticked off constitutent. So..they don't know how you feel if you don't tell them.
So tell them. Take the time and do it.
The problem is that neither the republicans nor the democrats understand American People are tired of both parties. Maybe the folks in Delaware didnt pick a party, maybe they actually wanted the best candidate!
It seems the the Tea Party are really not very american at all– they pretty much represent the small minded ness- and throw your neighbour under the bus mentality. Its either youre 100% with us, or you must me some terrorist enemy... and that mentality is quite scary.
It's frighteningly real. Completely Looney Tunes with good intentions as far as government spending goes, but way too extreme!
They are as bad as the Looney Tunes lefties that want to bubble wrap the rights of criminals, Illegal Aliens and welfare scammers at the expense of everyone else so that it completely clogs our judicial and entitlement systems and prevents them from working the way they are supposed to.
We need to junk the party system altogether, it just doesn't work anymore.
Certainly Tea party is for real. The old Republican guards will be shaken up & the new blood will come in. The old R party of NO can become a new R party of YES with replacements. Come what may, the change is good for the people. Democrats, no need to celebrate, surprises can come, Some Tea party people can win . Nothing is certain until Nov 3, 2010.
i'm going to try this again jack.........yes they are for real.......they will do anything to get pres.obama out of office........because he's black they don't think he's smart enough to turn this country around..............
Really tea party is a joke.
The Tea-Party – or as I like to call it, the White Whine party – relies on one of the most fundamental of truism: tell a lie often enough and people start to believe its the truth. Ask a White Whiner what smaller government looks like and even they don't have a clue. Ask a White Whiner how they are going to lower taxes yet still pay for Medicare, Medicaid, Defense spending and hundreds of billions of dollars more for something called "border security" and and another thing called "immigration reform" they don't have a plan. The real revolt will come when some White Whiners actually get into office and either turn mainstream or simply implode because they don't have a single idea that is relevant to modern government or even to the real world. Then everyone will say "Nevermind."
Bill Maher said it right. 50% of the republican party thinks Obama has a Muslim agenda. 40% think he's not from the US. Now you are going to add Joe Miller, Ken Buck, Sharon Angle, and Christine Odonnell to save us from ourselves! Wake me up this is just surreal. The Tea Party was whining about taxesuntil the facts proved the tax rates are the lowest in 50 years. The want the deficit under control- lets give tax cuts to millionaires!!! HELLO
There is no difference between the Democrats and Republicans in the government. It's about time we joined the rest of the world and have only two Parties, Conservative and Liberal. And by the way, on the ballot, where is the
Tea "Party" line.?
This same question was asked about an obscure, right-wing political party in post-depression era Germany. Not enough people took them seriously in the beginning either. While not yet inciting riots, the right-wing extremists called the Tea Party are right on the edge in terms of their rhetoric. They scare me and they should scare a lot more of us. Wake up America. It is time for many more Republicans to follow the lead of Arlen Specter and become a Democrat. The Tea Party is luring away the ultra-conservatives spelling the doom of the Republican Party. Funny, the Republicans may take over the HouseTHIS time, but it will be their last hurrah if they do.
The real test is the general election. An enthusiastic minority can hijack a primary and that seems to be what happened in several states. What happens when the general population starts to pay attention to what some of these candidates are really saying-privitizing Social Security, eliminating the Education and Energy Departments, Obama wasn't born in the US, etc., etc., etc.
Has anyone looked at the crowd of the Tea Party? Don't they realize the Tea Party is filled with gray-hairs/baby boomers. Not long ago those baby boomers were HIPPIES! The first generation and last generation that stood up and fought for everything they were against.
Everytime I write a comment it is never posted to this site, but I am trying again. The teaparty is not a party and they sound like very uninformed people who really don't understand government or even the real world. I ask them " What is there to take back?"
It is quite amazing that a 2 to 3 percent vote getting bunch of Libertarians have taken over a major political party.
So the answer to your question is YES, they are for real. I hope the public has time to vet them thoroughly before they take over and set us back a hundred years or more.
No. It just shows parts of America are still not civilized.
This whole Tea-Party thing is hilarious to me. All this does is in the primaries gives these people false hope of a general election and the democrats on the other side will wipe clean in the general election. These tea party patrons are so fired up that they might and have been able to get there candidates into the election. However, the voting show for primaries is far less than the general election and I doubt that many people will vote for the unknown GOP (tea-party) ticket.
Of course, the T. P. is for real. When it's backed by Really Big Money from the likes of the Koch brothers and R Murdoch, it's gotta be. These sugar daddies gotta be laughing all the way to the bank. Follow the money for this 'grass roots' thing.
Vive la révolution, oppressed white America! Can you spell DUPES?
The Tea Party has every reason to rebel against the most recent hijacking of the Republican Party. However, the anti President Obama rhetoric, espoused by its leaders and supporters leads one to question whether this so called revolt of the American people is not just a contrived attempt to provide a cover for other prejudices.
I have never been to a political event but I agree with the tea party. Cut govt cut spending
what the Tea Party is essentially doing is creating (possibly) a 3-party
system as we find in the UK. And that 3rd Party will dilute and fracture the GOP, create tremendous disagreement among people and most likely not garner enough votes for either GOP or Tea Party Candidates handing the Democrats what they already have – a majority.
Thank god!
Yes, Yes, Yes the tea party is real. It is an ideological purge to put the Rush Limbaugh wing of the GOP in charge of the country by 2012. Democrats will ignore them and not take them seriously at their own peril.
It's Election time again so what's the first thing they do? They bury the Illegal alien issue. Fifteen million of them working and sucking off the system while 10% or more of Americans are unemployed. How about not being able to find a job because you only speak the language of your land (I'm talking about English)? Charity begins at Home. Americans should come first in Their Country and our invaders should be repelled. Bad behavior should not be rewarded.
Yes, for those who are inept and only care about themselves.
Only one in four trust the government...where has the "one" been hiding...under a rock? The "Tea Party" is a very convenient way for many to express their complete dissatisfaction with all of the incumbents, regardless of political party. Are they viable? Not sure...What I am sure of is that Americans are sick and tired of labels such as liberal, conservative, moderate, left, right, and middle. The left is too far left, the right is too far right, the moderates waiver constantly, all of them bicker, point fingers, deflect fault, and accomplish nothing productive. Regardless of whether the Democrats or the Republicans prevail at mid-terms, the Tea Party has allowed many of us to fire the proverbial cannon shot over the bow. Forget the titles of Senator or Representative, and start carrying business cards with the title "Public Servant".
As long as there is a gullible audience who would believe anything said against the present incumbent, the Tea Party is real. Amazing that there are that many "functionally illiterate" people amidst us.
While not yet inciting riots, the right-wing extremists called the Tea Party are right on the edge in terms of their rhetoric. They scare me and they should scare a lot more of us. Wake up America. It is time for many more Republicans to follow the lead of Arlen Specter and become a Democrat. The Tea Party is luring away the ultra-conservatives spelling the doom of the Republican Party. Funny, the Republicans may take over the HouseTHIS time, but it will be their last hurrah if they do.
the first ever tea party was laughed at and ridiculed also, look what it started, just the greatest country the planet has ever seen. Were they experienced, no, were they though of as mainstream, no, were they supported at first by most future AMERICANS, no, were they right , yes, did they win, yes.
Tea Party impact is for real, but is based more upon emotion than fact – for example, facts show gov't has not "taken over" health care or auto industry (we made money from bailout loans), but those types of facts are never specified by Tea Partyer's. Tea Party could be more impactful if it were perceived as being more truthful; instead, it's lumped in with all other groups who spin facts to align with their agenda and as a result their message is somewhat considered political "white noise".
The Republican party has needed a shake-up for a long time. Maybe the Tea Party will generate some real dialog among conservatives, and they'll start coming up with better ideas and candidates than they've had in the past few decades. I'm not a Republican, and I'm not a Tea Party sort, but I think some re-evaluation and self-reflection is long overdue in the GOP.
The tea party is an adverse conservative reaction to the election of Barack Obama. The factors driving this movement are real. Racism, fear of change and fear that the era of "white privilege" is coming to an end and multiracial equality will begin are real. The tea party is really a creation of the Republican Party.
It should not be a surprise that Tea Party candidates are winning Republican primaries. That's where all the grassroots energy on the Right is! Sarah and her tea party make for good soundbites, and the media looooves soundbites. So it's no surprise the media has made the tea party. What will be a huge surprise is if true Tea Party candidates can win many elections where independents and democrats are allowed to vote.
They and the right wingers are always on the wrong side of history, so their victories will be temporary at best. In the end, progress in social issues like civil rights will not be held back by these hate mongers.
Yes they are for real, it seems extremism is gaining momentum in everything now-a-days. What ever is outlandish, gets massive attention, and apparently votes as well.
The Tea Party is like the hair on the top of your head, Jack. It'll be gone in a year or two.
The Tea Party is composed of angry imbeciles who think their anger translates into having coherent solutions. O'Donnell is like Sarah Palin Jr., dumber than a box of rocks.
The Republican Party (let's call it what it is, they own the GOP now) still suffers from the fundamental problem that they don't stand for anything, the only thing that unites them is what they are against. It works for an insurgency, not for a lasting influence.
Thomas Jefferson did NOT say: "A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have". It was President Gerald Ford.
I hope so. I would like to see the GOP split into a few different parties, and I'd like the Dems to do the same. This 2-party system constantly makes us hold our nose in the voting booth and choose between the lesser of 2 evils, or the evil of 2 lessers.
Heck yes it's for real, what's more is that the idealogy behind it is more than real...and that is that governement should stay the hell out of our lives, and that there is a silent majority that says we should do what is right for most people, not belly up to niche minority opinion just because it's the darling of the ultra liberal media.
The Democratic National Committee should donate to the Tea Party as all these wackso are doing is splitting the Republican party. Until someone with leadership skills in the Republican party steps up to the plate and denounces these religious fanatical hypocrits, the GOP will continue to falter. To show you how dumb these people are...Sarah Palin supported John McCain, who claims to be everything to everyone – left or right( while shunning his opponent, JD Hayworth, the only real Tea Partier in the race and a true conservative, right wing wacko like Ms. Palin herself.
You better believe the tea party is for real. The anti liberal movement is galvanising The U.S.A! More power to conservatives!!!!
It really depends on how TP candidates who actually get elected to office react to the new found power that accompanies their office. They will be on the receiving end of special interest influence.
Will they be able to resist the selling of votes to the highest bidder?
How will they deal with the spotlight of fame?
Will their personal and professional past come back to haunt them?
It may be lot easier to get elected than it is to serve. If they prove to be ineffective as legislators they could very well end up being nothing more than a temporary flash in the pan.