Will the Tea Party's hard line on the debt ceiling ultimately help or hurt them?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When it comes to the debt ceiling debate, members of the so-called Tea Party - particularly those in the House - have taken a hard line, and they are not straying from it. Deep spending cuts - no new taxes, or no deal.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/07/21/art.tea.party.jpg caption=""]
Their unwillingness to compromise has not only hurt the chances of a deal on the debt debate, it's also damaged the negotiating power of their own party leaders like House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who have grown more open to compromise as the clock ticks down toward a deadline.
It's a tough place to be for Republicans who aren't buying the Tea Party message, particularly those in the Senate who have shown interest in the Gang of Six bipartisan compromise. But compromise isn't on the Tea Party agenda, and the passage of the so-called Cut, Cap and Balance bill in the House earlier this week proves that.
The bill requires steeper spending cuts, and it pushes for a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget. But of course that bill has little chance of passing in the Senate, and President Obama said he will veto it if it ever gets to his desk. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking.
In the end, House Republicans may be forced to vote for a short-term agreement on the debt ceiling to avoid a government default - and to save face with constituents. Either way, if a deal is reached on the debt ceiling by August 2, we'll find out just how much - or how little - power the Tea Party really has.
Here’s my question to you: Will the Tea Party's hard line on the debt ceiling ultimately help or hurt them?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Larry:
The Tea Party hard line position will take its toll in 2012. Americans want leaders to lead with reasonable solutions and sensible compromises. The Tea Party mantra: "Our Way or The Highway" has run its course.
Al:
I think that people who weren't paying attention, are paying attention now and they see the agenda of the Radical Republicans for what it is. Destroy Social Security, destroy Medicare, and protect their rich pay masters at any cost. They will get the blame if the economy crashes as a result of their thoughtless stupidity.
Carl in Pahrump, Nevada:
The Tea Party is making the Republicans look like the party of deadbeats that don’t pay their bills and honor their obligations. They are making the Republican Party obsolete.
Bizz in Quarryville, Pennsylvania:
Jack, I think it will definitely hurt them. When you refuse to negotiate and act like a spoiled child it only hurts your cause. House speaker Boehner has no say, he is a puppet on strings. I actually feel sorry for him having to deal with such a group.
Barbara in North Carolina:
They are not thinking about what is best for this country. They're thinking about how they can get rid of President Obama.
Alex in Bremerton, Washington:
Hard line purity will ultimately hurt them in this nation founded on political compromise. For centuries, the legislative process has been based on negotiation and compromise. The Tea Party ideologues have gridlocked the process of governing and threatened to drive our economy off a cliff. Many Americans, such as disabled Veterans, poor children and the elderly, will be hurt if the Tea Party has it their way.
Jim in Colorado:
Jack, it is going to hurt them. And hopefully it causes some of those extremists to be voted out in 2012. Every time I hear one of them on the news it makes me wonder what they have been putting in that tea they are drinking.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
The money has already been spent. Raising the debt ceiling allows the U.S. to pay interest on the loans and operate day to day. This is totally different from the budget and the Tea Partiers know it. They want that promise of no tax responsibility that Obama graciously gave them last year. As soon as they ge it they will go along with raising the debt limit.
It might just Purge, the 2 party monopoly ,also known as the seniority of deplority , who conspire to give tax breaks to multi nationals while us poor workers are forced to pay the tax base, as they ( special interest congress), give the tax money back to unsustainable industries. At least the tea party keeps the conversation honest Jack.
Hurt, and hurt bad Jack. The Tea Party doesn't know a single thing about government, the economy, or how anything works. They just get out there and say a lot of crap like a the loonies that they are and think that if they just keep taxes as low as possible and demolish anything that may help someone else that everything will work out. Well it don't work that way, Jack, and that's something these so-called "Tea Party Patriots" don't understand.
Terrence Cain
Big Spring, Texas
If people look at it with intelligence and consider our country's future they will understand the FIRM stance against the lunatic spending mentality of the federal government.
But that's asking alot from a nation that worships entertainment, cell phones, Twitter, and the future of someone called Casey Anthony.
You have to wonder if America deserves sound, rational, sensible government.
Jack: The Tea Party wing of the Republican Party could stop a debt ceiling deal. The Tea Party and the Republicans would be hurt. Not raising the debt ceiling stops funds to veterans and social security seniors could help both parties to lose elections in 2012. The Tea Party is apart of the Republican Party, and is dedeciated it's life to stopping President Obama. Remember, Mr. Obama is not the problem, but if your not part of the solution your part of the problem.
I think most will be one-term. What more needs to be said.
I think ultimatly it will hurt them. I do think someone should let them know they get the message in Congress.
When you swerve hard to the left or the right you end up in the ditch. trying to stay in the center will usually get you where you want to go.
P.S. a reminder to Congress !"you work for the UNITED STATES not the democratic states or the republican states"
Oh, they will be organized and spewing as long as Obama is President – possibly as long as he lives. That element of the GOP traces some of its origins to the Birchers. They aren't going anywhere.
There comes a point in time when people get tired of road blocks no mater how good an idea that road block may have been. Right now Americans are losing money in potential interest while the congress plays loose with the budget. The American people will not forget who slowed the process down as their stocks and bank accounts dwindle. Their memory will come back when it is time to vote in the 2012 election and they will hand the presidency back to Obama out of spite.
It will help them with their base, as long as they can keep pulling the wool over that base's eyes. The rest of us will see them as the rightwing lunatic fringe they are. It's never good to let the fringe of either side take control. Our government is no longer functional because of these lunatics.
Only time will tell. I'm not convinced that refusing to raise the debt ceiling will harm anyone. The American government has to stop overspending. Nothing like having its credit card cut up to make it behave immediately. The hype about the debt ceiling reminds me of the unwarranted ballyhoo about Y2K and WMD's. At least the Tea Party appears to have the guts to stick to its convictions.
The Tea Party's hard line on raising the debt ceiling will ultimately harm the Republican party in 2012 without question. The Republican party was already struggling with it's base at the far right. Now with the Tea Party pulling them yet in another direction with equal force as the far right, the Republican party could split at the seams.
Most probably will not be re-elected. They are the worst of politicians, and represent the self-serving, bigoted, ruthless, and greedy filthy-rich five percent of the population. I'm convinced that the tea Party goons are just out to wreck the Federal Government, period. They hate the entitlement programs put in place by FDR, and added to by Truman, Johnson, Carter, Clinton, and Obama, and will go to any lengths to totally eliminate them. As for how they view the average working-class citizen, I am convinced that they view us as ranking somewhere between peasants and livestock.
Jim Cowan
Newport, Washington
Jack,
It will hurt the Tea party as they are acting just as bad as a spoiled brat does. I don't know of anyone that likes a spoiled brat.
The Tea Party are going to be alright as the rest wish to waste away Social Security.
I believe that Cut, Cap, and Balance takes the least out of Social Security of all the plans out there based on editorial reports and since it's a so-called "Tea-Party" bill I, along with others over 66 years old, join them..
There is a problem, though. Cut, Cap, and Balance is the only plan so far with any cut or tax in writing. The other plans 'will think up something later'. So we only have vague news reports about the other plans. Why would anybody, any voter, support a "plan" that is not written?
Supporting an unwritten plan is just as stupid as supporting a health care reform bill that has not been read. Not reading, and not writing are good reasons not to support a plan.
Cut, Cap, and Balance is the only plan that is actually written.
Of course it will hurt them. The money has already been spent and Congress has no choice but to increase the debt ceiling one way or another. If Congress does not do it by August 1, Obama will have no choice but to use the 14th amendment to raise it himself. What's really sad is that all this political posturing has nothing to do with governing the country. It's all about the 2012 election!
I believe the Tea Party is nothing more then a right wing expression of closeted racism cloaked in the disguise of fiscal conservativism. Their sole objective is to remove this black President from office and they will stop at nothing, including this imminent default, to accomplish their mission. If they continue to pursue this objective, they should be exposed for their veiled prejudice and hopefully punished at the voting booth in future elections.
When we exclude others in order to live in a box with walls created from absolute ideology eventually it will harm those contained within that box because the box can only crumble.
All creativity, imagination, compassion, and free will is lost when a group of people isolate themselves behind absolute ideology, because all they can and will believe and accept is what they say while hating all others. In other words, nothing can get into that box, and nothing can get out.
It is only when we open our minds and our hearts to all people, not just a few, that we can build a city of the human where all are welcomed.
I think it will hurt them. And thank goodness for small favors except there won't be any rejoicing here since I won't get my SS check, our 401Ks will tank and the interest on my car loan will go out the window. My mortgage is safe–I think. I think those folks who wanted change from the status quo and those who didn't bother to vote in the mid-term elections, are now having second thoughts. Most rational people want Washington to work and that means working at COMPROMISE. And now I have read on your website what I've known for a long time: the Republican pledges are not biblical. (Matthew 5:33-37). Republicans think they are the Moral Majority and are not.
We need a hard line. This country cannot afford to keep raising the debt ceiling whenever they want. The international community will eventually stop us, and at that point the pain would be extreme...
I believe the Tea Party stand on the debt will initially help them; however, who knows what the long term general consequences will be.
The average American is tired of deficit spending, government waste and a government that is perceived as not helping them. Some where along the way, things eventually have to change. This may be the initial ‘shot heard around the world’ – or at least inside the beltway.
********************************
Yes. If a compromise cannot be attained and the country defaults then the public will see just how idiotic such a view was and how any party endorsing such a view is clearly not competent to be in a position of power.
Jack, I hope it hurts them and knocks them back into oblivion.
They may have started with a good idea, but they have allowed
themselves to be infiltrated by haters, some racists, and none
looking to heal America's problems. They attack their own and
threaten repercussions if certain members of Congress don't
do exactly what they want. They are unwilling to compromise
or at the very least have reasonable debates. Just look at
the nuts they support. They talk out of both sides of their
mouths, on the one hand touting Ronald Reagan as their hero,
a President who raised the debt ceiling 17 times and raised
taxes 11, while denigrating President Obama for trying to
bring sanity to the process. They take no responsibility for
their part in getting us in this mess.
They are silly little pissants, feeling "powerful" sucking all
the air out of the room. That's what I "really think". Thank you.
The Tea Party is going to get a reputation for not wanting to pay the bills. I just heard a report on the radio that they had reserved rooms at a Las Vegas hotel for a convention this year. Their contract apparently stipulated that if they cancelled, they would owe the hotel $600,000. Guess what? They cancelled and now they won't pay the $600,000. Not unlike the current national brouhaha. Republicans ran up the bills and now that they're due they don't want to pay them.
It will surely hurt them. Republicans (Tea Party) would rather see our country risk financial ruin than to co-operate with a president legally elected to represent the people. They are too selfish and self centered too worry about anything but their own personal agenda, which is to destroy the middle-class.
Unfortunately most Americans and the mainstream media have fallen for the age-old Keynesian training produced by our great school system, so the Tea Party will be hurt by those that still believe that spending is the answer to debt. People apparently forget – or never learned – that credit is debt: it's not the same as money or capital.
Ron Paul in 2012...
Why do you not call them republican instead confusing the public and insulting the originators of the tea party(1700th). the ultra conservatism part of the republican party is going to take their party down!
A Tea Party Anthem
I don’t know what they have to say, It makes no difference anyway - Whatever it is, I’m against it!
No matter what it is or who commenced it, I’m against it. Your proposition may be good But let’s have one thing understood -
Whatever it is, I’m against it!
And even when you’ve changed it or condensed it,
I’m against it.
I’m opposed to it -
On general principles I’m opposed to it!
Chorus: He’s opposed to it!
In fact, in word, in deed,
He’s opposed to it!
-Marx Brothers "Horse Feathers"
If the debt limit isn't raised, even for a few days, they will end up holding their own bag.
A rational person would think that it should hurt them but like common sense, which isn't very common any more it will help them. It seems to me that they want to bury our country just to prove a point and we are headed for disaster.
I see a lot of people starting to understand the republican goal of "Starving the beast" and killing all entitlements by not funding them.
If I remember correctly this was first stated publicly by Newt Gingrich in the early 90s when he was speaker.
Funny how all these rich guys in congress, who have no financial or health costs to worry about in their later years, want to destroy the main pillars of keeping the elderly from becoming street people.
And the Tea party should get back in the tea pot, they obviously have not been brewing long enough.
If the nation defaults, it will likely hurt the GOP and all but end the Tea Party, but only if people take a look at what's going on. We have a GOP that turned down a massive deal where cuts were greater than revenue by a 3;1 margin, where"idealogical purity" and pledges have overruled the popular opinion and where chances to actually do what they promised have been shot down over the desire to kill the American economy all because a small but vocal group of people with financial knowledge that goes no farther than "taxes and deficits are bad" doesn't want the rich to pay a little more.
I'm not going to say that the Democrats have all the answers or have been thoughtful either, but if the left has been acting like children, then the GOP and Tea Party have been acting like screaming infants.
People are fed up with the repressive party and their hard nose negotiating. You cant be serious about spending and not legalize marijuana, bringing our troops home from Germany, Italy, and other foreign countries, instead the teabaggers want to go after my SS, Medicare, and Education for my children, they would rather put the poor in jail than educate them.
Since the Republican Party and the Tea Party are joined at the Hip, it will hurt more to the Republican side.
Having just experienced a State government shutdown courtesy in large part of the MN Tea Party leaning Republican representatives elected to the MN legislature in 2010 – I would say that the Tea party's hard line isn't going to help them at all with the majority of the country who expects both sides to work together for the good of the country and not their agendas. The Republican Legislature was more worried about getting an anti-Gay Marriage constitutional amendment passed than to deal with the Minn. Budget crisis during the regular session of the legislature and basically kicked the budget problem down the road and are going to cause school districts issues.
I absolutely loathe their uncompromising attitudes. I personally will never vote for a Tea Party backed candidate because I simply do not trust them – period!
Extreme obstructionists (aka the TEA Party) are about to be exposed as the clueless chronic complainers that they truly are.
Today, they complain about govt. spending and demand cuts which will result in more lay-offs
Tomorrow they will complain about high unemployment and the lack of jobs and demand action from Washington
The day after Tomorrow, they will complain that small businesses are suffering because no one has any money left to spend and demand action from Washington
On Sunday, they will complain that taxes are STILL too high when they go to Wal-Mart to buy their Red, White and Blue patriotic shirts (made in China) to wear to a TEA Party rally to protest raising taxes on the billionaires that got rich by shipping jobs overseas.....
Almost amusing.....ALMOST.... if it weren't so sad that the TEA Party is incapable of understanding that a practical solution is not the same as a catchy slogan.
It doesn't matter. Sooner or later free lunches bought with other peoples money will cease to exist because even the benefactors will be bankrupt.
Those who consume the free lunches will whine even louder, but that won't make any difference either.
Tea Party has had an agenda since President Obama was elected President, to make sure President Obama is not re-elected at all cost. Only problem is that we American Citizens are not willing to play that kind of game with our country to see that that happens. It will hurt them and all other republicans.
Traditionally freshman members of Congress watch and learn the first year or two until they learn Robert's Rules of Order and adjust to the accepted workings of the legislative mechanism.
Single minded Tea Party mavericks looking to upset the status quo have not completed the watch and learn phase of legislation training but are perfectly willing to change America overnight no matter who or how many are adversely affected.
Send the Tea Party ametuers back to steady state school.
Jack it has come to the point where I have had to pull everything out of the markets in fear of what these self-centered wealthy republicans will do to destroy the current administration. They have proved that their only goal is to eliminate the middle class and put the seniors into bankruptcy. We have had 18 months to recover from GWB and they must have found a way to profit from it to push us back into the depths of recession.
since60% of the citizens don't want to raise the ceiling and cut cap and balance are want the tea party supports i don't see how it hurts the country
Hurt them. Seeing they do not there rich buddies getting taxed but they are more than willing to screw with the elderly and the middle and lower classes shows they are a narrow minded as always. They better dust off there resume come election time......
the tea party would rather protect the rich and give them tax breaks/deductions for their homes, horses, jets and boats and throw the elderly/disabled on social security off the cliff. In the process they show they hate our country and are willing to destroy the USA. yes, this will destroy them. I wish our president would come on TV daily and explain how they are nothing but obstructionists.
Two thrids of voters disagree with them, what does that mean?
I'm sure it will to some extent but realistically they have a lot less to loose than Obama the demarcates or the republicans and besides most of them are not that electable in general elections anyway sure they get hurt a little but unfortunately not enough to do the rest of us any good I'm afraid
Thet are NOT thinking about what is best for this country - they're thinking about how they can get rid of President Obama. Nice folks, huh?
Jack, this group is nothing more than a fringe minority group, but they've scared the bejebus out of Boehner and McConnell. Because of the Tea Party, the Republicans are not only over reaching, they're comitting political suicide! you will see buyer's regret in mass in 2012. Nobody in their right mind is ready for the 'slash and burn' type of politics that this group endorses.
I would say that they will get hurt hypocrits,and racist always do.When Bush was taking our economy over a cliff I saw none of them out there but they awake when a black man became President and i am not playing the race card because I am white.
Jack,
It is going to hurt them. And hopefully it causes some of those extremists to be voted out in 2012. Everytime I hear one of them on the news it makes me wonder what they have been putting in that tea they are drinking.
Jack, what has happened to this country when you have a select group that has the ability to blackmail the other members of their party into doing what they demand or else? Is this 1930's Germany or what they are using the same tactics to destroy their opposition.
Their desire to cut spending by eliminating services to most of the lower income citizens, while not raising taxes on the rich or corporations, will be the reason they will appear callous and greedy. As it is with most extremist movements, the Tea Party will disappear or morph into the Christian Coalition Party.
Jack,
I am sure that these people calling themselves tea party members
are not christian at all. They have about as much knowledge of the
Bible as a flea; they have done everything they can to do harm to the
minorities, and I mean all of them, to seniors, to working people,the
middle class, voters, to women and the list goes on. There is no one
left to vote them back in; I am positive that most of them will not be
re-elected. Many of them may be recalled as is already happening
in some state legislatures. Simply put, they or out of here in the next
election. But first, they need to read Luke chapter 4 to find out how a
real christian would act.
GONE! Thank God. Hallelujah!
If the teavangelists' intransigence leaves Congress unable to avoid default, millions of Americans will know exactly which politically illiterates to blame for a new depth of unemployment and poverty. The absence of Palin's banshee-like screech won't even begin to compensate the former middle class. No other group of idiots is willing to plunge the nation into recession. Paint a target on them, while we reload.
tampa, fl doesn't matter. you have politicians talking about cutting medicare with an election looming over their heads is surely a sign of the apocalypse and the house of cards they have built is surely going to fold no matter what.
Jack,
The Tea Party hard core attitude toward the debt ceiling will ultimately lead to their downfall and reveal their true agenda, which is controlled by some of the richest and most conservative billionaires in the US.
Remember Jack, the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy have added more to the debt of our nation than both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars combined with the stimulus package; so who is really running the Tea Party and when it is revealed big money controls the symbol of the poor the Tea Party will fall.
Joe, Binghamton, NY
The fat lady hasn’t sung the last chorus on this. It will depend on how the debt ceiling situation is finally settled. I think all but the real logic-challenged hard liners, the ones that want their country back from where ever it went, finally realize this is for past expenditures, bills that have to be paid, like the bills on your desk now, not the ones coming tomorrow or next month and that separate budget reform and tax reform are needed for future expenditures. It’s really apples and oranges, kids, but, apparently, the Republican/Tea Party wing-nut radicals want fruit salad which will hopefully hurt them.
Hardline purity will ultimately hurt them in this nation founded in political compromise. For centuries the legislative process has been based on negotiation and compromise. The Tea Party ideologues have gridlocked the process of governing and threatened to drive our economy off a cliff. Many Americans, such as disabled Veterans, poor children and the elderly, will be hurt if the Tea Party has it their way.
'the tea party highlighted that we have to live within our means. That's importan. However, all we thear are talking points leading to paltry sums of savings. If only we had some leadership –wouldn't it be wonderful if they announced an agreement to cut $9 trillion, yes 9.
Stop the wars and adventures; bring troops hom except for strategic places; quit giving money away to other countries (who have more than we). Stop acting ike a third world country with huge debt and defense and no infrastructure and start building our crumbling roads and bridges and transportation systems, start, creating useful jobs and give us back our pride. Surprise us -give us leadership.
The "Gang of Six" got it right this time! They should be allowed time to work out the details from the framework developed via bi-partisan. That's the way government should work freshman! I may only hold the power of one vote, but if the party-line ideology j–ks don't get their act together and exercise the principle of compromise, I will surely exercise my voting right to replace them. They are out of touch with the majority of the population. I am fed up listening to their "all in the name of the party" ideology statements. Everytime we allow HOR's (especially) and Senators to go through these exercises, it's us (non-millionaire) average Joe's that have to suck-it-up and live with it. The American electorate and general voting population should possess the "right" to level the playing field and make HOR's and Senators do the things we have to be concerned with everyday. Take away their "club" privileges, reduce their pension benefits, and make them buy insurance on the open market for example. On their own behalf, make a contribution! Wouldn't that be a novel approach......
The Tea Party hard line position will take it's toll in 2012. Americans want leaders to lead with reasonable solutions and sensible compromises. The Tea Party mantra: "Our Way or The Highway" has run it's course.
Yes! If the Dems are politically savvy they will let the Republican tea partiers cause a default then turn around and have the attorney general bring formal TREASON charges against those who refuse to compromise!! All the political ads I've seen lately blame the president for the economic mess we are in. Doesn't anyone read the Constitution anymore? CONGRESS is responsible for the economy. The President is only allowed to send a budget REQUEST to Congress. Congress is responsible for writing the legislation.
Hey Jack, hopefully the republican's will ignore the tea party and decide to run the country instead of run for the TP vote, thereby making it irrelevant. The other possibility is that the republican's continuing running for reelection and don't raise the debt limit, thereby showing the tea party for what it is, a bunch of loud mouth fools, again, thereby making it irrelevant. Either way, hopefully a few weeks from now we are rid of them.
In the long run I think it will hurt them because many in the Tea Party cause do not understand the crux of the matter that is at hand but only the basics. They mean well but only cause more problems that they do not want.
Doesn't matter Jack,
No matter which side gets elected the results will be the same unless Americans grow some common sense to identify the real problem (the banksters and not political parties) and then grow a spine to take their government back, default is inevitable.
Buy gold America. Your leadership wont defend you because it's too corrupt.
HURT . The country has to move forward. Everything cost more. Collect the money , pay, move forward.
Will the Tea Party's hard line on the debt ceiling ultimately help or hurt them?
Of course it is going to HURT them and the TEAHADIST are too ignorant to see it.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Not until Social Security & Medicare cutbacks start hurting the elderly population. Then watch the fur (or the tea bags) fly.
Jack, I think it will definitely hurt them. When you refuse to negotiate and act like a spoiled child it only hurts your cause. House speaker Ballenger has no say, he is a puppet on strings. I actually feel sorry for him having to deal with such a group. It is hard to believe that a group like the tea party could get elected. This group is willing to sacrificed the welfare of their country just to prove a point. I am certain this is not what the people wanted who elected them.
I think that people who weren't paying attention, are paying attention now and they see the agenda of the Radical Republicans for what it is. Destroy Social Security, destroy Medicare, and protect their rich pay masters at any cost. They will get the blame if the economy crashes as a result of their thoughtless stupidity.
Jack, the more the Tea Party digs in its heels, the more the average American will see that their stand isn't about the debt. This movement is simply the far right's latest effort to undo the final vestiges of the New Deal and the civil rights gains of the 1960's.
By rights it should hurt them. Being tough negotiators is one thing, refusing to budge in any manner is akin to taking the negotiations and the country's fiscal health hostage. Its a self-serving, close-minded approach that puts Grover Norquist's interests first, and America's second. I don't forsee any way that can help them politically, especially if it results in default. This was a simple raising of the debt ceiling with some spending cuts attached, no reason it had to become this dire of a situation.
It will hurt them. Alot.
I'm curious what a 100% Tea Party run government would look like. Tea Party people are nothing if not draconian. I doubt if they run their own households as they expect from all government. Apparently they would pay for everything in cash or barter. The Tea Party's ideas aren't realistic.
Not only do I think the hard line the Tea Party has drawn will hurt them, what's worse is it will hurt the entire country before there's time for us to vote them out. Their stance is not governing, it's complete stubbornness and a lack of consideration for others.
Jack,
The Tea Party is making the Republicans look like the party of deadbeats that don’t pay their bills and honor their obligations. They are making the Republican Party obsolete. But, it will probably not hurt their next election chances – depending on how bad it gets.
Carl from Pahrump Nv
Jack,
This is a loaded question. I don't think anyone cares whether this suggest will help or hurt the Tea Party. I do think we care if it helps or hurts our country and our friends and neighbors. Capping the debt at some point makes a great deal of sense, but it must come with strong deficit reduction measure which includes raising revenues and closing loophools, reducing spending and eventually balancing the budget. That"s the right answer. If the Tea Party, or any party for that matter gets behind that, they'll do just fine.
Can't speak for the rest of the country but if they don't start getting things done and stop posturing I am even less likely to vote republican or democrat than I was before-even libertarians such as I agree that sometimes you have to meet in the middle! If they screw it up again and
my retirement takes a hit again they soon will have me running for their job just cause I won't be able to afford to retire and need a cushy retirement job!
In three months no one will remember what the Tea Party's stance on the Debt Ceiling was, and the member's certainly support that stance in any event. The problem that America faces is its debt has grown exponentially of late and every economist agrees that such a rate is unsustainable and, even with flat governmental spending, will continue to be a significant hindrance to improvement in the U.S. economy.
So, the question should be, given the Tea Party is correct to take a hard line on the debt ceiling, what can we do to get Congress and the President to stop their excessive spending?
I think it will not only hurt them, but, DESTROY them! There is no compromise with this group. Whether you're a liberal or a conservative nothing will ever get accomplished without compromise. It's the way we've run this country for decades, but it seems that this current group MUST have it their way or else!!! So, I say, OR ELSE and vote them all out of office. Hopefully in the near future, people will be asking: "Whatever happened to the Tea Party?"
That depends on whether some agreement is reached that incorporates most of their ideas. If so, they will claim victory.
Then, if the American People go to the polls and vote most of those nuts who would cater to them out of office, yes, the Tea Party will be hurt. And good riddance.
It is not the Tea Party that is at the crux of the problem. The United States now has 98% of debt to GDP to contend with. It took decades of spending and borrowing to get to that level of debt. We pay almost as much in interest payments on the debt, as we do for the DOD's annual budget. In about three years it will exceed the DOD's budget and the new debt limit will be pushed higher again. That will be about the time we start paying for Obamacare. How long has the Tea Party been around?
Just like any other party, the reality is that at the end of the day you have to settle your bill. We have not been able to cash out for a long time, so upsetting our creditors by not upping the ceiling is just dumb.
Re: Tea Party-Tea Party hard line will hurt them as majority of voters will perceive them as radical, unyielding, unwilling to cooperate with a majority of Congress and a majority of public opinion which wants both tax increases and spending cuts
(from Kearney, NE)
Jack,we can not have just one idea from anyone or party.The whole bunch should work together with their nation in mind and the future of
THEIR country.So yes it would hurt,not because its the tea party but because its only one idea.It must be a team effort.
david
IF the Tea Party's obstinance about raising the debt ceiling causes world markets to take a dive and seniors on social security and soldiers NOT to get get PAID, then I think a BUNCH of them will be out on their ear the next election.
most are already suspect with seniors for supporting the Paul Ryan medicare cutting budget. this could easily push them back to the Democrates. reference Democrate Kathy Hochul's win in a solid Republican district in New York state.
they are digging themselves a mighty deep hole.
Among normal people, it will hurt them. They've proven themselves to be inflexible and irrational, unwilling to negotiate, and willing to take America's economy hostage for the sake of their rabid ideology.
They've shown themselves to be the Taliban wing of the Republican Party.
It's going to hurt them, because like this issue, they don't understand 90% of the other issues facing our country. The constitution that they claim to be so proud to follow is something they make up as they go.
Hurt for the Tea Party? Hurt for the "default?"
Eventually! and ultimately–but, not much in 2012.
What is going for the Tea Party is not everybody believes in the seriousness of the "default."
Nobody has viewed the "default," yet. The year 2011 will not see the total effect of the "default."
The year 2012 may not see the full sinking momentum of the "default."
But, the "default" is like an iceberg. It is massive. It has the momentum of the whole world. The world can't sink next month! Maybe not even next year! Two years may be required to see the whole world sinking in a sea of depression.
I think the Tea Party will not pay until 2014.
The problem is the momentum of the whole world! The full effect of the "default" will not be viewed until the momentum of the whole world's economy is finally seen sinking.
The shame is that it will require even more time to stop that sinking momentum!
How about how it hurts US, the Tea Party after all is said and done in 2012 will be in shambles, migranes and all. This is a dark period for the American people and our political system. May take decades to turn the situation around, not just economically.
I find Obama increasingly hypocritical when in March 2006 he voted NO to increasing the debt limit saying "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure”
It's going to hurt. They come across as obstructionist hacks with cult like group think. I think the Dems pick up seats in response to their child like tactics.
As I predicted when the Tea Party rose to prominence, the inmates have taken over the insane asylum better known as the GOP. The slash and burn radical wing of the Republican Party is holding the party hostage to ban an increase to the debt ceiling bill until all social programs are slashed and bills closing tax loopholes for Big Business and increasing taxes on the top two percent income earners are burned. These new power-brokers in Washington are a loosely knit disparate group without any coherent platform but the elimination of government and taxes. If I remember my history, they're outright anarchists who love to destroy but have no ideas about cohesive civilization.That these modern day Huns might end up destroying the greatest country in history with their simplistic, intellectually void ideas is an anathema. Independents must wake up and realize that cogency over battleaxes is the cornerstone of American greatness.
Jack, The issue of the hardline on debt ceiling is not what will hurt them, its their own existance out of "Just wanting to be diffrent" and their diffrences in the ideology between the core republicans. This is what will hurt them. It seems that they are just wanting to be against the issue of the day, no matter what..
Jack, the very question gives me a migraine.
Jack
The T Party that supports smaller fair government that attempts to abolish filtering every form of commerce through Washington will get my vote.
Recognizing we can have Health Care, Social Security without government intevention. Meaning an end to all employer based payroll deductions. The Employer pays the entire amounts due the worker. The employee fills out W-4 information at the bank. The banker pays the tax on behalf of the worker weekly instead of quarterly. The Worker instructs the bank who he wishes to pay for insurances and retirement. No more Prisons, Audits or April 15th deadlines. Pay as you go and everyone pay the same. Done
Burma Shave
If this turns out badly, the Tea Party Freshman will all be Freshman dropouts in their first term. 'See Yaaa!....Wouldn't want to be Yaaa!
You mean republicans right? The msm seems to have a problem realizing that the "tea party" is nothing more than a Koch funded front group to shield republicans from their far right stances. Just in case there is a backlash from the already tried and failed "trickle down","freidman" economics of the last 30 years.
Could you imagine if we could clone some of our long lost fore fathers from DNA samples and ask them what they think about all this tea party and budget baloney?
How would we begin to explain to them how we got here? I think they would bow there heads with deep sadness and cry.
Well Jack to me the Tea Party and GOP is trying prevent any further needs to increase the debt ceiling. The Democrats (who now seem to be the party of NO) purposely didn't pass a budget when they were in power, just to play this game in order hurt the Tea Party and the GOP for the 2012 elections. Nice try, but us non Kool Aid drinkers aren't falling for the smoke and mirrors techniques the left loves to utilize.
It will hurt them.There should always be a open for some one opinion to change. Some times you ways are not the best and you should be willing to change if it for the better of the country.
we all know that the democrats are never wrong.Just ask Homes on fox news. or any one of the many congressmen and women who call this racest or what Obama said was not what he ment.
Jack, It really looks to me as though the hard line they're taking is what they believe they were elected to do; shut the government down. People whom I've talked to in my district elected Tea Party 'Hardliner" Joe Walsh, for exactly that reason; Total Government Shut-Down. They truly believe that it is the only way the government will ever change. Who knows Jack, maybe there are enough fed-up people out there that will not only back "Their" new party, but could also sweep a candidate into the White House. Let's face it, It's getting ugly out here. Layne A. Antioch, Il.
The Tea Party's hard line on protecting the wealthy and corporate America from any tax increases or reductions in tax loopholes has already hurt them, and will continue to do even more damage to them and the Republican party in general. The 2012 elections will prove to be a real eye opener for these idiots that put ideology before country. Most sensible people understand that deficit and debt reduction will require a fair and reasonable combination of spending cuts and revenue increases.
I thought the Tea Party held deadbeats in particular disdain. If they are the ones who do not want to pay debts that the U.S. has already incurred, aren't they embodying the very essence of a deadbeat? If that's not abject hypocricy I don't know what is.
Jackson, MS
The sad story is that the Tea Party has constituents who truly beleive that what they are saying and doing is in the best interest of the country. Thats the bad news. The good news is that these folks are so far out in right field they won't be able to carry the majority in a presidential election and they'll split the Republican vote. Keep in mind that the Koch brothers financially founded the Tea Party just as their father founded The John Birch Society. Money Talks – mine says good bye.
The Tea Party's stance on the debt limit will in fact hurt them when election time comes up next year. Tea Party members simply do not understand the fact that compromise is an integral part of the political process and is political reality. Nothing can be done without it. The house passage of the Cut, Cap and Balance bill was a waste of time and effort. It was just plain political posturing. The Republican leadership would be wise to work with the President and the Senate and agree on a compromise debt limit strategy which calls for raising the debt ceiling.
It is going to hurt them....the GOP is unrecognizable from days beforeBush Jr....the T.Per,s are T. Totally unreasonable....they turned out the vote in 2010,us middle folks couldnt be bothered and you see what happened the looney,s won....Now we are sorry......
If the Tea Party want to do something about expense...they should address the compensation the Congress and Senate received plus their hugh benefit package. Here these people are telling everybody to cut back and we are going to reduce your entitlement but of all things they consider themselves the chosen one. Congress and Senate are the biggest abusers.....I say throw the bums OUT. They are all a bunch of phonies.
First of all the Government does not shut down on Aug 2, 60 cents of every dollar of all the bills still come in, Obama would have to make a choice Pay for 3 wars or social security; Pay for secyion 8 free housing or the VA : Pay China their interest or give forgain aid to israeli The president would have to walk the walk not talk the talk
I really hope it will hurt them actually not them but the Republican party.I am tired of hearing how an additional 2-3% tax on millionaires/billionairs will hurt them, when I am retired and live on my retirement check plus having to work part time. Bush gave them their money and no jobs were really created, but with the additional money given the job creators, they created jobs but only overseas in China/India but the wonderful Repubs not only gave them more money but tax breaks to promote business overseas and create jobs there.
It should hurt them, simply put they allowed themselves to be handcuffed by one special interest buffoon who nobody elected, demanded their conditions to be met or else they'll be willing to drive the US economy into a black hole. They seem too close-minded and simple-minded to me, and thats a dangerous combination.
I worry that they well capture the White House the Richard Nixon way...make the public so disgusted with the Congress that few vote and Republicans win with their solid 33%. That's been the strategy since Nixon did it. They should be thrown out and one party put in there to get things done and fixed, but I doubt it. We're in real bad shape,,,no leadership.
The Tea Party is doing a wonderful job of hurting themselves Jack. Let them continue. At the rate they are going a Republican will not be able to be elected Dog Catcher in this country.
Butch from Richmond, Va.
They don't want us to know that they are in debt amongst themselves in battles over our debt to them and dependence upon them.
Class warfare is on. They are at war with us and wage it. We strive to survive. Some of us know the war is on. Some of us know that in order to satisfy the greed, we will pay.
They will not be hurt among their supporters. They will buy enough of the rest of us to offset any harm.
pretty hard to hurt a group of idiots..............
The Tea Party's hard line will ultimately prove that sanity does prevail in some hidden niches of American government. Now the problem is to make it mainstream and keep the country afloat.
I expect the Republicans, as a whole, will pay a high price. The House of Representatives has lost its compass. They are all about signing pledges and oaths, but the fact is they are only burning their bridges and displaying horribly bad judgement in signing any kind of pledge that would doom negotiations.
It will hurt them, Jack. Politics is all about compromise. Not knowing and/or practicing that will be their undoing.
Americans need to wake up, both parties are spending money like it grows on trees. America is on its way to be a third world country unless it starts to cut back. Austerity has to be implemented, Americans need to learn to live with less, the days of living past ones means are over. The politicans need to understand this, promising this and that to get elected does no good for the country, sadly its those promises that people vote on. Wake up Americans.
Initially it will probably hurt them, but since the attention span of the average American voter has a life span shorter than a fruit fly, it won't make any difference come November, 2012. The ridiculous right backed Tea Party will once again push this country further towards ruin.
I hope it destroys them.
You miss the point, Jack. The Tea Party isn't interested in protecting themselves. They are in Congress for this vote..to make a substantial change in how we do business and are not so concerned about their re-election.
I can only hope it will destroy them. In fact, they should take an up and down vote on the debt ceiling with the understanding that if it doesn't pass, they should withhold all Social Security checks, veteran's checks, defense contractor checks, etc. from the zip codes of any congressmen that voted in the negative. I guarantee you we would raise the debt ceiling and get on with our lives.
Polls are already beginning to indicate that the 'tea party' and GOP as a whole is being hurt by its opposition to anything pragmatic. Unfortunately, the Democrats (and the President) have a three year track record of capitulating to the GOP's demands. If the Democrats and the White House don't show some backbone in the next few weeks, they'll take the blame for the consequences of a failure to reach a legitimate deal.
The intransigence and childish stubborness of the Tea Party idologues will hurt them, and rightly so. "Throw the rascals out.,"
"Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes that you can do these things. Among them are a few Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or businessman from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, l952-–
The tparty will help China make a ton more money off higher bond interest rates. And, maybe the tparty politicians hold lots of tbills.
The tea party turns out to be a big mistake. We have already seen their policies in action in places like Wisconsin. Their lack of compromise to appease a few but hurts the majority is no way to govern. In 2012, it is time to dump the tea
Not just themselves, but they breed stupidity everywhere they talk. Perfect for any Republican.
Polls have already shown that the tea party opinion is the minority. Most Americans want compromise. And journalists digging under the facade have already revealed that the tea party is just another Koch brothers enterprise. Most people in the tea party are just too blind or too stupid to know they being used as pawns. While they shout slogans about democracy, the constitution, the founding fathers, etc. the Koch brothers are using them to tear all of that down because true democracy is detrimental to their profit margin.
The Tea party is a group of spoiled childish Americans. A patriot is one who does good for his country not himself. This are not patriots don't be fooled they are selfish and greedy creatures. Their fore-fathers would hang their heads in shame. Yes, our government is in trouble but we have to many greedy who don't want to render unto the government what is needed or to God what is his.
This "Tea Party" stupidity will put them where they belong. Into history a one election wonder. Never have I seen in all my years a group of less informed people. They Will Be Out of Business Soon!
This will end having a neutral effect on the Tea Party. The people who voted for them will think this is the kind of hard right proposals that the US needs. On the other hand, those who do not agree with them see that this ultimately will hurt the US more than help it. Basically, those who like them will still like them and those who dislike them will still feel that way.
The Tea Party are America's version of Iran's "hard liners". Any intelligent, literate, liberal-minded person need not take this group seriously. With poster children like Sarah Palin, they typify through their views ALL that is WRONG with America. America NEEDS to be moving more towards progressive thinking, liberalization, zero religious influence on ALL policy making and health issues, and in embracing the 21st century NOT the 18th.
This country is based on the idea that different peoples can live and work together. Every relationship involves compromise. I think their attitude in the end will hurt them.
As far as I'm concerned the tea baggers are just libertarians under a different name. A belief that never actually worked in the real world and will do far more real damage, i.e The No New Taxes oath, than any true good.
Stephen
Yarmouth, NS Canada
Politically, the victim will be the GOP not the Tea Party. As the conservative movement becomes more and more radicalized for the sake of "purity" the more marginalized it will become. This is part of an overall problem the Republicans face heading into future election by alienating all groups of Americans - from the elderly to gays to hispanics - all to be a very limited definition of conservative.
The Tea Partiers are a bunch of self centered, self interested bunch of goons. They have no interest in this country other than if it benefits themselves. Of course this will hurt them and I sure hope it does. two thirds of this country want to balance the budget with revenues and budget cuts hey Tea Party get with the program!
I've been a Republican for all of my voting life (35 yrs) and have never been as frustrated with my party as now. They are so out of touch it is unbelievable. Can't balance the budget on the backs of the working class which is what they and the TEA fanatics are all about. But bless the TEA party – making it easier for the Independents to choose the right guy.
It will destroy them and good riddance. EJM Granville, Ohio
Duh! Obviously the Tea Party proves that it nor the Republican Party can Lead. Onward through the fog.
The tea party is hurting the process ... these are inexperienced people who do not know about cooperative play so developmentally they are still in the 3 to 5 year old developmental range ...
In the next election in the House a majority of them will be gone, along with the Paul Ryans and Michelle Bachman ... ...
Jack,
Our democracy can't function for long with the Tea Party's attitude on compromise. Either the Tea Party goes or the country goes. Hopefull its the Tea Party at the next election! What a bunch of "goof balls".
Hurth them. Most Americans understand that our system of representative govt. gets things done only through compromise. If their obstinacy provokes a default on U.S. debt, they will pay at the ballot box, and deservedly so. The Tea Party needs to bone up on American history, particularly how Congress really works.
Yes; it will. Unfortunately the Republicans have fallen right into the Democrats trap. Now they appear to be the bad guys, and in fact they are, too many once Republicans. The Democrats could have handled all of this last year when they controlled everything; however, they were smart and decided to wait so they could strike a blow to the Republican party, and the blow was hard. Instead of Americans being tired of President Obama, they are now blaming the GOP, as am I. Enough games...cut spending, cut taxes and get America running again. The PEOPLE deserve this..not lobbyists, not whoever has the most money, the PEOPLE!
Jack I've had enough you depressed me to the point where I'm going to move to China .
I asked for a raise in my credit card limit and was denied. It didn't cause me to default. I still made payments, but had to keep my spending within limits.
It worked for me – it should work for the federal government.
Hang in there Tea Party Repubs – that is why we sent you there.
When are the Republicans going to realize that the Tea Party is not a part of the Republican Party? I do not trust anything that the Tea Party says. It's almost as though they are speaking a different language.
It hasalready started to hurt them, as I know several who have changed their affiliation. they no longer want to be affiliated with the Repubications.
It will help the tea party and hurt the republican party. I considered myself a member of the tea party until the Buchanon/Palin lunatic fringe once again assumed any third party must be theirs. The original boston tea party was protesting paying taxes and not getting any representation in return. It was NOT anti tax come hell or high water. The Republicans in congress need to recognize when they have worked their best deal and go with it (and I don't mean the my way or the highway bill they passed). The problem is not the debt ceiling deadline its spending 140% of what we are taking in. If we kick the can down the road the problem will still exist.
Steve D
New Windsor, Maryland
It will HELP teaparty. Vote Ron Paul or say goodbye to our rights, liberties freedom and sovereignty and hello to world goverment....by the banksters for the banksters.
Thank God for the Tea Party they are the only ones with the guts to slam the brakes on spending. Everyone is worried about increasing the debt limit so we do not have our credit rating downgraded. What fools we are! Do we think the world isn't watching how we spend beyond our means? Do we seriously think that by increasing the debt limit we wont have our credit rating downgraded anyway? The Chinese must be licking their chops.
I think it will kill em. Sounds like the Brown Shirts in Germany 1933.
The Tea Party's hard line on the debt ceiling will ultimately hurt this country. Your very question illustrates a bigger problem, namely, the politicians are focusing on their own interests and welfare and have stopped even giving lip service to the welfare of the country.
Jack,
The Tea Party doesn't have a clue on how to run anything. The best thing for them to do is get behind the president and do whats right for this country and stop paying lobbyist money that Americans could be using. What a bunch of Geeks!
Well Jack it will hurt them. Americans are not stupid contrary to our politicians beliefs. How old is the medicare bill? 30years? What worked then is old and definitely needs reform. Tax laws, Medicare and spending cuts or raises. Everything needs change now and then and mostly for the good. I hope our politicians with some sense realise that the Americans are crying for a change in policies which will help and not continue to hurt us and put us deeper in debt.
Jack:
This stance will not only hurt the Tea Party, but hopefully, it will ultimately destroy their power base. The citizenry is generally upset with corporations not paying their fair share of taxes. Why should GE not pay any tax – ZERO – when the rest of us pay a large percent of our incomes to the government. We simply want parity.
In fact, I suggest that President Obama take the tax fight to the people. And, he should challenge companies to start hiring; and to pay taxes and to bring jobs back to the US and to eliminate tax subsidies.
This must stop.
Why is it that these so called Tea Party members think that these deep spending cuts are going to help our economy? I would like to actually see how Tea Party members will react when they are spending half their pay check on medical bills. Oh wait I do that now, and i have TWO insurances. What we really need is Reform to Social security and more health care regulation.
The hard line should really hurt the tea party. When President Bush cut taxes on the rich, jobs were stagnant and finally lost over the next 8 years. The idea that money trickles down from the rich to the workers is not true. It only goes into the pockets of the rich. People that cannot compromise and talk to each other should not be in any congressional position. I think the tea party members will not be around after the next election.
Absolutely yes. Compromise has always been a necessity to make any progress. Most reasonable Americans realize it. The most capable compromisers in our history were the founding fathers. They had widely conflicting views but knew compromise was the only way to establish a more perfect union.
As a registered Republican, anyone voting for the ANY republican in 2012 is out of their mind. Look at the pictures from Africa, starving people, well, this may be the picture here in America by 2012.
They believe their hard-line stance can help them, but it can only hurt us all. If their stalling and obstructionism lead us into default our economy will suffer and with it all Americans, including the Tea Party. We can only hope that cooler heads and more rational politicians prevail, but a quick look at the heads we're talking about leaves little room for hope. The Tea Party, and to a large extent the Republicans in general, are uninterested in governing, and as a result they have led us irresponsibly to the current impasse.
Texas Holdem' at its best Jack, first one that shows weakness gets raised like hell and loses. But that's also how bullies get beat too, they overplay their junk cards and someone calls their bluff.
The Tea Faction, they are not a real party, has gunslingers at the tables and can't seem to see each others cards, and it will be their downfall. You won't see them at the Final Table in November '12.
The Tea Party reveres the Founding Fathers yet refuse to compromise on anything. Those Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution (which the Tea Party also reveres) by – yes – compromising. Ironic? Or just selective memory?
Newport News, Va.
I think the Tea Party will definitely be hurt by the position they have taken. I find it to be be the height of hypocrisy to take an oath of fidelity to the Constitution and then promptly try to change it. Then on top of that to risk the full faith and credit of these United States, I find extremely irresponsible. So I believe they have waaaaay overplayed their hand and there will be consequences.
The Tea Party has come to Washington thinking that after the election that they have the political capital to stop spending and to cut Social Security and Medicare. The people who elected them all have grandmothers, aunts and uncles, and others who depend on Social Security. The tea party group has no idea what they have suggested when they want to cut these programs. It's not like these are handouts. Social Security was paid into by these honest, sincere Americans and many of them went to Vietnam. Yes, Vietnam veterans are retiring and they are not drawing a pension from the VA. They need their SS. My husband went in 1967 – he will be 65 next January.
Friends of mine are already starting to raise funds to get rid of all Tea Party members in Congress if they do not compromise.
We must concede that the Tea Party's voice was credibly loud prior to their election to congress. However, their current politicial ineptitude, arrogance, and intransigence toward the debt ceiling will diminish their voice to a whisper and their inevitable demise. They do not have the wherewithal to govern and the lack empathy that is essential to understand how American feels right now.
The Tea Party's refusal to budge on the debt ceiling will ultimately hurt them, but the problem is, they are in a position to hurt the county before they fall. They are convinced they are right. And if they have to take the country's economy down, in the process, they do not care.
It will hurt them and most will not be re-elected.
It will hurt them. 60% of people who identify themselves as Tea Party members receive some kind of government assistance. If the government defaults on its debt, where do they think that assistance will come from?
David
New York
These people in the tea party relish the fact that they hate government. They hate compromise- and when you have only control of 1/3 of the government you must compromise to get the country to move forward.... These people are unfit to lead..... I hope independent voters realize that all these radical far right bills coming out of the house prove that the Democrats deserve a chance to get us moving in the right direction...... Gutting the clean water act? Gutting Endangered Species protections? More tax breaks for people that are already oblivious to the plight of working people and cuts to soc sec and Medicare? Really? See you in 2012
The Republicans are acting like children. This is not a dictatorship. They are showing that they are not willing to compromise and they are constantly disrespecting the President. Frankly, they are embarrassing this country. They need to take off their bibs and act like adults. They are speaking on behalf of the American people, but apparently that must be referring the million and billion airs. If they are not recalled, they will definitely pay price come next election.
The Republican Tea Party's line in the sand about not increasing taxes on the wealthy will hurt them in the 2012 elections. They are already in the minority among the American people of whom 71% agree that any debt ceiling deal should include increased taxes on the wealthy. The voters already realize that the Republicans would rather put the country into financial ruin just to protect their Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Some of the Reublicans are even uninformed or unintelligent enough to feel that if the debt ceiling is not raised, there will be no repercussions on the country!
If agreement is reached that smells like cut, cap, and balance they will probably be labeled heroes even if the Bush tax cuts go away. If nothing is done an we go into default, they will be labeled hard headed idealists that took us over the brink into depression.
If the Seniors medicare and social security gets whacked by any agreement, this president is done. He will have problems justifying Draconian cuts while wanting to give Afghan criminals $17B next year.
The Tea Party has only one agenda: to bring Obama down. They don't want to compromise. They want the US to default on its loans and then place the blame on Obama. I think they've made that pretty clear to the public over the past few weeks, and they've gotten nothing but a negative reaction. So, I think it's hurting them.
^^I feel bad seeing so very many criticisms of the TEA Party, who are after all average American citizens trying in the only way they know to make a difference in the country they dearly love..
"Give us our way now or we"ll blow up the economy!" One would think that would hurt them!
Grant
Regina, SK, Canada
Yes, I think their hard and illogical stance on the debt ceiling will ultimately back fire. This reminds me of the childish antics that Gingrich pulled back in the '90's when Clinton had to veto bills with the Republicans crazy riders. But just asking the question in a way legitimizes the irrational and false positions of these religious and racist terrorists to the American form of government.( Tea Party ) !!
Hurt, definitely. If you guys default it would have effects across the world, and severe reprecussions in Canada where America is our biggest trading partner, it's essentially the captain sinking with the ship. Guess which one's which?
Does it matter if the Tea Party is hurt? Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing? I am a retiree living on a pension, Social Security, and my savings in about equal amounts. I feel like I am riding on a train headed for a cliff. The engineers in the cab are the lunatic fringes on the right and left, the Tea Party, and the moveon types. They are so busy scratching each others eyes out and kicking each other in the crotch that they haven't the faintest idea that the tracks are about to end at an abyss. How I despise them all, the congressional clowns who pander to their "base" instead of effecting a compromise. Is there ONE, just ONE real statesman in the congress? Nah.
I wonder if people remember that the top objective of the Tea Party (and some other) Republicans in the 2010 elections was to defeat President Obama in 2012. That's what is really going on here. Shame on them for playing fast and loose wiwth the lives of ordinary American citizens.
Ultimately it will help them as they will be proven right.
The sooner the USA gets this spending spree over with and moves towards a smaller more sensible govt., the faster the economy will recover and start moving again.
It's Definetly Hurting Them Now As We Speak In My Opinion Jack! This Debt Ceiling Drama Is Going To Continue All The Way Up To August 1 And Then They'll Come Up With A Deal-We Hope Anyways. If That's The Case Though Jack And They Play This Thing Out All The Way Till August 1 Then In My Opinion And Alot Of Other People's Opinion's Also That This Is A Sick Way Of Running The United States Of America. How Could Anyone Be In Support Of Letting The Government Default, Getting Rid Of Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid, Etc... It's So Unamerican To Even Support Radical Issues Like These. What's Wrong With Raising The Debt Ceiling And Spend, Spend, Spend? Bill Clinton Said It In The 90's That In Order To Keep Our Government Moving We Have To Spend And Give Tax Cuts To The Middle Class And Poor And Raise Taxes On The Wealthy And It Worked, Don't You Stupid People Get It?
Scott Stodden (Freeport, Illinois)
The Teabaggers have taken a stance never envisioned by our founding fathers. They could never have quessed that a group of citizens would become so inflexible so as to self-destruct our country.
The last time we saw anything near this level of irrational partisanship we called it the "Civil War". Can bringing our government to total collapse ever be a GOOD thing?
Jack, why are we referring to the tea-party as a real party? these people are not a established party in our government.America is sad and angry about what has happened to our great nation financially,but we are still a great nation,and the so called tea-party has basically come along because of the election of the first african american president.Isn't anyone puzzled as to where these people were when Bush was in office running us into this huge debt? They are ridiculous,and now this country may for the first time not pay it's debt and don't mistake this as them being stickers about not raising taxes and balancing the budget,this is plain to anyone who has vision the "tea-party ' people were brought to office to disapprove and not compromise with President Obama.If the so-called "tea-party people was all about patriotism as they say,why would they allow this country to fail? Is that logical.I think not.
Hi Jack. I'm an old Live at Five fan, but I love you on CNN. Tea Party?
These are wolves in sheep's clothing. Much like the people who donned
the garb of Native Americans to protest British rule, these folks hide behind the smoke screen of working class, hardworking citizens, but their cause is neither just nor honest. I wonder how far we'd have to dig to discover the truth.
Remember Unions, Jack? Everyone thought Unions, at first, served a useful purpose but eventually that usefulness wore out. Well the Tea Party usefulness wore out in record time. They shook things up, but now their actions are irresponsible and no one wants a party who thinks their way or no way is the best way to run a government. Otherwise, democracy has taken a back seat to dictatorship by party.
By the way, because of the tea party, unions usefulness may be coming back.
Too much rigidity, too little statemanship. Drawing lines in the sand usually produces nothing of value. Get back to work, get a deal done and stop the partisan posturing, that's what we pay them to do.
The tea party is playing a dangreous game here. Both they and the republicans are going to be held responsible for the horrors that are going to be a reality if this is not solved and soon!
I for one, and I suspect many others will not soon forget sitting and worrying if I am going to be able to pay my bills next month because I have not received my SS check.
I have written to many Republican members of congress and told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves for putting the country through this fear, But, then I see them standing in front of a microphone saying NO NO NO to everything. This is just disgusting!
Our country can't function for long without compromise. Hopefully the next election will rid both houses and both parties of those not willing to moderate their positions.
I like the Tea Party and what it stands for. I want less government in our daily lives, the problem that we have with them is what they want. I just think they are brave enough to call it has they see it, unlike the rest or Congress that is to scared to tell the American people the reality of it all. But right now, I don't care anymore. I think that between the Congress and the President I have done what they wanted me to do, just give up. I live on pay check to pay check. All I have is my military pension and my VA disability checks. All I want to know is if I will receive my earnings in August for serving my country or do I need to stock up on beans. Sure those making these decisions don't have to worry about eating beans.
There stance will put the tea party on ice. Once the American people feel the consequence of the tea partie lack of action, it's all over.
The inflexible, obstinate, intransigent position taken by the Tea Party freshman congressmen will not only hurt them, but is already hurting the Republican party. Compromise is the essence of governing. Like most other populist movements, the ill-informed, politically naive Tea Party supporters may be in for quite a surprise in 2012 - even with the difficult economy.
The American public is getting what they deserve. This is a result of voting in anger. Most of the Tea Party candidates have absolutely no idea of how a government operates, nor do they care. I have a feeling that most will be out of office in the next election.
Tea Partiers in the House should be treated like the children they are....spanked and put to bed with no supper! They act like spolied little brats who have no interest in representing their constituents or doing what is best for America. Shame on them!
Rick
Las Vegas
It will definately hurt them, Jack. The Americans that voted the Tea Partiers into office in a mad rush of "vote-out-the-incumbents" fervor need to see what a mistake they've made. The Tea Partiers will go to any lengths to fulfill their agenda even if that means causing out country to default. I honestly cannot believe they're actually considering not paying our government's bills. I'd be evicted if I tried the same thing.
I think it will hurt them. The Tea Party has extreme political views. They have the right to hold those views and they have the right to run for and hold public office. But they are still a minority, The voice of minorities should be protected and heard, but the minority should not be able to hold the majority hostage. This is political extortion and we all will pay. If the debt ceiling is not raised, we will most likely get the depression we barely averted two years ago.
Does it matter. Their agenda is to create an isolationist christian nation that doesnt take care of the elderly or the weak. I do believe that we should all pull our own and relieve the burden of the average person, but we have to start wheening them off assistance not pull it away cold turkey
It should hurt them, like every other sophomoric, addled-brained, selfish, ignorant, uneducated, and racist view that they have demonstated. They wear their stupidity like a crown of thorns, and with the help of the Koch brothers, the so-called health insurance companies, and the misnamed US Chamber of Horrors, oops, Commerce, Fox News, and the other lobbyists they have almost destroyed the middle-class and this whole country. Way past time for every one who identifies with them to be voted out.
Jack, When you head to Washington with the mistaken notion that voters have given you a mandate, sign pledges which negates your ability to compromise, and don't have the common sense to realize that a balance of spending cuts and tax revenues are the only solutions to our deficit woes, then yes it will hurt. Perhaps not in the GOP primaries but in the general election it will hurt BIG TIME! Voters will do a flip flop on 2010.
It will ultimately hurt them, but in the interim, every American will be hurt by their draconian ideology. In future elections, I hope all Americans remember what this fringe group did and continues to do... we need to send these "wackos" a very clear message.
Their hard line will hurt them in long run because the voting public are sick & tired of hard liners. The Tea Party professed to be middle of the roaders during the last election, but have proven themselves to quite the opposite. Compromise is one of the tenants upon which the constitution was written. Their hard line is the way a dictatorship is put in power. We can only pray their style of leadership is not in our future.
Doesn't anyone realize that the power behind the last National Election was not caused just by the Tea Party but the voters disgust with all incumbants. The only reason that there were more Democrats defeated than Republicans was that there were more Democrats in office. Forget giving the Tea Party all of the credit...People, like ME are mad! And, I'm a Democrat in principal...meaning that I believe that we must continue with our social programs.The present financial situation has been building since WWII. Now people are wiseing up nd we are tired of professional pols.
The hard line will hurt the Tea Party. As the man who appears on the $100 bill once said, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." The reason the nation's capitol is in D. C. in the first place is the Compromise of 1790, in which it was relocated there in exchange for the federal government picking up the debts of the states from fighting the American Revolution. Making bargains is the American way. Sure, in these times there is reason for anger, but we have multiple economic dangers, and emotions are like the idiot lights on the dash board of your car. If your emotional choice is to grab a sledge hammer to work on your spouses engine, your spouse will likely stop speeding in the thing, but your family economic outlook will dim considerably as your spouse can no longer get to work and gets fired.
It will badly damage the Republic Party: the Tea Party is turning it from a political force to religious zealotry, following the baseless gospel according to Grover Norquist.
I understand the desire of the Tea Party crowd, but the things they want to cut are all suspiciously against the right-wing social agenda. NPR, National Endowment For The Arts, etc. Even if all those things were cut, the numbers still wouldn't work without some additional tax revenue, military cuts, etc.
maybe this debt ceiling debate will wake up america and show how a small group of non-negotiators can hold a whole country hostage. hopefully next election will see these congressional hardheads voted out of office and weaken the tea party movements hold on government. while we are talking about things on the cutting table, are congressional salaries?
if not, why not?
Yes...their stance on tax increases and their total lack of flexibility has already hurt them. Polls show that a majority of Americans are in favor of tax increases and opposed to cuts in medicare/medicaid. Yes we need to reduce our spending and reduce the deficit, but what's wrong with asking the rich and large corporations to contribute a little more
Jack, When you say compromise you usually have a position stated.
The Tea Party has stated their position. The President and the Democrats have NO stated position. Their only obvious position is, RAISE THE DEBT limit so we can spend more money.
As Bill Clinton said, "It's the economy ,stupid."
The Tea Party is saying, "IT'S THE SPENDING, STUPID!"
I predict that in four years the Tea Party will be no more of a serious threat to democracy than the American Communist Party is today. These people are nuts, and I think the majority of Voters are growing tired of their absurd extremism and know-nothing-ism.
Will it hurt the Tea Party? Wrong Party, Jack. How can it hurt the Tea Party when they don't care if it hurts them or not. But the party that does care is the Republican party. If the Tea Party doesn't get their act together, the Republican House is history in 2012.
When children stage a "Tea Party" they set up elaborate scenes and very seriously imagine they are engaged in important matters. Our political
"Tea Party" is engaged in a very important matter, has no imagination, ignores consequences, and is an American ob-scenity. They won't last any longer than the fear that permeates the nation.
Absolutely this will hurt them. I know only a handfull of people on Social Security – 9 including myself. With one exception, everyone I have spoken to said they would never vote for a republican again. Fourof these are Republican. I know the poles say that about 66% of the people would do somthing different – increase taxes and cut spending. Make that about 90% in my pole.
In my opinion the Tea Party stance ie either "Our Way or the Highway." Our country operates on compromise. At a Tea Party Rally a reporter asked a member why he wanted the Government out of his business. His response was "The Government has no business in Social Security. Is should be controlled by your family and your neighbors." To me that sounds like a brain dead statement.
Hi Jack,
This is a group of people whose emotions, not their thinking, are driving their ideology.. They really are naive children who have decided that taking drastic measures to address this country's budget problems is the way to make a point. They will last a while and may even be a foot note in the history of this country but, eventually, they will fade away.
You can't run a Government with the ill conceived belief that "it's my way or the highway", that's not in the Constiution and looks more like an attempt by the Tea Party to overthrow the Government. If their hard line on the debt ceiling hurts them then our Constiution is still working because it is not to be used as a proxy by the Tea Party or anyone else to destroy this country
common sense is what should be hurting the tea party, something severely laking in anyone who swallows all the bull coming from those non-sensible folks. But hen again, people voted for them, so be prepared to give up some of the comforts you enjoyed up until now, just so the rich can justify not contributing anything to the health of the country under the guise of " if you tax me I won't create any jobs" yea right. hopefully the tea party will be a one term lesson learned by everyone.
I think the Tea party's hard line stand will hurt both them and the Country. If they're all that committed with cutting spending, how about starting with the sensation LIFETIME pension plans Congress gives itself, not to mention the WORLD CLASS Heal Care Plans they also give themselves as well? Would LOVE to see CNN do a special on BOTH of those subjects!
George
Downey CA
It won't help or hurt. Even if an economic crisis results from their lack of willingness to compromise, everyone's opinion will not change; anyone who supports the Tea Party right now is already too extreme to be fundamentally reasonable enough to change their opinion, no matter how much the party is implicated in any resulting disaster.
In states like mine where the Tea Party took over the state legislature, the verdict is already in - a 70 percent disapproval.
As an independent, my options are nil because every reasonable Republican has been RINOed out of the party.
In most cases, the GOP can now only nominate candidates who can only lose in general elections.
Never let the children drive.
The Tea Partiers are a bunch of self centered, self interested bunch of goons. They have no interest in this country other than if it benefits themselves. Of course this will hurt them and I sure hope it does. two thirds of this country want to balance the budget with revenues and budget cuts hey Tea Party get with the program!
Brian Skidmore
St. Petersburg, FL
It will help making the TP corruption you can trust, hedge funds will sing to TP glory and immense plunder for generations to come.
Jack, can you name me one Superbowl championship team in the NFL who won the Superbowl by compromising with the team they were playing?
Compromising is what losers do after they lose.
The Democrats lost big last November and they are the ones who need to be doing the compromising, not the Republicans.
We elect our Congressional Representatives to do what is in the best interest of the country, not to play games and make unreasonable commitments to folks like Grover Norquist. The folks in this group have neither the maturity nor the skills to be serious about good governance. Let's hope their constituents recognize their error in electing them to office and avoid making the same mistake second time around. .
It better hurt the Tea Party and the Republicans badly, Very Badly. They along with their rich friends are out of touch with realtiy and real life living. Especially for the elderly, disabled and retired!
Are they even aware that those workers who find themelves disabled and unable to continue to work, and earn a living, lose 30% off their monthly social security for life! That means if you have a social security of $1,000.00 a month at time you are finally approved to receive the payments, you start out with $700.00 a month! I would like to see them try to live on that! Many, who through no fault of their own, fine themselves going through what ever savings, and retriement savings they might have put away before they ever get approved! It usually takes at least two years of fighting with those peoiple and proving you are disabled! Many times you have to go to court and have a judge agree with all of the findingsbefore you get approved. And then it can take up to six months to get your check! Don't get me started on medicare!
It is time to clean house, The Tea Party gone, Most of the old time Republicans need to go, and the Democrats who are so mousey, no backbone need to go!!
jack i think that house tea party rep need to wake up and see what the people want my self u dont need to hold the debt debate hostage to get you want they act like little kids dont get what they want they need to quit bickering and get it done
Is it hurting them? You tell me. As someone who has always been a registered independent and a conservative on fiscal issues, I have actually entertained the possibility of voting for Obama in 2012 just out of spite. Childish as that sounds, the rhetoric from the right is getting to me. I'll probably just leave the president slot blank in November, and I will vote for ANYONE who runs against my current Republican Congressman. I would like to remind Republicans and the Tea Party that they picked up 87 seats in the House during midterm elections held in the midst of the fallout from a disasterous recession. That's not an achievement or sign of strength. I am pretty sure a really organized kindergartener could have picked up 90.
The 2012 election will prove to be the worst beating the established and tea party backed GOP will ever endure! Their unwillingness to compromise and seemingly naive ability to govern (tea party members), shows its time to dump the dead weight. I honestly believe the President has created an environment in which the Republican party has been exposed and they will suffer greatly at the ballot box! DC will change and it will be ripple throughout the nation. I earnestly believe a thrid party is on the verge of emerging and the GOP electorate will be split for decades after!
As far as I can tell all that the TEA party has achieved is extinguishing all rational from Republican lawmakers.
It will hurt them, but they don't care. Congress is becoming infested with 3rd party pledges that hurt and not help our government function.
I think the president should sign an executive order (if possible) to invalidate these 3rd party pledges that create an atmosphere where the congress cannot do their job. The only pledge that should count is the oath they took when joining the congress. Seems we have a pledge for everything now.
These guys need to work together for a solution or go back to the farm.
Jack, I think that The Tea Party will be hurt . I believe that China is ROFL at this "Kabuki" theater going on in Washington D.C. The Tea Party is trying to make it impossible for the Federal Government to act on behalf of all Americans. They are "dumming down" America and making Democray in this country null and void. What kind of governance are they advocating?
Hurt them.
Drawing lines in the sand may sound good, but as everyone learns when they get married, life has to be about give and take, ebb and flow, all of the time.
Inability to negotiate, and find common ground, is simply a losing position.
I think it would hurt them but who to blame but themselves and the anti-tax pledge they signed and that make them dumb politicians.if u know what i mean 1
The Republican Party has been staying in office on the backs of the baby boomers and the moral majority with their conservative agenda. George W. Bush started two wars and $600 million of the stimulus was his. Then the fat cats on Wall Street and the banks that mismanaged the American tax payers money got bailed out by the middle class tax payer causing numerous hardships across the United States. Now the Republicans and the Tea Party don't want to raise taxes on those same fat cats and the rich. My wife and I have been staunch Republicans since the liberalization of the Democratic Party. But, if they don't raise taxes on the rich and leave Social Security and Medicare alone, we will no longer be Republican voters and will vehemently campaign against them.
It’s too late; they’ve caused too much damage already. The Tea Party’s inability to compromise shows Americans they believe they, and they alone, have the answers. As far as I am concerned, they are holding the US economy hostage by not willing to meet the majority of Americans in the middle. Even if they do come to a last minute agreement, most Americans will always associate this crisis with the stubbornness of the extreme right wing of the Republican Party and vote accordingly.
I am seeing that the Tea Party members will stick to there guns and are safe enough to go back to their constiuents and be hailed as heros. One has to wonder if being a hero at the expense of a nation is worth it.
Many of them are lower class so continued redistribution of the nations wealth to the rich will hurt them more than the rest of us.
Hurt them. I keep hearing that the President has not provided his plan. Section 7 of the constitution requires all revenue bills begin in the House. Even the media has criticised the President on this. I have never heard anything about this. Milt, California
The tea party would not exist if mccain defeated obama.
Why now?