Here is how I sum it up. Tea Party participants are not politically aware people for the most part. They are politically awakened people who do not have a strong philosophy of politics. They can be described in three statements:
They feel taxes are too high.
They feel tax money is being wasted.
They feel politicians are not responsive.
Their views on social issues, economic issues, and other issues are varied across the board.
So, it would be wrong to label them as “Republican” or “Democrat”. They don’t care what label you wear, they just want to hear:
I will lower your taxes. I will cut wasteful spending. I will listen to your concerns.
A Republican who does this in a race against a Democrat who will not will earn the vast majority of the Tea Party votes. A Democrat who does this in a race against a Republican who will not will earn the vast majority of the Tea Party votes.
Palin’s message is for those who want the Tea Party to become a third party. The system in the U.S. is not set up as a parlimentary system, it is set up as a two party system. A third party becomes at best a spoiler and at worse a footnote in history.
The Tea Party movement can make a huge difference in Washington. The Tea Party “Party” will not.
Well said!
Good post, one comment - the word “feel” is one of those wishy washy “you can’t argue with my feelings” liberal terms.
“Based on experience, reason, and study, they KNOW”