Two Tea Party favorites defeated more mainstream Republicans in this week's primaries. In Delaware, Christine O'Donnell easily won over nine-time U.S. Rep. Mike Castle in the Senate primary.
Meanwhile, another Tea Party victory came in New York, where Carl Paladino beat Rick Lazio in the primary for governor. Paladino will run against the heavily favored Democrat, Andrew Cuomo.
Although some question the ability of Tea Party candidates to win in the general election, others insist it is one of the most powerful movements in recent American history.
My question to you: Do you think the Tea Party is for real?
Permalink Reply by Kevin on September 23, 2010 at 12:48am
They have only won primaries thus far not general elections. Many Republican's are worried that the Teabaggers are too extremist to win most general elections and will end up costing them the seats they need to take over the House. Which is fine by me.
Permalink Reply by Carl on September 24, 2010 at 4:59pm
As with all political parties, it depends on their candidates. Sooner or later, a serious candidate will bolt the two major parties and run under the Tea Party banner. The attraction is just too great.
If the question is "are they for real" in terms of shaping the debate; yes. Yes they are. In this 50+1 political culture, the +1 can be the tea party in many races.
If the question is "are they for real" in terms of becoming a major political party, no. As soon as enough of their members are elected and they learn that politics is all about compromise; you'll see them fray and split and become less powerful than the green party is right now.
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