Quote:
Originally Posted by RIJIMMY
spence - do you think the tea party is "right" of mainstream republicans?
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No, like most parties there's a spectrum of beliefs held together by a common bond. When people talk about what it means to be a "Republican", most will say limited government, a strong defense and free markets. But compare a Libertarian leaning Repub with a Social Conservative Republican and outside of that they might agree on next to nothing.
Like any party, the Tea Party has it's mainstream members and it's kooks as well. People have certainly accused the media of coloring the movement as extreme, but I think a of of this has to do with a good number of those seen as national leaders being more of the kook wing which makes for more interesting news.
But both of the candidates were talking about are ultra-conservative. Just because they're running as "Tea Party" candidates or have "Tea Party" support doesn't imply they're moderates simply because of the commonly elements of accepted Tea Party mission.
That such far Right candidates can enjoy success, even when at odds with the institutional elite, does speak to the strength they're able to pull from the right wing.
This seems like basic analysis, not some evil media conspiracy.
-spence