Tea Party demographics

[barfo]

Thought this was an interesting piece.

Some choice bits:

But in data we have recently collected, the Tea Party ranks lower than any of the 23 other groups we asked about — lower than both Republicans and Democrats. It is even less popular than much maligned groups like “atheists” and “Muslims.”

Our analysis casts doubt on the Tea Party’s “origin story.” Early on, Tea Partiers were often described as nonpartisan political neophytes. Actually, the Tea Party’s supporters today were highly partisan Republicans long before the Tea Party was born, and were more likely than others to have contacted government officials. In fact, past Republican affiliation is the single strongest predictor of Tea Party support today.

So what do Tea Partiers have in common? They are overwhelmingly white, but even compared to other white Republicans, they had a low regard for immigrants and blacks long before Barack Obama was president, and they still do.

More important, they were disproportionately social conservatives in 2006 — opposing abortion, for example — and still are today. Next to being a Republican, the strongest predictor of being a Tea Party supporter today was a desire, back in 2006, to see religion play a prominent role in politics.

barfo

 

[SlyPokerDog]

You either drink the tea with us or you are against us.

-SlyPokerDog

 

[barfo]

You either drink the tea with us or you are against us.

-SlyPokerDog

When the Beer Party forms, I'm joining that.

barfo

 

[Paxil]

They are part of the Republican party. A rather convenient way to use them for dirty work and them blame it on the 'Tea Party'.

 

[julius]

They are part of the Republican party. A rather convenient way to use them for dirty work and them blame it on the 'Tea Party'.

Also, to be honest, a brilliant way of doing that.

 

[huevonkiller]

Dirty work, really? The dirty work that all the credit agencies are also warning us about? They're just pointing out the obvious.

 

[BrianFromWA]

The strange thing is that over the last five years, Americans have moved in an economically conservative direction: they are more likely to favor smaller government, to oppose redistribution of income and to favor private charities over government to aid the poor. While none of these opinions are held by a majority of Americans, the trends would seem to favor the Tea Party. So why are its negatives so high? To find out, we need to examine what kinds of people actually support it.

This, more than any brand recognition or disapproval, is what gives me a bit of hope. To answer the bolded question, my gut feel is because of the amount of smear being put out by those (both righty and lefty) who are threatened by the first sentence.

 

[barfo]

This, more than any brand recognition or disapproval, is what gives me a bit of hope. To answer the bolded question, my gut feel is because of the amount of smear being put out by those (both righty and lefty) who are threatened by the first sentence.

There is certainly some truth to that. However, I suggest it is also because of the actual behavior of those who identify themselves as tea partiers.

I think the authors of this article drew a useful parallel with the anti-war protesters of the late 60's. Basically, America is saying "Ok, you got our attention, and you might even have a point - but we don't like you or your tactics very much."

barfo

 

[huevonkiller]

I actually agree with barfo. Politics is about who is the most fucking sweet badass, not who's actually right on the issues.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I question the fact that "Tea Party" followers are racist... but they have to be smeared and the NY Times has a job to do. But I also know this- they are people who have had it with government as usual from both parties. They demand lower taxes, balanced budget, small government, less entitlement spending, lowering the deficit... it's hard to argue with that.

That said, they are a radical element of the far right. Much like communists are to the far left. Personally, I might see some of their points, but have an inherent mistrust of them.

 

[maxiep]

We care about limiting the size and scope of government to the point where we don't burden our kids or future generations with debt that would make their standard of living worse than ours.

That's it. That's all that ties us together. Oh, and if someone calls themselves a Tea Party leader or spokesperson, they're lying.

 

[barfo]

We care about limiting the size and scope of government to the point where we don't burden our kids or future generations with debt that would make their standard of living worse than ours.

That's it. That's all that ties us together. Oh, and if someone calls themselves a Tea Party leader or spokesperson, they're lying.

So, we should ignore your first three sentences, since you don't speak for the tea party?

barfo

 

[bluefrog]

We care about limiting the size and scope of government to the point where we don't burden our kids or future generations with debt that would make their standard of living worse than ours.

That's it. That's all that ties us together. Oh, and if someone calls themselves a Tea Party leader or spokesperson, they're lying.

Michele Bachmann
Rick Perry
Sarah Palin
Glenn Beck
Christine O'donnell
Sean Hannity

All these people claim to speak for the Tea Party movement. They're just as vocal about religion as they are about small government. To have a national movement you need a unified voice. Like it or not these people are it for the Tea Party.

 

[Denny Crane]

Michele Bachmann
Rick Perry
Sarah Palin
Glenn Beck
Christine O'donnell
Sean Hannity

All these people claim to speak for the Tea Party movement. They're just as vocal about religion as they are about small government. To have a national movement you need a unified voice. Like it or not these people are it for the Tea Party.

Oh, really?

 

[bluefrog]

Oh, really?

No, I was just joking. Most Americans know who the REAL Tea Party Leaders are.

 

[Denny Crane]

No, I was just joking. Most Americans know who the REAL Tea Party Leaders are.

Who are they?

 

[bluefrog]

Michele Bachmann since she leads the Tea Party Caucus in the House of Representatives

 

[Denny Crane]

Michele Bachmann since she leads the Tea Party Caucus in the House of Representatives

That doesn't make her the (or "a") leader of the tea party.

 

[bluefrog]

OH, there are no leaders. I get it now.

Kind of like in that movie V for Vendetta

 

[Denny Crane]

OH, there are no leaders. I get it now.

Kind of like in that movie V for Vendetta

There's not one tea party either.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

The first rule of Tea Party is: you do not talk about Tea Party.

The second rule of Tea Party is: you do not talk about Tea Party.

 

[maxiep]

Michele Bachmann
Rick Perry
Sarah Palin
Glenn Beck
Christine O'donnell
Sean Hannity

All these people claim to speak for the Tea Party movement. They're just as vocal about religion as they are about small government. To have a national movement you need a unified voice. Like it or not these people are it for the Tea Party.

That's your definition. People who actually consider themselves Tea Partiers have a different view than do you. Wouldn't you agree if we wanted to have a leader we would appoint one?

It's a true grassroots movement. No one leads us. We're united by a central theme of a limited government we can afford. That's as far as we go. Anyone trying to attach anything else to what we represent is like the person who asks "Which way are you going? For I must lead you." It's frustrating for people who oppose our view of a limited government, because there's no leader to attack. And no matter how the opposition tries, that's the way it's going to stay.

Of course there is an overlay of other views, but where the Tea Party Venn Diagram crosses is on the principle stated above.

 

[bluefrog]

That's your definition. People who actually consider themselves Tea Partiers have a different view than do you. Wouldn't you agree if we wanted to have a leader we would appoint one?

It's a true grassroots movement. No one leads us. We're united by a central theme of a limited government we can afford. That's as far as we go. Anyone trying to attach anything else to what we represent is like the person who asks "Which way are you going? For I must lead you." It's frustrating for people who oppose our view of a limited government, because there's no leader to attack. And no matter how the opposition tries, that's the way it's going to stay.

Of course there is an overlay of other views, but where the Tea Party Venn Diagram crosses is on the principle stated above.

The Tea Party may have started out as a grass roots movement but it has been usurped by the Christian Right on a national level. If these people aren't the leaders of the Tea Party then why do local groups pay them large amounts of money to come speak at they're gatherings. Why is there a Tea Party Caucus in the House?

The movement has a serious identity crisis and the Iowa straw poll split between Bachmann and Paul symbolizes that.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

so old white racist religious nut anti abortion homophobes? that cant be true, can it?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

so old white racist religious nut anti abortion homophobes? that cant be true, can it?

I've never been able to tell what everyone else's skin color is under the hoods and robes.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

i would guess that most KKK members are white racist religious nut anti abortion homophobes too

 

[maxiep]

The Tea Party may have started out as a grass roots movement but it has been usurped by the Christian Right on a national level. If these people aren't the leaders of the Tea Party then why do local groups pay them large amounts of money to come speak at they're gatherings. Why is there a Tea Party Caucus in the House?

The movement has a serious identity crisis and the Iowa straw poll split between Bachmann and Paul symbolizes that.

Since you're a Tea Partier, I guess you're the expert, eh? Exactly how many Tea Party events have you attended?

Bottom line, you shouldn't discuss things you know nothing about. And if you think Ron Paul came in second in the Ames Straw Poll by virtue of his support from the "Christian Right" you're even more ignorant than this thread demonstrates.

Your problem is you believe what you read. Think for yourself, gather your own data, and you'll be much better off.

 

[bluefrog]

Since you're a Tea Partier, I guess you're the expert, eh? Exactly how many Tea Party events have you attended?

I've been to two events. One for healthcare and the other was a general event I just happened upon while I was at the park. I wasn't impressed with the level of discourse.

If you're saying I have to be a Tea Partier to know what the movement is then that's a problem in itself. It comes back to the identity crisis of the Tea Party.

Bottom line, you shouldn't discuss things you know nothing about. And if you think Ron Paul came in second in the Ames Straw Poll by virtue of his support from the "Christian Right" you're even more ignorant than this thread demonstrates.

You missed the point. I was saying that the movement has an identity crisis because of the religious & small government members (Bachmann) vs. small government members (Paul). There is a large vocal sub group of the Tea Party that wants religion to be a part of the movement. I've seen it first hand.

Your problem is you believe what you read. Think for yourself, gather your own data, and you'll be much better off.

This sounds like the "you've been brainwashed by the liberal media" argument many of my co-workers rely on. I'm quite capable of thinking for myself, thank you.

 

[huevonkiller]

This sounds like the "you've been brainwashed by the liberal media" argument many of my co-workers rely on. I'm quite capable of thinking for myself, thank you.

You can give it, but you can't take it.

Just like hypocrite losers in Congress on the left.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

huevon youve been known to switch teams on a whim, whos to say you arent going to be plugging away for the democrats in the fall?