If you listen to the liberal politicans and pundits, they attack the Tea Party every chance they get. Unlike the hapless Pubbies, they know the Tea Party has core beliefs and conviction. They fear people like that.
The Dems rolled out their “Astro turf” campaign to blunt the effectiveness of the Tea Party and used the IRS to intimidate Tea Party groups. Why would they go to such great lengths like this if they didn’t fear the influence of the Tea Party?
Not necessarily. According to Alinsky’s Rule for Radicals, rather than fear as their motivator, it is sheer bully tactics trying to shut people down so they don’t have to explain their actions.
I believe it is more of a technique than a fear reflex. The Tea Party folks need to stand strong that’s for certain and fight back with as devastating tactics as the left.