The “Tea Party” movement, by my own observation started with Rick Santelli’s rant, gained genuine traction for a short period of time before it was co-opted as a group to oppose obama care - but instead of opposing it in pursuit of freedom and liberty, it was used to oppose obama care in favor of preserving benefits under medicare.
Yeah, it sort of was a political proxy for conservative principles, but fundamentally, it was a vehicle for preserving the status quo.
I don’t think Americans have the appetite for liberty, if it means they don’t get their checks from government.
The Tea Party episode proved that to me.
Frankly, I think all the various semi-official factions of the Tea Party movement (those with TP like names and some with different names) becoming more interested in fundraising than anything else.
There was a report done a year or so ago about all the TP-like organizations and what they took in, what their expenses and overhead was, salaries and percentage that actually went to TP worthy candidates. Overall their performance was pitiful and a very small percentage going to the candidates. I know the one here in my state is nothing more than a scam in my opinion.