The reason the Dems are having such a difficult time dealing with the Tea Party movement is that they’re so accustomed to faking this sort of populism that they don’t recognize the real thing when it’s staring them in the face.
Back in 2004 or whenever it was, campaign finance reform rode in on a populist wave that was almost totally manufactured by the Dems and their operatives. They can really turn it on when they feel the need. Given their current situation I wouldn't be surprised if they're revving up an astroturfing operation that is fairly massive.