“I think the point being made is this is not a “Party” in the current definition of the word. It’s a political movement guided by principles that influence political parties to seek support from. So long as the “Tea Party” never seeks to compete with Republicans in elections the movement can acheive its objective in candidate selection and national priorities in the political debate.”
I agree but the Beckites want to throw the Baby out with the bath water and see this as validation of their stand in regards to a third party.
Third party’s are proven losers. The right approach is to avoid the influence of all parties and let “the people” frame the debate. If a “Party” wants to get on board then they also risk the backlash if they jump ship after the election. Being independant affords the movement idealogical seperation and purity not available to party members and offers an “escape hatch” for those who beleive in the Tea Party approach vs their own party’s.