I think Rick Santelli gave the idea more exposure. The catalyst started with brave citizens showing up and getting in the face of politicians at Town Halls. Specter, Castle and others I am forgetting.
I think the Townhall meetings were before Rick. I do not think it is a big deal. Who or what came first. I liked his rant but the people at Townhalls were even better.
This was one of the first big protests against Obama, IIRC.
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/02/18/more-scenes-from-mesa-i-need-a-beachfront-condo-mr-president/
More scenes from Mesa: “I need a beachfront condo, Mr. President!”
By Michelle Malkin • February 18, 2009 04:20 PM
This one was a couple of days earlier.
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/02/15/taxpayer-revolt-porkulus-protest-in-seattle/
Taxpayer revolt: Porkulus protest in Seattle, Obama to sign theft act in Denver
By Michelle Malkin • February 15, 2009 12:06 PM
I was at a TEA party rally at my local town hall (a dozen of us) on the tax day before Santelli gave his rant. The next year there were 200 people. By the August following that 2nd tax day the town hall was attended by 300 people inside and 2000 people outside.
No. The town hall confrontations came during the summer. This rant came before maybe a couple of months before tax day earlier in the year.
No. Santelli truly deserves all the initial credit. His rant proceeded the town hall rallies by several months.