The allegedly grass roots “tea party” movement has gotten lots of attention recently. Is it something new? A populist uprising against the establishment? A political force to be reckoned with?
It may be a political force but it is nothing new. A new CBS/Times poll does an in depth study of the movement. It is for the most part made up of conservative Republicans and conservative independents whose viewpoint is well to the right of most Americans; and it is a much smaller movement than the press has led us to believe.
18% of Americans identify themselves as Tea Party supporters; 55% say they know little about the movement. Since 62% view the GOP favorably and only 9% view the Democrats favorably, it is safe to say it is overwhelmingly made up of Republicans and a few independents. 80% have an unfavorable opinion of President Obama.
They are more likely than other Americans to oppose bank regulations, and less likely to blame the Bush Administration for budget deficits. Almost 50% believe, contrary to fact, that Obama has raised taxes.
They are, for the most part, conservative Republican voters, who have always been vocal and attracted lots of attention—but they now have a catchy new name.
Tags: Republican Party, Tea parties
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