Politics

‘Real News From The Blaze’: Tea Party vs. The Establishment 2012

The last election cycle the Tea Party dominated media coverage and ballot results. This year, the movement appears a shell of itself; failing to bring a strongly Tea Party-backed presidential candidate far in the GOP primary, fractioning endorsements from Tea Party legislators to Tea Party candidates, and having little to show in terms of policy from the class of freshman Republicans in Congress that road the Tea Party to office in 2010. While Tea Party candidates may have “establishment” senators in tough primary battles in Utah with Sen. Orrin Hatch and Indiana with Sen. Dick Lugar, the incumbents have received support from GOP legislators who have previously been sympathetic to the Tea Party cause, like House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor announcing support for Lugar.

Brendan Steinhauser of FreedomWorks joined “Real News” Thursday to discuss the status of the Tea Party, and the movement’s fight against the establishment in 2012.

“When you look at the national strategy there are some great opportunities to get Tea Party candidates, serious people like Ted Cruz here in Texas, like Richard Mourdock in Indiana, Dan Liljenquist in Utah,” Steinhauser said. “We have a real opportunity there to trade up, and I think that folks are engaged in that.”

When asked by S.E. Cupp why the Lugar/Mourdock race in Indiana has captured national attention, Steinhauser said because it is a chance to show the media that the Tea Party is not dead.

“It’s alive and well, and it has the capability and the motivation to make a big impact on our politics still,” said Steinhauser of the Tea Party.

Comments (42)

  • Marc Conder
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 4:06pm

    I find the tea party Movement to be alot further down the line when it comes to the rules of the old game played in these United States. As a life long conservative, I knew the press was uniformly liberal, the people in office have a tremendous advatange when defending their position. What neither the press seems to be aware of, nor the people in power, is that this movement, inspite of the tales of our demise from the press, is alive and well in America. I speak now only from my own awarness. In 2010, San Antonio Texas had perhaps10-12 tea party ‘groups, today, over a thousand. Where we met once a month at a local british pub, we now meet in halls and auditoriums. Our work today is now getting routes for the general election, organizing drivers with people to transport to the polls, training our poll watchers, judges and election volunteers to be aware of people who claim to live in a given district……but no one reconizes them?? Military ballots must now be sent out months here before the election, all thanks to votes made by our new political action group. There will be no ‘black panthers’ allowed anywhere near our polling places, nor any illegal activists who promote illegals voting. we, The tea party movement are doing our very best to insure all state citizens can vote, and do vote in November of this year. ABO 2012!

    Report Post » Marc Conder  
  • glenbeckisagit
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 4:39am

    So, this is what passes for “Real” news from a guy who was fired from a company that won the right to lie and call it news. Hmm…

    Report Post »  
  • Trading_barracuda
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 1:48am

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvQaKtBotRc&feature=watch_response_rev
    *** God Damn – Ron Paul ***

    Report Post »  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:41am

    It’s time to clean house, the majority of those serving in the House of Represenatives and the Senate are the ones who have contributed to the debackle we now find ourselves in. It‘s time to put them out and elect new lawmakers one’s who will pass term limits, ones who understand that it’s a priviage to serve the people in Washington. That serving is no a career as it has been turned into by lifetime polititians. If we continue to reelect the ones who got us here why should we them to change? The defination of insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect different results. So if we elcet the same people who have brought to the edge of the cliff, why would we expect them to not push us over that cliff?

    Report Post »  
  • Liberty Lakeland
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:41am

    Lets see how many people show up Sunday on the steps of the Texas Capitol to her Rand an Ron Paul.
    http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2012/04/29/ron-paul-at-texas-state-capitol-rally/

    Report Post »  
  • chdorb
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:31am

    States are under attack we (the Tea Party) are not nearly as well funded as the socialist/marxist/communist/islamist left so we must put our assets to the best use possible. If Obama cheats his way into another term we will need good conservative candidates in the majority in congress to keep him from making this the socialist/marxist/communist/islamist nation he intends to make it. As for supporting Romney. He was not my choice, but neither were any of the others. I wanted Rubio or West, but you see they didn’t run. So what will I do? I will support Romney, put his bumper stickers on my car, place his sign in my yard and anything else I can do to see that the anti-Christ is not elected again.

    Report Post »  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:27am

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfTSYe72KsI&feature=youtu.be

    Report Post »  
  • Hatcher
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 2:54am

    Tea Party dead? or Dying?….NO WAY, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN…That would require a drastic decrease in the federal government for us to go away. IF need be, we will occupy occupy!! AS FOR TEA PARTY PATRIOTS, we think we have to paint a picture that people can understand (Founders’ utopian vision of federalism and republicanism, not the socialist utopian vision that many find so attractive.) , then they would support the repeal of the 14th, 16th, and 17th Amendments. We must simplify our message and explain our vision and dreams of America, IMO.

    Report Post » Hatcher  
  • liannemr
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:51pm

    In 2010, I worked in Rhode Island with the Tea Party there and saw an unprecedented success with grassroots Tea Party candidates. This cycle, I am back home in Texas where I am managing not one, not two, not three but an entire coalition of Tea Party candidates running races from local Party chair to a Congressional campaign. Coming home, I was excited about working with the GOP to ensure a fair and equitable primary season to the General Election in November. What I have found is I spend most of my time fighting the “pay for play” establishment GOP power cronies who think it’s appropriate to raise half a million dollar for a seat that pays only 7,200.00 a year. The viciousness has simply blown my mind but when I get discouraged, I just look at the Clear Lake Tea Party who is supportive of not only their “tea party” candidates but all conservative candidates. Watching the office headquarters and the volunteers who give their time simply inspires me. Who says the tea party is dead? I’ve got a few things to show them :)

    Report Post »  
  • tab25
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:27pm

    I love the Blaze, and Glenn is great but everyone I talk to is like Ron Paul! Ron Paul! Ron Paul! or nuttin’ at all. Just got elected precinct delegate and heading to the convention tonight. No way I’m helping Mittens the tax cheating plutocrat get into office. Conservatives need to wake up soon to this set-up going on. Kolab can wait but America cannot!

    Report Post »  
    • Mr. Oshawott
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:33pm

      @Tab25

      Congratulations on being elected as a delegate. Good luck at the convention!

      Report Post » Mr. Oshawott  
  • Mr. Oshawott
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:07pm

    “…The Tea Party vs. the Establishment 2012″

    I don’t see how this title would be the slightest bit befitting, as the neo-conservatives have hijacked the Tea Party movement in 2009, two years after it was started under Ron Paul; hence, the movement has drifted away from the principles of limited government, the Constitution, and fiscal restraint and blindly moved towards “social conservatism,” warmongering, and meaningless political grandstanding. In summarization, the Tea Party movement is long DEAD.

    Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEyJpGpiikM

    Report Post » Mr. Oshawott  
  • PrfctlyFrank
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:34pm

    The TEA Party is gone? Why? Because the press says so? The Tea Party will let its presence be known at the right time..

    Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
  • JP4JOY
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:26pm

    I have the feeling that lots of TEA ideologues are biding their time, talking to people and getting their ducks in a row for this election. Consider this of the eligible voters (55% of population) only 50-60% actually vote. That amounts to 25-30% of the general population. If we are split about 50-50 GOP/DEM that means about 12-15% of population for either party. Most elections only have 4% spread win/lose which works out to way less than 1% of the population actually decides the outcome of the national election. Get your friends out and make sure they vote. (If I was a LIB I’d add “early and often”)

    Report Post » JP4JOY  
    • OlefromMN
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:47pm

      Great math and it ties with my local issues comment. The Tea Party (in it’s true meaning) can not affect elections held outside of their district. If the media wants a result, they will have to wait until after the general election in Nov. If Barry somehow winds up still in power, then the Tea Party failed (pay close attention to that statement Ron Paul supporters. Write-in votes go to Barry)

      Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:35pm

      I still don’t understand the logic in blaming us Ron Paul supporters if Romney loses. If Romney does lose, in any way other than a complete land slide, it proves us Ron Paul supporters correct: You should have nominated Ron Paul.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:23pm

    Let 2012 mark the next round in freeing the nation from the old DC guard and the Progressives once and for all.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • kspatriot
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:19pm

    ***The ONLY REAL Tea Party Candidate is Ron Paul. He would have easily won the nomination if it weren’t for the “Establishment Media” (sorry to say the Blaze now fits into that catagory). Ron Paul’s campaign was literally “blacked out” by most media outlets and the only coverage that was given him was to negatively attack and smear him with lies and inuendo. To this day Ron Paul is drawing crowds of 5,000+ people most everywhere he goes, yet “crickets” from the media, including The Blaze. He has most likely won at least 4 states and may get to the 5 needed to be eligible for nomination at the Republican Convention. He could still win this thing, but you’d never know it by the media, including The Blaze. The most honest reporting out there is Reality Check with Ben Swann http://youtu.be/347BJLhZkE4

    Report Post » kspatriot  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 2:27pm

      I took part in our caucas and was elected as a state delegate. There are 2000 precincts in our state, all run by the actual neighborhood. Now I am not justifying what happened in this video, but that is ONE precinct in thousands that this happened in. You can’t make the generalization that this is happening across the country and you cannot also jump to the assumption that the “Establishment” is behind it. The caucas’s are run by actual residents of the neighborhoods. Surely some are going to go array!

      Now, that precinct event aside… all of these delegates that are chosen for the state are bound to cast their first round vote via the results of the states primary. If in the first round Romney reaches the 1144 delegates needed the voting is over… if he does not reach the 1144, then a second round of voting ensues when the delegates are then not bound by the states results and can vote for whomever they desire. This is called a brokered convention. The chance of a brokered convention is slim to none. Romney will have far beyond the 1144 delegates needed in the first round, via the results of the primary state election.

      Your points you bring up may be true in the smallest of instances, which is bound to happen with a citizen run primary… but 99% of the rest of the precinct votes were counted and the rules were followed. Your point may be valid, but it is moot because of the assumptions that this happens at every caucus and every precinct.

      Report Post » ImMormon  
  • kspatriot
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:10pm

    The ONLY REAL Tea Party Candidate is Ron Paul. He would have easily won the nomination if it weren’t for the “Establishment Media” (sorry to say the Blaze now fits into that catagory). Ron Paul’s campaign was literally “blacked out” by most media outlets and the only coverage that was given him was to negatively attack and smear him with lies and inuendo. To this day Ron Paul is drawing crowds of 5,000+ people most everywhere he goes, yet “crickets” from the media, including The Blaze. He has most likely won at least 4 states and may get to the 5 needed to be eligible for nomination at the Republican Convention. He could still win this thing, but you’d never know it by the media, including The Blaze. The most honest reporting out there is Reality Check with Ben Swann http://youtu.be/347BJLhZkE4

    Report Post » kspatriot  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:06pm

    Maybe if somebody would actually pay attention to what the Tea Party actually is, they would realize it is more localized than is being portrayed. Hatch and Lugar are local elections that I have no say in. My guy (John Kline) is a solid guy that will need to be supported in this election, yet maybe moved out in the next. Pete Hegseth is a strong challenger to our state’s toughest Senator (Amy Klobuchar) who is a media darling and has her daddy’s name pulling her along (he was a big newspaper guy in a state with basically 2). Pete will have a good shot in an uphill battle.

    The media wants flash and sparks from the Tea Party. We are smarter than that.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
  • justangry
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:00pm

    Where does the Tea Party stand on civil liberties? I thought they were for them when Ron Paul started it. Now, they’re not mentioned.

    Report Post » justangry  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:38pm

    The Tea Party is taken over by Neo Cons, its Ron Paul supporting freedom fighters against the establishment. it might not be 2012, 2016 maybe or it might just be a frency style revolution where the elite get whats coming to them.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • joe conservative
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:07pm

      Your comment is beyond uninformed, it’s ignorant. I just got back from a tea party rally full of Ron Paul supporters. Are they neo cons? Or you you just a “special” type of Ron Paul supporter? I’m sure they would have loved to discuss your comment with you. Geez!

      Report Post » joe conservative  
    • justangry
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:22pm

      @Joe, That’s encouraging. Being uninformed is a consequence of a poor media, however. They keep talking about all the Tea Party sellouts from the 2010 class, and blackout everything Paul.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • joe conservative
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:29pm

      @justangry – I hear you about the media, but I also think people need to think before they just repeat anything they hear in the meida, including this site. I was with several Ron Paul people tonight. They weren’t neo cons, they were just good people with many of the same goals as the conservatives that were there. Just before I left for the rally I was in a discussion online with someone telling me that the tea party didn’t exist anymore. 20 minutes later I was at a tea party rally. Even this article on the blaze is misleading. It gets frustrating. Take care.

      Report Post » joe conservative  
    • Individualism
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:30am

      so hopefully the tea party can be taken back by them but that still doesn’t change the fact the tea party backed neo con candidates and is even considering to back Romney.

      Report Post » Individualism  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:36pm

    Rick Santorum would have been a good President. If a man is not a good Christian he cannot serve this country in the way the Constitution was meant to be upheld and respected. This Constitution was based not upon the whims of mankind, but on the very principals and Truth of the Holy Bible. It takes a man of understanding to distinguish the Truth. We should not let infidels, heathens, hollywood, or those who make lite of the Bible or the principals therein lead this country. It is too important to have less than someone who has true understanding of the Bible and the Constitution and can read and understand both. This is not a country where we need to divide our principals to please other ethnics or live by their cultures. They came here. They need to assimilate or leave. A man cannot serve two masters, either he will leave one and serve the other and end up hating both. A man of a double mind and spirit is useless.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:44pm

      Santorum would have been legislating like a FACIST. I am a Christian, I do not want my faith legislated….He would have been HORRIBLE for our Nation. A good man, not Presidential material. OMA is stupid. It puts the Government in control of Marriage where the Church should be in control…Fasism…call it what it is…

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:33pm

    The Tea Party was sold out in 2010 by the ones we elected. We need to be sure no one repeats.Well.Maybe 1 didn’t sell out the Tea Party….and it was not Allen West.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • justangry
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:39pm

      Yeah, they did turn quickly. I REALLY hope that they go down when they’re up for reelection. They almost have to in order to send a very clear message. It would certainly establish the Tea Party’s legitimacy and staying power.

      Report Post » justangry  
  • helpsavethepeople
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:28pm

    We can especially win locally. I was elected with 42 votes, became a school board member. Voted mostly NO.

    Report Post »  
  • suedstate
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:27pm

    SSSHHH!!! We want to hit them under the radar, 2010 X10

    Report Post »  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:23pm

    we got boehner and mcconell as leaders of the republican party….if romney is the nominee, the whole tea party movement was a failture

    Report Post » soybomb315  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:40pm

      I look at the Tea Party as still new, and we’ll have to give it time as well our own efforts for it to flourish. We can’t give up any time soon.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:48pm

      maybe. its not like we have much time though

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • KC1
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:04pm

      Spot on 315, Romney will keep spending. What gets me are all these so called tea party constitutionalists that have no problem voting for him. He may be the lesser of two evils, but not by much.

      Report Post »  

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