Politics

Why Is Sen. Rubio Knocking the Tea Party Caucus?

When grassroots tea party support propelled a number of conservative Republicans into office in last November’s midterm elections, many expected the newly formed congressional Tea Party caucuses to gain steam and prominence on Capitol Hill. Indeed, the House Tea Party Caucus — founded by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. — now boasts 52 members (all Republicans) and the Senate caucus has recruited four prominent figures, including Sens. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., and Rand Paul, R-Ky. But some notable tea party favorites have repeatedly stated they will not join.

Though he’s an outspoken tea party ally, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has refused to join the House caucus, saying that its “structure and formality are the exact opposite” of what the tea party movement stands for. “[I]f there is an attempt to put structure and formality around it, or to co-opt it by Washington, D.C., it’s going to take away from the free-flowing nature of the true tea party movement.”

“I’m 100 percent pro-tea party, but this is not the right thing to do,” Chaffetz said.

Most recently, the idea of an organized caucus has been dismissed by another tea party favorite, Sen. Marco Rubio. While the Florida Republican has unapologetically advocated conservative policies and principles, he has long questioned the need for a formal caucus in Washington. In a local radio interview last Friday, Rubio made the criticism even clearer, saying such a “little club” run by politicians in Washington could cause the real movement “to lose its energy.”

h/t ThinkProgress

HOST: When Michele Bachmann began to create this Tea Party Caucus, I got this really bad taste in my mouth. … You and I see eye-to-eye on this, right? It’s a grassroots movement, right? [...]

RUBIO: Now, specifically about the Tea Party Caucus, the concern that I’ve expressed, is that what I think gives the tea party its strength and its legitimacy in the American political process is that it’s a grassroots movement of everyday Americans. …

My fear has always been that if you start creating these little clubs or organizations in Washington run by politicians, the movement starts to lose its energy. Basically, the media will jump on that and start paying attention to that instead of the grass roots movement which is really what has given the tea party its voice. … I don’t want us to do anything that kind of changes its grassroots nature.

Here’s the full interview:

Comments (267)

1 2 3 ... 8
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:17pm

    Ditto neofan!

    Report Post »  
  • SaveOurRepublic
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:14pm

    Politics is all about numbers. Specifically numbers of votes. That is what Politicians are interested in that’s why there are all the polls done. Blocks/groups that represent votes are what they listen to. So while grassroots is good unless there is a quantifiable number that can be attached to the teaparty then as a political “force” it will not carry quite the same weight.

    Report Post »  
    • challengable
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:14pm

      I still want to see the tea party honesty and integrity carried into our country.By the electorat,the conservative leadership,or the scandalous lies of the migit minded media.All of the exposure has strengthened us and therefore our great country.I say we let our power of goodness bloom wherever it will.If Senator Rubio wants to hold back so be it.I say it is through divine providence that we were biated by the left media only to prove our resolve and power to turn the other cheak .Sometimes those who speak most effectively don’t have to say a word.

      Report Post »  
  • jose wasabi
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:09pm

    Rubio is missing the point of the Tea Party Caucus. It’s to foster Tea Party ideas and ideals.

    Report Post » jose wasabi  
  • ilikai
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:07pm

    I agree with Rubio on this one, but I do think that we might need some type of caucus in congress to help keep them in line with the values they promised to provide in office.

    Report Post » ilikai  
    • UrsaMajor
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 5:16am

      Although I disagree with Rubio, his point is completely valid.

      Frankly, seeing how quickly some Tea Party activists have turned on Rubio worries me. They are acting like the Progresive facists who turned on Joe Lieberman.

      Anyone who CLAIMS to be a Tea Party Patriot and treats Rubio as some sort of traitor for sticking to his beliefs probablly isn’t a TRUE Tea Party Patriot.

      Report Post »  
  • omni
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:05pm

    A lose confederatioon of Conservatives is probably healthy from a communication standpoint. However, having been burned by both Democrats and Republicans, many of us are hesitant to join such a dynamic and unstructured group. Too bad the words Republican and Conservative are not synonymous, then we wouldn’t have this dilemma. I suspect that Republican leadership also fears the maverick aspect of free thinking people, who might support good independant candidates against RINOS like Snow and Collins.

    Report Post »  
  • iarefounder
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:04pm

    I totally agree with Rubio. I don‘t think Bachmann really gets it and I don’t trust her. Some of her votes (like the Food Safety Bill) cause me to question what she really stands for.

    Report Post »  
  • Nigel2
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:00pm

    Humm, I never thought of it like that. But all the same, if the caucus becomes an all “all boys” club of Washington insiders not responsive to the people, we will deal with them accordingly. For now, I like the presence and the thorn in the side to the progressives that the tea party caucus represents.

    Report Post » Nigel2  
  • Mare
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:53pm

    Maybe Im wrong, BUT, what I get from it is, he wants us Tea Party to stay origional??? I do notice Mr Obama is getting Religion, and Ms HUFFER is now AOL, want to dump that, TSA going union there Closing in, Oh and Morning Joe AlJazera there on board, there closing in gang, we need a major conservative internet provider so we can get honest news,is there one out there, Im praying:

    Report Post »  
  • benrush
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:52pm

    I would have to agree. The Tea party stands for rugged individualism, in stark contrast to all other collectivist movement. It gains strength from the individuality of Americans, cooperating freely with one another rather than being subjected to the inefficiencies of the collective.

    Report Post »  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:52pm

    They are just chickens

    Republicans are always chickens

    They are afraid that if they join or set up a TEA Party Caucus

    then they will be targeted by the Media

    I wish for once we could get Conservatives

    WHO DONT CARE WHAT THE MEDIA THINKS

    hint

    If you have a “R” after your name

    THE MEDIA IS NEVER GOING TO LIKE YOU

    GET OVER IT AND GET ON WITH IT

    Report Post »  
  • tr68gt
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:50pm

    Tea Party or not, I met Sen. Rubio last Friday at a town hall meeting, He’s the real deal.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:35pm

      I agree .. I was at one of his first events after declaring his run .. in Ft. Myers (to celebrate “the hug” between Crist and Obama) and then at the end — right before the election .. in Punta Gorda and from beginning to end .. his message never changed. You can’t say that about the present occupant of the White House!

      Report Post »  
  • timej31
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:49pm

    Of course! The Socialist-Democrats want to pigeonhole someone into being the CEO of the TP but doesn’t have one by design. It’s a starfish. And will always be one.

    Report Post » timej31  
  • NeoFan
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:49pm

    I don’t trust Michele Bachmann. When she was on Glenn’s show she refused to answer a direct question about an issue.
    She ignored the question until Glenn moved on to another topic.
    I wont support a politician that does not have the courage to answer a direct question.

    Report Post »  
    • GetUpOnTheWheel
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:45pm

      I saw that same thing you did the day he had her on his show. She wasn’t being straight and Glenn did a make a small funny point of it too.

      And he was giving her every opportunity to be straight and she wouldn’t do it. It was disconcerting to say the least. Cause the premise of that show was to have on people Glenn saw as straight shooters, and she blew it big time.

      Report Post » GetUpOnTheWheel  
  • RefudiateObama2012
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:49pm

    When Bachmann originally hatched the TP Caucus idea, it was to be a listening caucus. It’s purpose was to be a collective group that the TPers could communicate with to make sure someone was listening to there concerns, and yes, demands.

    Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:00pm

      I agree. It’s not intended as a “third party” at all, just a group for new members to discuss how to change things. I like Rubio also, and I‘m sure he may attend a session just to see what it’s about some time in the future even if he doesn’t officially join. He may find it harder to be a lone wolf than he thinks.

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:46pm

      You’re right. Earlier I said that we would just as soon not have DC trying to control us, instead, we the people need to control them. Just like it has been said numerous times on here quite eloquently, we don‘t care if they belong to the Caucus or not as long as they vote the way we want them to so that this country can be saved from these liberal wackos that claim to be a Patriotic American but they wouldn’t know what that means or how to be one no matter what they claim.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:13pm

      I have a gut feeling that the rino’s are going to force an end to the Republican party and if that happens the tea party people must be ready to create a new party, thus a tea party caucus is not an unreasonable thing to have. Those that took the support of the tea party movement and now are seemingly pulling away tells me that those people are politically ambitious and are willing to throw those same people under the bus. The caucus was formed to exchange ideas and to familiarize those newly elected to the risks of Washington and traps so easily fallen into. Are both of these men so informed that they know every little trick and bribery technique used to push, prod, or pull for votes? I think not, but they have seemed to con a lot of people already. I would suggest keeping an eye on the way both these guys vote.

      Report Post » orkydorky  
    • bertr
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:40pm

      @ORKYDORKY
      hopefully they wouldnt try to start a 3rd party, i think the tea party movement would distance itself an official “Tea Party” if they did. If the republicans try to control the movement then I think people would just start running indepent as tea party supporters.
      The republican party has to realize, they arent the ones giving the tea party a chance, the tea party is giving them one.

      Report Post » bertr  
  • Sgt.Murph
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:48pm

    “Freeflowing” often leads to meandering and a slow down. Focus is what’s needed! I agree with DeMint’s assertion that he would rather stand with 30 true conservatives than a co-opted majority. Walk the talk! That is why you were voted in!

    Report Post » Sgt.Murph  
    • ShortTom
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:01pm

      That would be true if this was a purely political movement. The Tea Party is about the 180 degree turn of a great number of Americans to a more principled conservative lifestyle, of which politics is only a part.

      I also get nauseated thinking about the MSM turning the Tea Part (which it largely doesn‘t understand and can’t attack effectively) into a bunch a bunch of bullet points that “define” the entire movement. A caucus makes the Tea Party a manageable adversary by the left. One personal scandal, a couple gaffs, and boom, credibility is out the window.

      Bachmann and the rest are just sitting ducks that are playing into the same vapid system that we all hate so well.

      Report Post »  
  • Plant Immigration Rights Supporter
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:46pm

    Sen. Rubio is correct. The last thing the Tea Party Movement needs is to be perceived as part of the Washington Establishment. Like it or not, once the movement gets the stamp of approval of several members of Congress that is exactly what is going to happen. This needs to be a movement that is decentralized and OUTSIDE of the beltway.

    Report Post » Plant Immigration Rights Supporter  
  • entropy
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:45pm

    The Tea Party doesn”t need a caucus. You don’t want a group of politicians pretending to speak for the Tea Party. There is enough for them to do without screwing around with club memberships. It is how the Rep. votes that matters.

    Report Post »  
    • RAS
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 4:44pm

      The Tea Party Caucus does NOT speak for the Tea Party, nor do they pretend to. Nobody speaks for the Tea Party. That’s the beauty of it!

      The Tea Party Caucus is the equivalent of the football huddle. They get together to decide their team strategy to appropriately respond to the opposition and win. If these Tea Party supported elected representatives are left to their own devices, there will be no coordination and they‘ll just wander around and make it up as they go along and they’ll get nothing done. Or maybe worse, they’ll end up being influenced by “the boys in the back room” and turn into the same kind of political hacks themselves and perpetuate what has been the problem all along, particularly during the past two years.

      Report Post »  
  • ShortTom
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:39pm

    And THIS is why I love Marco Rubio. Rational, principled, articulate. I would actually be surprised to hear shallow conservative talking points come out of his mouth.

    Report Post »  
  • troyvar
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:39pm

    I agree with Rubio and Chaffetz, I‘m a member of my local tea party and I don’t feel like I need some “big-box” representation to tow the line. As long as the people we elect, do as we expect them to, then they are part of “Tea Party Big Picture.” By, Of and For the People. It’s good that everyone has a say, not just party leaders.

    Report Post » troyvar  
  • Firelight
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:36pm

    I don’t care what club some Senator or Rep. is a member –. Politicans who vote with the Tea Party will not be voted out in their next election. We The People will see to that. Stop the Spending!

    Report Post »  
    • DUMBASPELOSI
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:10pm

      It looks like the hard may left has “pictures” and “tapes” on Rubio that compromise his “Christian” values.

      What is it about the typical conservative that makes them think that by “looking at our weaknesses” in the presence of left-loyal media types – that they are going to strengthen their standing or improve the chances of throttling the social communists.

      He’s young – I know – what he’s been watching Lyndsee Graham, John McCain, and Trent Lott . . . will this fellow never learn?

      Report Post » DUMBASPELOSI  
  • Creestof
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:36pm

    Sounds to me like he wants the “tea party” to simply learn what is going on and vote in a conservative, responsible manner…rather than someone (or several someones) trying to lead it and wind up swaying their votes in one direction or another.

    I kind of agree.

    I love Palin (though I hope she does NOT run for president), but I want her voicing support for the Tea Party movement, motivating them so they do not let up, encouraging them to become informed on the issues and vote accordingly…but I do not want her trying to be the party’s voice or head or its leader. Their momentum WILL drop off then in favor of just doing what SP says…believing her to be right.

     
    • rray
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:23am

      I do not think Palin will run either she appears to be playing “wild weasel”

      As for the tea party their lack of national leadership is their greatest strength. They should avoid any attempt to organize as a national party. It is easier for their opponents to attack and demonize at the national level than thousands of groups spread across the US.

      From the districts to the Rep message stays pure

      Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:35pm

    I can see Rubio’s point. Why turn the Tea Party movement into “business as usual” in Washington, DC? Keep it free and open to all points of views.

    Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:09am

      I don’t agree one bit that the TP will allow their message to be lost in the boondoggle that is Washington. The fact that the TP is a true grassroots movement assures that. Our local TP group is up to 1,000 members. It started in late ‘09 with 12 members. These people are serious, very serious.

      Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:13am

      Diane
      It will never happen. Don’t get caught up in that rhetoric. This is a genuine movement, and the folks at our meetings come on their own accord. They are very enthusiastic and motivated. We are not going to be shunted by any politician.

      Report Post »  
    • RAS
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:32pm

      Rubio joining the Tea Party Caucus won’t change a thing about keeping the movement open to all points of views. The Caucuses are simply gatherings of like minds in the House and Senate to set their agenda and plan their strategy. Remember, elected representatives work for us. They don’t set our agenda, or they’re not supposed to. We set theirs and the Tea Party Caucus is a good place for those who understand what they’re there for to meet and have that reaffirmed.

      I am highly suspicious of Chaffetz and Rubio for not wanting to join. Why would they not want to share ideas with other Representatives and Senators who largely owe their seats in the House and Senate to the support of the Tea Party movement? They may be the ones who intend to pursue, as you put it, “business as usual.”

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:34pm

    Interesting indeed, I hope the new republicans will hold to the values they have run upon and not be swept or absorbed by the existing corruption and the “old timers” networks. Stand true, and carry the battle onward for the betterment of the country.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MrObvious
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:01am

      It sounds like it‘s the name of the Caucus that’s keeping some members out.

      Why not just call it the American Conservative Caucus instead of trying to co-opt the Tea Party banner?

      Although, the conservatives on that caucus probably don’t see it as co-opting, that is, never the less, what they are doing, even if only in a small way.

      Report Post »  
  • OperationNorthwoods
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:32pm

    I agree. The tea party doesn’t need a caucus. All it needs is real conservatives who will vote they way they said they would and support from informed citizens.

    Report Post » OperationNorthwoods  
    • Firelight
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:42pm

      Right On. Libertarians are informed citizens who VOTE.

      Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:14pm

      Your’e absolutely right operationnorthwoods. The Tea Party needs to be and stay free so that wackos can’t somehow get their claws into it. We want to restrain DC not be restrained by them.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • beebacksoon
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:28pm

      NoMoreGray
      and Operationnorthwoods: I agree as well. When Rubio was running for the US senate seat here, in Florida, there were “red flags”…he tended to speak out of both sides of his mouth. At first glance, this interview was, to me, another red flag regarding his true allegiance, until I read the full interview. As long as he does not turn into a Scott Brown, I’ll support him.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:50pm

      Bullseye.

      Don’t talk me to death and give me lip service. Don’t gas me up.

      Do something.

      You will know who they are by their fruit.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:52pm

      He is exactly right. We don’t need clubs, caucuses and groups and on and on but we need them to get together and get the job done.

      Report Post »  
    • TheBMT
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:14pm

      Yea… don’t use a mastermind to develop a stronger Tea party ideology. The Senate Caucus brings in Tea Party members from all over the country in their first meeting. How is that being co-opted by politicians?

      Report Post »  
    • bertr
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:34pm

      Exactly, Im glad he gets it!!

      Report Post » bertr  
    • missionarydad
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:21pm

      I agree with Marco Rubio on this and at first was really disappointed when he did not attend the Tea party caucus meeting. I called his office and his aide had pretty much the same answer as he and the Senator from Utah. She reassured me that he is very proud of his tea party ties but has concerns about what could happen if it gets too organized and politicized. Not that the current Senators would do that but as this becomes a lasting influence there could be some real game playing and all the good intentions could be lost, in a manner like many well intended founded groups and movements. I think he has some long term wisdom knowing the glaring hypocrisies that are so ingrained in Washington.

      Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 11:47pm

      The Tea Party is like any other group,and needs to be organized at the national level like the other caucus groups mentioned here.
      Heres why I say that…..Much energy is created at our meetings, But we need to convert the energy created at meetings into results. Dialogue with Rep’s in Washington is a criticle step to get those results. However, there needs to be a real, visible prescence for our ideas, and a TP caucus will do that.
      We are working on some things to help our members convey, in a coordinated manner, their stance on issues both at the state and national level.We definitely need TP proposals to go to specific legislators who have visibilty in the caucus.
      I have to disagree with Rubio on this one. He needs to join the TP caucus.

      Report Post »  
    • BacktotheFounders
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:24am

      I don’t want my representative sitting around waiting to vote on a bill that someone else (most recently some Progressive) has written, proposed, and passed out of committee. I want him/her meeting with a group of like-minded Conservatives WRITING legislation that will achieve Tea Party goals and then working with them to get it passed. I want my representative to play OFFENSE instead of defense. The Tea Party Caucus will serve this purpose. Lead, don’t follow.

      I don’t want him/her to always be frantically trying to get enough votes to save us from destruction.

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:28pm

    saying such a “little club” run by politicians in Washington could cause the real movement “to lose its energy.”
    ———————–

    Really ? Little clubs like
    CblackC, Latino C ?

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • MBA
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:51pm

      Dtitus–because of the Black Caucus and Latino Caucus exist! Duh!

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:07pm

      @DTITUS
      How about the Congressional Progressive Caucus- it has 83 members. The elections in November cleaned the house of more moderate democrats(blue dogs) and we are left with 193 members , most being on the more radical side. And I hate to break it to you but some of them are latino and black. Thats not racism – its FACT!!!
      A Teaparty caucus would give more power to true conservatism and I cant understand why the republicans are shooting themselves in the foot by not supporting the people that saved their @sses in the last election.

       
    • NoMoreGray
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:09pm

      I actually don’t have a problem with Rubio’s position, I really don’t care what groups they join or don’t join, I only care how they vote. I also don’t have a problem with Bachmann starting the T-party caucus and support her efforts to give strength to those who wish to give us a voice. I myself am not a joiner, because there is no one group that I agree with completely and all groups have people who allow personal power to come before the good of the movement, I experienced this with both official “Tea Party” and “9/12 Project” groups around where I live. So, where we work for the same goals we work together, where we don’t, we don’t.
      So, the point… Rather they walk in the room together or one at a time is irrelevant, voting together when they get in the chamber is what counts.
      As for Chaffetz, I really like him as well, but he knocked me off my chair in an interview with FNC before Christmas. In this interview he clearly took the “give to get” political position in the “tax compromise.” Later when he realized when you give to Libs what you get is Ssscreeewed, he voted against it, but that moment of confusion is the reason Bachmann started the caucus. The T-Party caucus had the back of the “grassroots” on that one from day one, so maybe he could benefit from a little closer contact.

      Report Post »  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:21pm

      In a way I kind of agree with what he’s saying. I really like Michelle Bachmann and Jim DeMint, but this caucus kind of takes the focus off of the American people and puts the focus back in Washington D.C. That’s not what the Tea Party is all about.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – conservative news and political humor

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • RAS
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:28pm

      The Tea Party’s grassroots movement owes no allegiance to sitting Senators and Members of Congress in setting its agenda, so from that perspective, whether or not there is a Tea Party Caucus has no relevance. The fact is that elected representatives should be responding to their constituents, not telling them what’s good for them the way it has been. The hope these so-called “Tea Party candidates” see it that way too has a lot to do with why they got the support they needed to be elected. They need remember that and not be seduced by the privileged life and perks that Capitol Hill offers, so joining the Tea Party Caucus is probably a good idea to help them do that and maintain their ideological cohesion. With that in mind, I would be suspicious of those who don’t want to join.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:30pm

      I agree with CHEEZ and Marco .. in that I don’t think “little cliques” should exist within government … Marco is my Congressman .. .I supported him both financially and at the polls and I would hope that he would not join any of these little groups .. they are there to work for the people of their state … not “certain” people of their state. We had a local Republican offical try to get on the board of our local TEA Party Patriots … and he was soundly defeated .. the TEA Party isn’t about “party” it is about philosophy … as long as he votes Conservative and for We the People … I will support Marco.

      Report Post »  
    • Quad-rip-legic
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:33pm

      @dtitus1304

      Cheezwhiz did not make it about race, that’s just the way it is now.

      Report Post » Quad-rip-legic  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:35pm

      @ dtitus1304
      A little group is a little group , it doesn’t matter what its based on — idea, race or food allergies.
      But what Rubio ‘s act has shown is that he doesn’t want to be known as a member of
      “ TEA Party Caucus” . He wants our money , our influence, our votes and our fidelity but doesn’t want to be seen canoodling us in public.

      cheezwhiz  
    • MOVETERAN
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:40pm

      I think I see both points.

      Why does the Tea Party need a caucus? Who put these people in charge of the Tea Party?

      Yet at the same time, what power does a mob have without organization and leadership?

      Report Post » MOVETERAN  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:41pm

      Cheez .. didn’t you get your “invitation” to his event last week? He has no problem with the TEA Party but I think he sees it as something that “some” high up in the R’s would like to hijack (remember Steele and his “we won” before being defeated) … and he isn’t going to give them legitimacy.

      Report Post »  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:54pm

      I agree with Rubio about making sure the Tea Party doesn’t have a structure. Its message doesn’t require one, anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:25pm

      Am I the only one sensing a Trogen horse here???

      Report Post » orkydorky  
    • Stopit
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:26pm

      Children, the goal of the caucus was to prevent the newly tea party elected representatives and senators from being coopted by the “ruling class” establishment republicans who while in control of the house, the senate, and the presidency till 2006 were too afraid or too conformed to address the baseline financial horrors we are now still facing. Don’t forget the first to use the term New World Order was Bush #1, and substantial deficit spending continued under Bush #2…who dictated the government take over of the financial sector to “save capitalism”. These were not tea party perspectives, and being coopted by the old guard is a danger.
      The timidity to associate indicates a difinitive leaning toward the Jeb Bush supported “ruling class”…perhaps due to Presidential aspirations. I’d rather see willingness to stand with the minority tea party caucus for furtherance of tea party principals. There is no danger of the caucus dictating to the tea party. The ruling class fears the tea party will dictate to the growing caucus, and mess up their special interest power spheres!

      Report Post »  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:31pm

      Trojanhorse…………………………………………..sorry!

      Report Post » orkydorky  
    • Intellectual Honesty
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:43pm

      Maybe Rush told him he couldn’t?

      Report Post » Intellectual Honesty  
    • BoiseBaked
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:50pm

      Rubio is right. A caucus is just another special interest group. Can we stop with the special interest crap. Here’s a special interest for us all – smaller government.

      Report Post »  
    • Sevens
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:53pm

      Another politician who used the Tea Party to defend the “conservative side” of “progressive Policies”
      email me sevenators7@gmail.com

      Report Post » Sevens  
    • Capitalist Pig4574
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:03pm

      I don’t like the idea of a caucus. I do not want the Tea Party to go from the American people to Washington politicians. Not to mention the left has had a hard time labeling the Tea Party with anything that really sticks or has credibility because there is no select group of people in charge. No one they can get in an ‘ah-ha‘ moment and then say ’These are the leaders of the Tea Party’.

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:38pm

      Boy, I like that guy…certainly sounds Presidential (listening to the end of the 11 minute video above)…no mumbo jumbo double talk…REFRESHING…I bet he wasn’t using a teleprompter either!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • TunaBlue
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:39pm

      I believe that Chaffetz and Rubio get it. I don’t want the movement to be co-opted. Leave it alone.

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 11:06pm

      A caucus is nothing more then a meeting of people with the same political ideas…. 

      What is wrong with participating in a caucus (meeting) if you agree to smaller government, less taxes, and freedom? I see nothing wrong with advancing what the TEA party stands for. 

      What is the purpose of a Tax Enough Already Caucus? I believe to stay the course of the movement or hold true to the people of the movement. 

      It is ironic our elected servants do join caucuses that is divisive by race, which is the incorrect use of a caucus but will not join one in the true reason for a caucus which is political views regardless of color. 

      You are either a Jackass Democrat 
      who spends way more then he takes;
      Or you are the elephant in the room
      Who forgets the agreements he makes. 
      But
      You could be an American with
      a few simple goals to agree:
      Small government, less taxes and freedom,
      By sitting down and having a little TEA. 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 11:22pm

      You can still be grassroots but organized and unified.
      If he doesn‘t want to participate that’s his choice, as long as he is pressing conservative values then that is fine.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:05am

      I wish these guys would join the caucus if for no other reason than to make darn sure that it doesn’t get co-opted by the Washington elite!!!

      The Tea Party needs to be careful of those that want to sink their claws into it, yet it does NOT need to go around acting as if it’s scared of these guys. In fact, in my mind, the Tea-Party represents the closest thing we have in this country that really represents WE THE PEOPLE! It has to stay that way or we are doomed, so show no fear whatsoever of those that want to take us down. If they get in our way, mow em’ down!

      Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 5:47am

      Rubio wants to be free to speak out of both sides of his mouth like all the rest.

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 6:51am

      He’s knocking the Tea Party for one reason: He got elected. Now, he can do what ever he wants to. Just like every other politician that has ever achieved office, once in they betray their constituents for their own personal self interests.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • BacktotheFounders
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:28am

      Apparently, most people don’t understand what a caucus is. It’s not a political party, and it’s not a support group. It‘s purpose is to design strategies to introduce and support legislation that will meet the goals of the members’ constituents.

      The Tea Party was a result of like-minded people joining together and working together to influence government, If we want that same kind of solidarity to begin working in Congress, we will support this effort.

      I supported Rubio, but I am very disappointed in him now. I think the words that he chose, “little club,” are telling. It’s not a little club, Mr. Rubio. It’s the arm of Conservative America. Defame it at your own risk.

      Jim DeMint, founder of the Senate Conservatives group, financially supported Mr. Rubio, and now he gets the back of his hand. Is it about you Mr. Rubio, or is it about We The People? Does being Jeb Bush’s VP sound so good to you that you will toss over your constituents as soon as you get to Washington?

      Report Post »  
    • RAS
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:40am

      It seems some folks don’t understand what a Congressional Caucus it, but given the behavior of some of the more radical ones in the past, it’s understandable that their purpose is often misunderstood. What it is, or what it’s supposed to be, is a gathering of elected representatives with a common interest to discuss their agenda and plot their strategy. That’s all.

      With that in mind, why would Chaffetz and Rubio is turn their backs on the Tea party Caucus? Why would they not want to join with those who largely owe their election to the grassroots movement to replace political hacks with Senators and Congressmen who are responsive to their constituencies? Did they just say what it took to get themselves elected? Are they going to turn out to be just two more of those self-serving political hacks who intend spending their terms slopping at the government trough? It‘s too soon to know if that’s what they’re doing, but it won’t take long to find out.

      Report Post »  
    • SavvyCowboy
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:08pm

      Is this Caucus a “sly” way of gaining control on the movement? Why do you think Mu-Barrack Hussein brought his “arch enemy” Hil-uh-ry into his cabinet? It‘s easier to keep an eye on your enemies when they’re right beside you.

      Face it – the good ol‘ boy country clubin’ RINO/GOP senators and congressmen do NOT like the Tea Party movement. Those same dolts HATED Ronald Reagan. What the hell ever happened to “…a government FOR the people, BY the people…”??

      Report Post » SavvyCowboy  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:30pm

      Republicans would still be Whigs if it were not for the Republican movement, a movement by the people to revolutionize the Whig Party to fight slavery. Both Democrat-Republicans and Whigs joined the Republican Party for the same political views, antislavery. 

      Democrats would still be Democrat-Republicans if it were not for a disagreement of political views among the party and disagreement on successor of James Monroe. They revolutionized their party into Democrats. 

      For the last 100 + years we have had only two Party’s really, Democrat and Republican, both groups elitists and both parties will never change until they are revolutionized. Republicans lie and spend to much. Democrats lie and spend to much. Both want power and have been out of touch from the People for way to long. Until there is another option beside Republican or Democrat our country will never change. This is the revolution Jefferson talked of every 20 years or so. Look at the Parties history and you will see just that until the Progressives reared their ugly head 100+ years ago and kept power in only two parties. 

      The TEA movement began grassroots and it has become a voice of the people but if the TEA party can not elect Representatives then the TEA movement is not being represented and basically being patronized by both ruling parties. Thus the reason these TEA elected servants will not join the TEA caucus (meeting), they are Republicans. 

      The TEA movement needs leaders. Leaders who have honor, are brave and will break away from the ruling parties and stand alone if need be to represent the American people. If Jim Demint, Michelle Bachman, or any other saying they stand with the TEA movement actually mean it then they should leave the Republican party as Jackson did and as Lincoln did. Otherwise they are just Republicans wanting the TEA power. Republican and TEA do not have the same principles or values therefore they can’t be BOTH! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • docvet
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 4:12pm

      It’s not the average Tea Partier that is being “co-opted”, it is the leadership. So what is next? How about those who marched with little or no “leadership” become the Don’t Tread On Me party, then when that is absorbed, the We The People party, then the Get Your Act Together party, then the…… Party and the …. party until the leaders get the message who is speaking, THE VOTERS!

      Report Post »  
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