1 Absolutely right, Drew. 

2 I wouldn't join it, either. There is no "The Tea Party", and certainly not in Congress. Just get to work.

3

Well, anybody can call themselves a "Tea Party caucus" and I'm sure these guys are afraid this is the "Jim DeMint caucus".

Frankly, I think the Tea Party name has played itself out and it's too easy to slap a Tea Party label on yourself and get some undeserved cred.

4 Frankly, I think the Tea Party name has played itself out and it's too easy to slap a Tea Party label on yourself and get some undeserved cred

I agree with the latter.  I still think it's useful as a rallying point for grassroots involvement, so I'd keep it as that.  I just think it's foolish to take seriously when one senator or congresswoman or any other elected pol presumes to speak for the Tea Party.  They don't.  That's the whole point. 

5 Can't we shed all the labels?

6 O/T, but can anyone explain to me how the "sides" are chosen in the East/West Shrine game?  There seems to be little rhyme or reason to which schools are represented on which team. 

7 ...don't toss the baby out with the bath water.

Whatever the "movement" is called by others, by its own activists, the points are simple enough:  constitutional rule of law, smaller government, cut spending and taxes.

8 Given Jim DeMint's bitch-move in skipping CPAC ("OH NOES, TEH GAYZ!!"), who in god's name would *ever* want to belong to a caucus that he leads?  Seriously.

9 Umnnhhhh... If Wisconsin is so 'purple', how come the (R) Party now controls the Executive and both houses of the Legislative (a total reverse from '0 ? We'll see how Senator RoJo votes--which is what actually counts. At the same time, Senator RoJo's first post-election fundraiser was hosted by Mitch McConnell, which is worthy of note.

10

I don't think Palin is ready; not because I don't think she has the skill set to be president. It's more because I don't she is prepared to engage in the war the MFM will wage against her.

She is beyond by orders of magnitude with executive experience - with a track record of success - where Ebola was at this point, but Ogabe was protected by the MFM. He was never challenged. And when he fucked up due to his own incompetence, the MFM went into defense mode for him...and even on offense at times. Think Joe the Plumber here.

Ironically the the constant personal attacks on her and her family have been a huge asset. Because of the repulsiveness of them, they have backfired and caused sympathy from even the left where even some of their pundits have come to her defense. More importantly, because of the constant barrage, they have become tiresome.

The issue with Palin is that all the left and the MFM ( but I repeat myself) have is the ability to create the meme that Palin is stupid and ignorant..and therefore not qualified. Remember, Ogabe is a fucking genius. His IQ is off the charts...though no one knows what the fuck it is.

Reagan was stupid. Remember 43 being asked questions about the most arcane shit, like who is the Second Under-Secretary to the Interim Minister of Agriculture of Burkina Faso, to try to make us think he was an idiot.

They will quadruple down on Palin...because they are terrified of her. I think if she hunkers down and does some rote studying of geo-political issues and studies policy recommendations of some of the better think tanks  she can survive the war against her.

She is a known quantity. No one has been vetted by the MFM more than she has, so there won't be any last minute surprises.

11 I expect Mark Levin to strongly denounce Johnson as a spineless RINO on Monday's show.

12

They will quadruple down on Palin...because they are terrified of her. I think if she hunkers down and does some rote studying of geo-political issues and studies policy recommendations of some of the better think tanks  she can survive the war against her

Can't she just write all that stuff on her hand?

13 Amen to the Tea Party Caucus nonsense. They way you vote is what we're watching. The Tea Party label won't protect you if you do something stupid

14 I expect Mark Levin to strongly denounce Johnson as a spineless RINO on Monday's show.

Honestly, it's getting to the point where I'm reflexively suspicious of anyone who gets his unqualified endorsement, and am reflexively inclined to like whoever is on the business end of his denunciations.

"I'm on a RINO-hunt with Mark Levin!"

15

No one has been vetted by the MFM more than she has, so there won't be any last minute surprises.

Hello?

16

They way you vote is what we're watching.

Eleventy.

17

I don't understand what the tea party caucus is. The tea party is a loose nit unorganized organization of individuals.

What does the tea party caucus do? Who in the tea party do they talk to if anyone? The tea party so far has had a way of making it's voice heard. I am not sure they need a congressional filter.

18 Wouldn't it be better for the Tea Party to influence government while not officially being a part of government?

19 #14.  Indeed.

20 What does the tea party caucus do?

For one thing, it provides Michele Bachmann with another opportunity to self-promote.

No, really -- remember, she's the one who started (and conveniently heads up) the Congressional analogue to DeMint's Tea Party Caucus.  And in both situations, it's sadly more about elbowing one's self into the picture at all times than it is about providing real leadership. 

I actually have more respect for DeMint than some of these other self-promoting types, but again...our first instinct as conservatives ought to be suspicion. 

21

Did Marco Rubio snub the Senate's new Tea Party Caucus

whew ,, I hope we haven't become that sensitive after the last couple of decades.

22 the tea partiers are a diverse group who prefer small and limited government, low taxes and strong military.  we dont need no steenkin tea party caucus front group.

23

I don't understand what the tea party caucus is. The tea party is a loose nit unorganized organization of individuals

Posted by: robtr at January 22, 2011 05:11 PM (hVDig

i don't know that making obsolete those that aren't GOp but maybe blue dog dems also members of the Tea Party- is a good idea.

24

i don't know that making obsolete those that aren't GOp but maybe blue dog dems also members of the Tea Party- is a good idea.

Posted by: willow at January 22, 2011 05:18 PM (h+qn

You mean have phony "conservative" democrats that only vote conservative when they are given a pass to because their vote won't affect the outcome join?  Why bother?  What do you call a blue dog conservative Democrat in Congress?  A liberal.

25 Like the Tea Party Senate Caucus will be something special? Heh, by the time of the 2012 elections even Dingy Harry will be sucking Tea Party dick. Big mistake to join any organized movement.

26 For now, I would personally prefer that the tea party types work witin the Republican party framework.  This will force the RINOs to fish or cut bait and give us insight as to whether or not the Republican party can actually have principles and live up to them.  A separate caucus seems a waste of time, until it is unarguably clear that the Repubs establishment is onboard with respect to fiscal conservatism and the dismantling of the over-reaching government nanny state.

27 Oops!
For now, I would personally prefer that the tea party types work witin the Republican party framework.  This will force the RINOs to fish or cut bait and give us insight as to whether or not the Republican party can actually have principles and live up to them.  A separate caucus seems a waste of time, until it is unarguably clear that the Repubs establishment is NOT and will never be onboard with respect to fiscal conservatism and the dismantling of the over-reaching government nanny state.

28 I would prefer if they joined the Congressional White Caucus. Oh wait...

29 ...and all this time I thought it was all about people who enjoyed a classy hot beverage. I feel so betrayed.

30 A TEA Party Caucus, a centralized, identifiable entity is just what the Left wants to form. For as long as possible the TEA Party should remain diffuse and leaderless. If so the TEA Party has no head to cut off. Beware those who want make a TEA PARTY caucus.

31 A caucus, whatever it's called, whose principle purpose is to restore fiscal sanity seems like a good idea to me, especially with $1.5 trillion deficits as far as the eye can see. The reason Senators are reluctant to join is they're afraid the simple-minded among us (see independents) will see tea party and think racism (thanks MFM), or at least not an insignificant number of them will. Plus if you join the caucus you'll be expected to act like a fiscal conservative and you're feet will be held to the fire if you don't.

32 One thing to remember is that the Social Conservative/Religious Right groups kept themselves apart from the main stream Republican Party to keep themselves "pure".  That is one reason that the country club Republicans came to dominate again after Reagan.

33 And I don't think the group would be meaningless, as Drew states, if enough Senators joined.

34 Plus if you join the caucus you'll be expected to act like a fiscal conservative and you're feet will be held to the fire if you don't.

We should be expecting that of anyone who calls themselves a Republican at this stage of the game.  The GOP has to run as the fiscally responsible party and keep pounding the Precedent on that at every opportunity. 

35

The tea party is a major force but it's not enough alone in places like WI, FL and PA (3 states Obama carried) to win.

The Tea Party elected Pat Toomey, Lou Barletta and Tom Marino in PA. As well as a PA GOP majority in both state houses.

If Barry keeps fucking up the economy until 2012 there may be a sea change in those states.

36 33 And I don't think the group would be meaningless, as Drew states, if enough Senators joined

It sounds like it was by invitation -- am I reading that right?  I saw 7 names listed, three of whom are on board. 

Is 7 out of 100 - or even out of 47 - a meaningful number?

I'd like to know why Rubio is taking the heat for deciding not to join when 3 others also passed.  And I'd like to know why the list was so limited. 

It sure seems more like a cult of personality than a viable political force in the Senate. 

37 Anyone want to crash this with me? 

Shout drink when he says, "uh" and so on: 

Davie --

On Tuesday, January 25th, President Obama will deliver the annual State of the Union address, sharing his vision for job creation, health care, and more -- issues OFA will continue to organize around all year.

This is an important speech for the nation and for this movement. That's why supporters in Colonial Heights and across the country will be attending watch parties -- and sticking around after to craft the strategy we'll use to support the agenda President Obama will lay out.

Here are the details:

What: State of the Union watch party

Where: Carini Italian Resturant
3620 Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA 23804

When: Tuesday, January 25th
12:00 pm

38 Sh!t..  37 was me.

39 34 Plus if you join the caucus you'll be expected to act like a fiscal conservative and you're feet will be held to the fire if you don't.

>>We should be expecting that of anyone who calls themselves a Republican at this stage of the game.


Expect to be disappointed. I'm not sure most Republicans in the Senate are fiscal conservatives, and of the ones that are, how mant will stand up for entitlement reform?

40 I'd like to know why Rubio is taking the heat for deciding not to join when 3 others also passed.  And I'd like to know why the list was so limited. 

It sure seems more like a cult of personality than a viable political force in the Senate.

I think it's because Rubio was a presumptive Tea Party candidate when running..

41 38 Sh!t..  37 was me.

Could actually have been Keith.... not like he'll have anywhere else to be that night....

42 I just think it's a little funny that if it wasn't for DeMint there may not be a Senator Rubio.   Rubio went to DC to ask for Demint's help running against Crist & the 'establishment'.   That matters. 

43 >>It sounds like it was by invitation -- am I reading that right?  I saw 7 names listed, three of whom are on board. 

>>Is 7 out of 100 - or even out of 47 - a meaningful number


I honestly do not know if it was by invitation only, however, if you believe the caucus will push fiscal sanity and it won't hurt you politically, why not ask to be admitted? If 20 Senators would join that would be an important voting bloc, one that could help push an agenda.

44 The Tea Party is a Peoples Party Not A Politicians Party

45 The Tea Party is a Peoples Party Not A Politicians Party

Posted by: Bulldada at January 22, 2011 06:01 PM (mzwMH)

The Tea Party is not a party, it's a movement.

46 How many Senators are in the Socialist's Caucus?  Besides Bernie Sanders?

How many in the House? 

47
I already blew my nut on this earlier.

My argument was sound. I won.

48 It sure seems more like a cult of personality than a viable political force in the Senate. 
Posted by: Y-not at January 22, 2011 05:46 PM

Who the hell needs another "caucus," anyway? Existing ones -- the Black Caucus, Hispanic Caucus and, for all I know, the C*cks*ck*r Caucus -- exist only to extort favors for the privileged few and give members a private place to get shitfaced.

The Tea Party idea started to unravel when greedheads saw it as a way to make a buck. As a non-organzied, no-leaders group of like-minded patriots, it meant something. Not so much now.

I prefer that members of Congress act like human beings (for once) and take action to correct the country's biggest problems. Stopping wild spending, preferences and a flood of new laws and regulations that erode our Constitutional guarantees should be the goal of everyone in D.C., regardless of party affiliation.

Destroying the country in the name of your beliefs should be anathema to any thinking American.

Well, except for Osama Obama, anyway.

_{And he's not an American}

49
Is it 'smart politics' to appear less conservative, i.e., more moderate, in certain states?

Are we really back to this argument, again?


Why are our principles something to hide from?

50 What do you call a blue dog conservative Democrat in Congress?  A liberal.

Posted by: buzzion at January 22, 2011 05:20 PM (oVQFe)

i don't disagree, but in congress is totally different from tea partiers which are not necessarily GOP. even when they say they are wait for the final vote,

i agree, there are No blue dog dems in congress, and rare to find a conservative of any stripe in last decade. Now we have a chance. so we hope.

51 Why are our principles something to hide from?

Posted by: Leftover Soothsayers at January 22, 2011 06:15 PM (/AACO)

 

    There was nothing but fire-breathing talk on here just a scant 3 months ago. Now we must work with the party and not make waves?

52 The tea party is a loose nit unorganized organization of individuals.

I'd rather be in a loose knit club than a club of loose nits, organized or not.

53

How many Senators are in the Socialist's Caucus?  Besides Bernie Sanders? How many in the House? 
Here's the list of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, FWIW:

http://tinyurl.com/mz236o

 

54 I like Ron Johnson's statement, he's to the point, he didn't get elected to join some Tea Party caucus, he was elected to vote to stop Obama's far lefty agenda and stick to Tea Party, constitutional conservative principles, and that's it.

55 MrScribbler©
..._{And he's not a natural born American citizen regardless of who cares which way.}

56 To me, as long as they vote like strong consitutional conservatives, I don't care if they join a caucus or not.

57 You mean have phony "conservative" democrats that only vote conservative when they are given a pass to because their vote won't affect the outcome join? Why bother? What do you call a blue dog conservative Democrat in Congress? A liberal. Posted by: buzzion at January 22, 2011 05:20 PM What are the point of "caucuses" in Congress anyway? It's not enough that they split themselves by political Party, they also have to split themselves again by Caucus? "Congressional Black Caucus", "TEA Party Caucus". Is there a Homosexual Caucus or Female Caucus too? I thought conservatives were against all this idiotic hyphenated bullshit. We don't support hyphenated Americans, so neither should we support Hyphenated Congressmen. They are either Democrats or Republicans. Period. There is no need for any caucus to define themselves. They define themselves by their actions, by their votes. Period. Then *WE* will decide what label to give them. It is like someone going around giving themselves the label of "nice guy", "bad boy" or "sweet girl" or something. You don't label yourself in that manner, you let your actions speak for you and let others determine what you are based on those actions. ie, many guys who go around proclaiming they are "nice guys" are actually jerks. Their words say "I am a nice guy", but their actions prove they are jerks. The same thing applies for politicians. Sayign one is in a TEA Party Caucus means nothing if they turn around and vote against the principles of the actual grassroots TEA Party movement. Forming a "TEA Party Caucus" is as ridiculous as forming a "RINO Caucus".

58 To me, as long as they vote like strong consitutional conservatives, I don't care if they join a caucus or not. Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at January 22, 2011 06:34 PM Agreed. The way I see it, Congressman don't need to form "caucuses". They just need to do their jobs. *WE*, the People, will determine by their votes and actions into which caucus they belong. Labels and talk mean nothing, their votes and actions mean everything. This reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer was being hassled, because he refused to wear the AIDS Walk ribbon. He supported the cause, was walking in the walk, but they hassled him and accused him of not caring for the cause simply, because he didn't want to wear the stupid, meaningless ribbon. That's what these caucuses are: stupid, meaningless ribbons. I don't care about Conservative politicians who 'wear ribbons'/join caucuses. I care if they actually support the cause and walk the walk (vote the right way).

59 I'd like a thread analyzing the several Republican health care bills already prepared from last session, to determine how to synthesize the bare necessities together and push to replace Obama's unafforable mandated public health care with a minimalist approach that cuts health care costs. Encourage and legally enable providers to offer cross-country available open registration for private catastrophic health care policies, and cut the % that lawyers can charge for handling treatment related medical law suits.

60 We put these people in power and we can take them out.  Damned bunch of idiots the entire lot of them.  If they think they can run away from the label without running away from the principle then they haven't learned a single thing about what their purpose is and they are just begging to be replaced.

As long as they pretend the Tea Party label is something to be ashamed of and to run from then we will have to find candidates with more of a backbone and they won't have R's by their names the next time around.  This is the Republicans last round at the rodeo.  Words matter.  Labels matter.  Symbols matter.  And by their actions they are saying we don't matter.

They can't just look at us like the girl they screw under the bandstand on a Friday night and won't acknowledge at school on Monday morning.  Those days are over.

61 I'm a cut-out-the-middleman type:  what would happen if insurance didn't exist? 

62 sorry, wrong thread

63 What: State of the Union watch party

Where: Carini Italian Resturant
3620 Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA 23804

Are you frakking kidding? They watch SOTU in restaurants where you live? Or do you own the place?

64

IÂ’m starting to see a pattern now. While the Tea Party was rockinÂ’ and all of the “good” candidates  were poised to help the Republican party, Ace and all other conservative sites were all about them. Now that the Tea Party is a red headed stepchild and no one wants to claim us, the Republican party could care less about us.

 

Screw all of you bastard hypocrites.

 

65

If Paul Ryan and Ron Johnson are RINOs now, color me a proud RINO. A lot of Tea Party activists are idiot. The Tea Party had no platform or leaders. Lots of people were part of the Tea Party. I considered  myself part of the Tea Party, but there are some who think they own it. That they are special, and that everyone who identifies with the Tea Party thinks exactly like they do. They should really better educate themselves or fuck off.

Michelle Bachmann's little SOTU union stunt is a divisive embarassment.

 

66 Where: Carini Italian Resturant 3620 Boulevard Colonial Heights, VA 23804 Are you frakking kidding? They watch SOTU in restaurants where you live? Or do you own the place? No.. It was in the blast email I was sent.. (I signed up to the OfA a while back.. some of the emails will make blood shoot out of your eyes)

67 Maybe so, but selling out our security on START, our livelihoods on the Food Security Bill, as well as that other bogus stimulus, you're fine with that.

68 Why would the senate even bother with silly factions like these?  They generally don't . Why? If you understand the influential procedural powers enjoyed by the senate, you'd understand why these issue-specific caucuses aren't as advantageous for them as they might be in the House.
But that aside, in the real world, there's not enough difference between the Tea Party (whatever they truly are, truly represent, and their true message is) and the Republican Party to justify a Tea Party Caucus.
On another note, you see this more in the House from  Baucmann, Foxx, et al, because they are raging lunatics or in short, not Senator caliber. The senate is generally held (or should be held)to a higher level of professionalism and intellectual honesty. Rand, Lee, and DeMint are exceptions.

69 I'm glad there is a Tea Party Caucus. As often as not the GOP Caucus is hostile to conservatives. On numerous occasions the GOP Caucus has worked to defeat Cons, even when Cons beat Repubs in primaries. Rubio ignores this at his peril. Fuck the GOP.

70 Okay, I basically saw two of these films, True Grit and Inception. Inception sucked, for me, because I didn't get it. I never got the Matrix either. True Grit I went to thinking, "Another Coen Brothers cartoon." It isn't. It's the Best Picture of the Year, without a doubt. Best Actor in a walk: Jeff Bridges. I don't even like him, thought he was horrible in "the Big Lebowski," but he was dead on pitch perfect here. I read the book after watching the movie and realized Bridges was better than the book. Oh, I did see Toy Story 3 and liked it so it'll win something.

71 @70 You make a lot of good points.

72 Damn, I'm on the wrong thread.

73 zzzzzzz