Last night’s primary results put the seal of victory on an amazing political story. Starting out as just a few people gathering here and there in March of 2009, the movement has grown to the point where it has now de-facto captured the Republican party and is set to place an indelible stamp on American politics on November 2nd.
It should be recalled just what has happened. Back in March of 2009, the liberals treated the TEA Party with scorn. It was just a few die hards who couldn’t accept the New Order of the Obama Administration. As it grew from strength to strength, the dismay on the Democrat side grew and developed in to a white-hot hatred of the movement.
Meanwhile, over in GOP-establishment land, things weren’t going much better. There was some thought that the movement could be co-opted by the establishment and used as a mere fund-raising and GOTV adjunct to the RNC. But then the TEA Party showed itself unwilling to take orders and it started knocking off one establishment GOPer after another, ending with last night when the Establishment’s man in Delaware was crushed by an overwhelming turnout among Delaware voters…these voters having not turned out for a GOP primary before, and seemingly quite willing for a fundamental change…not just a change from “D” to “R” after the candidate’s name.
Officially, Democrats rub their hands with glee – sure that an internecine battle is coming where the GOP will tear itself apart. They are short of the mark, as usual – the battle has already happened, and the TEA Party won. To be sure, there are still some Establishment types out there who will provide fodder for this Democrat meme, but the fact of the matter is that the grassroots of the GOP has gone TEA Party, and is insisting upon genuine change…and is willing to face defeat in this or that race if that is what it takes to get the Establishment out of power.
The polls show increasing GOP strength heading in to November. Reports are that Democrats are pulling the plug on their efforts in blue Pennsylvania as Toomey, a TEA Party favorite, starts to run away with the Senate race there. In spite of what you hear in the MSM, the fact is that Democrats are working a political triage, trying to figure out whom they can save from the wrath of the voters.
What will happen on November 2nd is unknown and unknowable at this point. All signs point to strong GOP gains – but the particular number of seats gained is less important than the fact that the political times are a-changing. The TEA Party has revived support for constitutional government, balanced budgets, an end to political gamesmanship. Come what may on November 2nd, that reality will remain – and will carry over to 2012 and beyond.
Blogs For Victory 