Tag Archives: tea party

Why Movement Candidates Always Disappoint

Posted on September 16, 2010 by David S. Meyer

The Tea Party, like many American protest movements, jumped into the electoral fray quickly.  This is the way our system is set up; frequent elections mean that activists always seem to have the chance to replace politicians they don’t like … Continue reading →

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The Tea Party and Grassroots Democracy

Posted on September 15, 2010 by David S. Meyer

Morning Edition features an interview with journalist Jonathan Rauch, discussing the tea party in general, and his article in the current edition of the National Journal.  Some segments of the movement are determined to serve the grassroots under any circumstances, … Continue reading →

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Purity versus Pragmatism

Posted on September 15, 2010 by David S. Meyer

The Tea Party, like all social movements in America, is facing the dilemma of making inroads in mainstream politics or focusing on articulating its message as clearly as possible.  By virtually all accounts (e.g., NY Times here), the Republican nomination … Continue reading →

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The Numbers Game

Posted on September 14, 2010 by David S. Meyer

When activists stage an event, they want to impress others with their commitment, unity, their worthiness, and their numbers.  (This formulation is from the great sociologist, Charles Tilly.) They want to show their opponents that they are strong and powerful–and … Continue reading →

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