Artist's rendition
Congratulations, tea party,
you did it!
As Washington braces for another budget showdown, this time with the threat of defunding the new healthcare law in the mix, the key political force pushing for conservative policies sees diminished popular support. Fewer Americans now describe themselves as supporters of the Tea Party movement than did at the height of the movement in 2010, or even at the start of 2012. Today's 22% support nearly matches the record low found two years ago.
If I understand the current movement correctly, unpopularity is a sign of true conservative purity—so this is good news for House "tea party" caucus members, who are now part of
two roundly disliked political groups. I'm sure they can do better (i.e. worse) than 22 percent, though, so let's check back in on them if and when they successfully force a government shutdown.