Sarah Palin was the headlining speaker at today’s Tea Party rally on Boston Common where thousands turned out in support of the sweeping movement. While there were some protesters, the event remained a predominantly civil affair with minimal exchanges between Tea Party advocates and their opposition.In her 20 minute speech, Palin attacked democratic leadership for over-spending and the “intruding reach of government.”
It was particularly surprising to see so many people attend the rally even after the Scott Brown victory.
Having lived in New Hampshire most of my life, I sort of had the impression that residents in the Commonwealth liked to pay a lot of taxes. I’m half-joking here but c’mon, the state’s income tax forms actually have a box that you can check off if you want to pay even more taxes than you actually owe to the government!
I had the good fortune of interviewing David Gergen, senior political analyst for CNN, a professor of public service at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and a former White House Advisor for Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. Since he knows a thing or two about politics, I was interested in his perspective on today’s rally and the overall impact of the Tea Party movement. Here is a transcription of our conversation:
RF: Has anything you’ve seen here today caught you by surprise?
David Gergen: What’s striking to me is that it’s a very friendly day out here with a lot of people who support Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. And there are others who are here in protest and then there are others who are here because they’re curious. I find there’s a lot of good will in these people – maybe it’s the sun, maybe it’s just Boston but I don’t find a lot of anger out here or bitterness which I find interesting.
RF: What is your reaction to seeing so many Tea Party supporters here in such a democratic stronghold?
DG: I think the Tea Party movement proved, during the Scott Brown election, that it is a lot stronger here than would be commonly thought. They provided a lot of the energy for his campaign in December and he started gaining traction at that time so I think they were an essential element of his victory. Even though this is one of the most liberal states in the country there is a conservative element in this state which is strong and has been here for a long time and I think this group should be treated with respect. You know, there’s a tendency sometimes for the elite in states like this to look down their noses. I think that’s wrong. These are good citizens, they pay their taxes, and they send their kids to war. So they disagree with the mainstream in a state like Massachusetts but they’re still citizens in good standing so I have a lot of respect. I’m a believer that the people who come out to something like this deserve a voice in serious decisions and should be taken seriously.
Rick: Were you surprised by Scott Brown’s Senate election victory?
DG: I wasn’t in the end. If you had asked me that seven weeks before the election, I would tell you I’d be shocked to see him win to be honest with you.
RF: Do you think this momentum can carry through the elections in November?
DG: I don’t know yet. I do think there is a backlash in the country. It’s quite obvious that the Tea Party is the most vocal support to that and if the elections were to be held today, I think the Republicans would pick up a lot of seats and the Tea Party would have a lot to do with it. But things can happen between now and then. I do find that contrary to the arguments that were being made by some Democrats as part of the Healthcare Debate, they were arguing that once they pass it, it will become very popular and that has not happened. Will they win that argument over time? We’ll have to wait and see. What the Democrats have to hope for are signs that the economy is starting to pick up and if that were really to change rapidly then the atmosphere is going to change – the whole landscape is going to change. I think a lot depends on that. But it’s clear; there is a substantial element of varied people feeling very intensely that the country is moving in the wrong direction.
RF: Thank you Mr. Gergen.
DG: My pleasure
Whether you agree with their message or not, the Tea Party movement is on a roll. According to a poll conducted by the Winston Group, 57% of their members are Republican and 28% are Independent - that leaves 13% Democrat and 2% Undeclared. That says a lot considering it was not too long ago when Obama was considered the next best thing for our country.------
Photo Credits: Rick Fink
Rick- what's your take on Brown being invited to the Tea Party Rally but declining? In addition after a little while in office now, would still classify Brown's POV as conservative or has he shifted toward a more liberal stance. If you feel he has shifted toward a liberal side do you feel it's because even though he was elected as a Republican the acutal views of his constituents are still that of a liberal aspect?
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FINK! Amazing how did you get to talk to Gergan? I find hime to be more reasonable than most of the supposedly unbiased newsers at CNN -- Mottla
ReplyDeleteThere is building anger over the Tea Party, we will have to wait and see as David G. says.
ReplyDeleteScott, I hold no opinion on Scott Brown declining to attend the Tea Party in Boston even though they certainly helped him get elected. His decision to remain in Washington and serve his constituents as Senator is fine with me. We will be able to hear from him exactly why he declined when he appears on "Face the Nation" this Sunday morning on CBS. I do feel there is a bit of a shift to the left with regard to his POV but not by much. His election was a referendum on Obama's healthcare plan. His consituents are predominently Democrat and I think he's learning to walk that fine line between following his position on issues while also representing the people of Massachusetts.
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