Headlines:
The GOP fights Back -- Politico
"We're the True Conservatives" -- New York Times
The Tea Party backed candidates rode in on waves of voter anger and frustration at Washington and the current state of affairs. As Marco Rubio declared upon his victory over Charlie Crist, "We're the True Conservatives and we're here to take this country back."
In light of the events, surrounding the Tea Party's rise many prominent Republicans across the country who bowed their heads and did not utter a peep in the wake of President McCain found themselves embracing the Tea Party head on.
Minority Leader John Boehner called the movement, "Positive, and what the Republican Party needs. A kick in the pants to get our stuff in line."
However some Republicans in high offices did not have to embrace the movement as they already identified themselves as members of that movement. Just two of the people being, Bobby Jindal and Mike Pence.
"I'm so glad that the Republican party has found it's way back to the principles espoused by Reagan and Goldwater. If we are able to win in November we will undoubtedly take this country in a better direction. For the Democrats have had power since 2006 and we see what that's done, and we have had a moderate Republican, posing as a Conservative." -- Rep. Mike Pence
Gov. Jindal prompted speculation about a 2012 run.
"I respect President John McCain. He's an honorable man and has given so much for this country, but Conservative he is not. He represents the old Republican Party, this new breed of Conservatism is what our party was built on and we've strayed from that over the last ten years, but we're coming back in force." -- Gov. Bobby Jindal
In a typical year the incumbent party would lose some seats in Congress, but 2010 was anything but normal. The Democrats were expected at first to make even larger gains in the Senate and House, all but pushing the Republicans to a marginal existence, but with the rise of the Tea Party uncertainty hung around Washington like a black cloud. The Tea Party was changing the Republican Party and thought unlikely, the possibility of a third party could still emerge.
Does America need a Third Party?
Yes 58%
No: 35%
Gov. Palin beat Murkowski 56% - 43% in the Alaska primary.
In an interview Gov. Sarah Palin was asked about the prospects of the Tea Party becoming a third party and she responded by saying, "The goal is not to create a third party, the goal is to bring the Republican Party in power around to our way of thinking. Instead of running against them, embracing the movement and principles. The fact is though either the Republican Party is with us or they're no different than the Democrats. I think however, as you can see the response we've been getting across the country that this is the new face of the Republican Party and that in 2012 we'll actually have a true conservative candidate on the ticket who will win overwhelming."
Pres. McCain's interview on NBC.
In an interview over the summer McCain sat down with Brian Williams to discuss the economy, the state of world affairs and the Tea Party.
Q: When can Americans start expecting results?A: Unemployment will eventually go down, we just need to get a hold of the spending and size of government. Q: How do you respond to charges that you've lost control of the Republican Party, that the Tea Party movement says more about you then the Democrats?A: The Tea Party is made up of Americans who are frustrated at how Washington works and I understand that and am hoping in November we can loosen the Democratic grip on Congress and we can actually get things done.Q: You stated in 2008 that you would not run for reelection is that still the plan?A: Yes. My pledge was for one term and that is what I'll serve.McCain Approval Rating:
Approval: 34%
Disapprove: 61%
Unemployment Rate:
10.9%
Key Senate Races: Polling
FL:
Rubio: 52%
Meek: 45%
NH:
Mahoney: 48%
Hoades: 47%
AK:
Boozman: 49%
Lincoln: 48%
AZ:
Quayle: 50%
Napolitano: 47%
CO:
Bennett: 48%
Buck: 47%
WI:
Feingold: 48%
Ryan: 48%
KY:
Paul: 51%
Conway: 44%
IL:
Obama: 50%
KirK: 46%
As 2011 neared the prospects of the 2012 race drew closer and closer. With an open primary for both sides speculation began in earnest as to who would seek the office. Sen. Clinton repeatedly brushed aside the idea of running for President again, while Sen. Obama remained opened to the idea, and said, "After my reelection I'll make a decision."
Polling: Democratic Nomination
Clinton: 47%
Obama: 29%
Other: 15%
Warner: 9%
Polling: Republican Nomination
Other: 30%
Romney: 19%
Huckabee: 18%
Daniels: 15%
Bush: 11%
Perry: 7%
Clinton again refusing to say yes or no on running for President again.
Clinton vs. GOP: Matchup
Clinton: 52%
GOP: 40%
Obama vs. GOP: Matchup
Obama: 50%
GOP: 39%
What if Scenario: I
Clinton: 52%
Romney: 28%
Tea Party: 18%
What if Scenario: II
Obama: 51%
Tea Party backed Republican: 42%
What if Scenario: III
Clinton: 46%
Republican: 45%
Lieberman (I): 5%