Teabaggers Are Far From Mainstream America

For months now the teabaggers (and their fellow Republicans) have tried to convince Americans that they are a broad-based grassroots movement beholden to no political party. It is not now true and never has been. While the teabaggers may be deluded enough to think they are a grassroots movement, it has been shown they have been funded (and organized) from the very beginning by rich right-wing fringe elements (most notably the Koch brothers).

A new American Values Survey, done by the Public Religion Research Institute, shows just how far from mainstream America the teabaggers are and busts several myths about the teabaggers. The survey involved 3,013 adults between September 1st and 14th. It has a margin of error of 2%. Here are the most common myths and the truth about them:

MYTH - Teabaggers are distinct from other conservative movements like the christian right.

TRUTH - At least 47% of teabaggers consider themselves part of the christian conservative movement (and that figure jumps to 57% among those who self-identify as christian).

MYTH - The teabaggers represent a large portion of the American population.

TRUTH - Teabaggers make up only about 11% of the American population.

MYTH - Teabaggers are independent politically and not beholden to either political party.

TRUTH - At least 74% of teabaggers report they usually support Republican candidates, and about 83% say they will vote Republican in the upcoming election.

MYTH - Teabaggers are a largely Libertarian group believing in maximum freedom for individuals.

TRUTH - At least 63% of teabaggers say abortion is wrong in all or most cases, and only 18% believe same-sex individuals should be allowed to marry.

MYTH - The teabaggers are a racially and ethnically diverse group and have no racist tendencies.

TRUTH - At least 80% of teabaggers are non-Hispanic whites. Only 37% believe in immigration reform with a chance for citizenship. About 58% think blacks and other minorities get too much government attention, and a full 64% think it is OK if some people have more opportunity in life than others.

The teabaggers are nothing more than an angry far right-wing fringe group within the Republican Party. Any effort to make them seem like more than that is simply dishonest. The Republicans may well pick up some seats in the upcoming election (the party out of power usually does) but it will not be because of the teabaggers (who will vote Republican just like they always do).

Here are some other ways the teabaggers are out of touch with mainstream beliefs in America:

THE MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE RAISED TO ABOUT $10 AN HOUR.
All voters...............67%
Independents...............64%
Teabaggers...............47%

MILLIONAIRES SHOULD PAY MORE IN TAXES
All voters...............56%
Teabaggers...............35%

THOSE MAKING UNDER $30,000 SHOULD PAY MORE IN TAXES
All voters...............6%
Teabaggers...............12%

MORE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS NEEDED
All voters...............59%
Teabaggers...............32%

The teabaggers are not in step with the majority of Americans, and the more the Republican Party embraces them, the more there will be a day of reckoning in the future once most Americans realize this. The Republicans are playing with fire by embracing this dangerous fringe minority.
Posted by Ted McLaughlin