Poll: Five Percent of Americans Have Attended Tea Parties; Movement Is Overwhelmingly White, Male and Conservative

Fascinatingly, the poll also reflects the fact that there really is no such thing as an independent. Of the Tea Partiers, 4 percent ID as Dems, 44 percent as Republican, and 52 percent as “Independent.” But when you look at how they vote, 5 percent went for Dem house candidates and 87 percent voted for Republicans. That's not a particularly “independent” breakdown.

It's preferable to think of oneself as “independent” than “bamboozled”.

nothing more pathetic than an angry white male—-except, of course an angry white male who can't even figure out what he's angry about

A bunch of white, middle aged, upper income males and their adoring wives. What a shock.

Where's GrowABrain?

I believe his questions to me are answered here.

How could 5% of Americans have attended Tea Baggings?

If there are about 220 million adults in the country, that would mean about 11 million attending Tea Baggings. Even we accept the totally bogus estimate that the DC Tea Bagging drew 2 million people, where did the other 9 million come from?

Holy cow! I've been calling this a subsection of the GOP for months now. I see no need to distinguish between tea bagger and Republican. These people are overwhelmingly Republican and overwhelmingly voted for George Bush twice. Despite whatever it is that they think they are protesting, they are simply mad that a Republican is not still in the White House. It's that simple. Dave I think you are reading my blog. Heck yeah!!

First of all, if the Tea Party attendees are only 9% more white than All Respondents (80% vs 71%), that's not a dramatic difference. The Hispanic percentage is about the same. The difference comes from African-Americans, which is no surprise, since African-Americans are by and large (understandably) eager to support the first African-American President.

Second, 60% male does not, to my mind, equal “overwhelmingly…male.” But it comports in general with the demographics of conservatives.

Third, to say that Tea Partiers are overwhelmingly conservative is practically true by definition. It is a conservative movement. No one has claimed otherwise.

The only number I find surprising is that so few Tea Partiers identify themselves as Republicans. The majority are independents, yet they intend to vote for Republicans. That does not bode well for Democrats.

As for wealth, the group is white, slightly older (but not on pension), and more conservative, and its income is about right for those demographics. Many are probably small business owners upset by the prospect of increased debt and taxes. And many probably belong to families, which have a higher income than singles.

Finally, can we dispense with the ridiculous “tea bagger” epithet? It's crude and intolerant. It should be beneath your dignity.

“Tea bagger” is not an epithet. It was coined by a bagger.

Demographics are a funny thing. When the nation is becoming more and more non-white, It's surprising how the GOP thinks there are more than enough conservatives to turn 2008 around.

While it states that baggers are more highly educated, I've seen a few called on falsehoods they should have realized were already de-bunked or were caught in outright lies. The language used was a bit shall we say, sophomoric?

All tolled, the baggers want everything for nothing. The GOP will coddle them, for the votes, because they're desperate for them, but will give the baggers nothing in return. That's the reality of the whole sitiuation.

“Tea bagger” is not an epithet. It was coined by a bagger.

Demographics are a funny thing. When the nation is becoming more and more non-white, It's surprising how the GOP thinks there are more than enough conservatives to turn 2008 around.

While it states that baggers are more highly educated, I've seen a few called on falsehoods they should have realized were already de-bunked or were caught in outright lies. The language used was a bit shall we say, sophomoric?

All tolled, the baggers want everything for nothing. The GOP will coddle them, for the votes, because they're desperate for them, but will give the baggers nothing in return. That's the reality of the whole sitiuation.

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