A THIRD PARTY POLITICAL AUTHORITY T.E.A Party

POPULISM? A “Populist movement” is one that arises spontaneously from a class that feels disenfranchised within the American democracy. The Populist Party is the example which all other movements like this are compared to.

What is the TEA Party? Nationwide protest amongst conservative republicans (largely), independents, and conservative democrats.

Platform Evokes Revolutionary War imagery to emphasize: Opposition to the policies of President Obama Specifically opposed to “Big Government” Increasing levels of taxation Health care reform that involves nationalization Soaring debt and deficit Trade gap and trade policy

Populists: 1892 TEA Party: In favor of banking and currency reform. In favor of abolition of the Gold Standard. In favor of the regulation of railroads. Direct election of Senators Graduated Income tax Failed to capture urban voters, a rural movement. Several successful electoral campaigns at the state level and a significant role at the presidential level Opposed to taxation. Opposed to big government. Opposed to over regulation. Use of twitter, blogging, and social networking to build movement. Appeals largely to conservative factions. Electoral success…? Future outcome TBA. Populists v. TEA Party?

Occupy Wall Street Originated from a magazine (right) ad Protest movement looking at the dramatic imbalance of wealth in the US. “We are the 99%” 47% movement A New “Populist” Movement