Mr. and Mrs. Smith Go to Washington

The average American’s interests are best served by people like them that they elect into Congress. This is the heart of our Representative System. Well, at least in theory. So when a movement of highly motivated, idyllic people decide to take matters in their own hands to influence the United States for the better who are we to quibble?

The Tea Party movement has changed the political dynamics in several different districts. This has made the establishment a little bit nervous as long established Republican Congressmen scramble to defeat Americans untainted by the political process in primaries across the state. This movement proves what happens when highly motivated people decide to get involved in the political process.

However, the NPR article “Another Tea Party Win? All Eyes are on Delaware” discusses how this not necessarily in the best move for the Republicans as it may make wins more difficult for districts that pit a far Right Wing candidate against Democrats. Mostly the article focuses on the primary race between Delaware Senator Mike Castle and challenger Christine O’Donnell and the interesting political implications of the race. It seems that the Republicans are dead set on trying to keep Castle in the seat. This makes it a clear fight between the Tea Party and the Republican Party.

It also leaves me with an unsettling question: Is it really good that so much outside influence is thrown into House and Senate races from outside sources (e.g. Sarah Palin)? I recognize that this is nothing new in politics, but doesn’t it undermine the supposed grassroots and average Joe narrative of the Tea Party?

For a slightly more interesting narrative check out the Slate article “The Weekend of Magical Thinking.” To me, the most interesting thing seems to be the way people like Ralph Reed and Newt Gingrich have been able to use the excitement generated by these motivated Americans to reboot their political power. Again, this seems to run counter to the supposed purity of the Tea Party.

I like things with color and sound. So here are some of the less articulate members of the movement that seems to be changing the face of American Politics and (possibly) our Government.