The Tea Party's effect on 2012?

[Joe Biden 2020]

Is it possible that the Tea Party, though they are not an official political party, could be to the Republican Party like the Constitution Party is to them or the Green Party is to the Democrats?  Meaning, could the Tea Party actually take AWAY votes from the Republicans and pretty much ensure an Obama victory in 2012?

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

Basicly pull a 1912? No.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Whether third party or regular GOP nominee.

Unless economy would collapse 1929 style or unless Obama escatale Afghanistan LBJ-esque style, any teabagger candidate will lose to him.

I know Democrats would be happy... but think two words: Barry Goldwater.

Yes, Goldwater lost as excepted, but he turned the GOP into a right. Any teabagger nominee who lose in 2012 may influence the GOP the same way.

And, with next decades, that's scary!

[pbrower2a]

Is it possible that the Tea Party, though they are not an official political party, could be to the Republican Party like the Constitution Party is to them or the Green Party is to the Democrats?  Meaning, could the Tea Party actually take AWAY votes from the Republicans and pretty much ensure an Obama victory in 2012?

The Tea Party is for all practical purposes an extremist faction within the Republican party, and it really is taking over the GOP.  The real question is whether it will be able to fool moderates into believing that nothing is amiss before people tire of it or begin to find it scary.

[sentinel]

If the Tea Party has a third party candidate it will ensure an Obama win in 2012, but I do think that 2012 will be have at least one significant third party candidate due to the dissatisfaction with incumbents and the status quo.