Tea Party Success- Worse for Democrats or Republicans?

There is little doubt that the recent support and success of the Tea Party and its candidates is to a large degree a reaction by American parties to dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, the economy, the joblessness rate, a general malaise, and our existing government and elected officials. The question that may be far more relevant, however, is, "Is the Tea Party's success more of a threat to the Democrats or the Republicans?"

There has been much spin on all sides of the political spectrum as well as in the news media related to this question. Republicans state that the public's disenchantment gives them an advantage for the mid-term elections in November 2010, and that they believe they can then take control of the Congress. Some Democratic pundants, while keenly aware of the ledge they are teetering on, feel the Tea Party may actually splinter the Republican party, or give easier candidates for the Democratic candidates to run against than would the more traditional Republican party candidates. The media are also spinning this issue to support their point of view and preferences.

Traditionally, Americans tend to be relatively centrist politically. They may, for a short period, become a little more conservative or liberal, depending on certain issues, and the overall tone and mood of the electorate. However, what this means for the mid-term elections is certainly unclear. Tea Party candidates could ride an emotional wave to victory in November, but a historical perspective indicates that it will probably be short-lived.

What may even be more interesting, however, is that President Obama's chances to be re-elected may very well be enhanced for 2012 if the Republicans gain control of the Congress in 2010. In what would be perhaps the ultimate irony for Tea Party zealots, that scenario would give the President the opportunity to blame the Congress for whatever goes wrong, which he cannot do with his own party in control?

Therefore, whether the Tea Party is a short-lived fad and protest, or a long-term trend, the end result is that it will create some sort of rift within the Republican party. As the adage goes, my advice is, "Be careful what you wish for."