For over 150 years, a Democrat or Republican has won every presidential

election. Sure, there have been third parties that have influenced elections and

gained some power, including the Populist Party, the Bull Moose Party, the Reform Party and the Green Party. However, none of these parties have survived the test of our two-party system. After a brief stint of popularity, they all faded away.

So the question remains: Does the tea party present a realistic opportunity of overthrowing America’s established two-party system? Both Democrats and Republicans hope not.

But the fact is the tea party movement is gaining in popularity and receiving a lot of media attention, which increases its national exposure.

With midterm elections approaching in November, many tea party-endorsed candidates have a legitimate chance of getting elected. The American public is largely dissatisfied with what is happening in Washington, D.C., and many people are embracing the tea party movement as a possible source of change in our government. But what do these people actually believe?

The tea party, although it does not subscribe to either established party, is right-wing leaning in its philosophy. After her failed 2008 vice presidential campaign, Sarah Palin has become the de facto leader of the tea party.

Palin has been touring the country and backing potential candidates, preaching the ideals of the movement. The tea party thinks both established parties are overstepping the boundaries of the constitution. At the tea party convention last February, Palin said, ‘The government that governs least, governs best. … Only limited government can expand prosperity and opportunity for all.’

The tea party supports lowering taxes, lessoning the role of government, working towards energy independence and maintaining strong national security. In states across America, tea party candidates have campaigned, won primaries and positioned themselves to threaten Democrats and Republicans in November.

On Sept. 14, Christine O’Donnell gained much attention for the tea party after her primary win in Delaware, when she beat out Mike Castle, the former Republican governor. O’Donnell ran on the Republican ticket, but has separated herself from the Republican Party.

‘This is about changing the system,’ O’Donnell said in her acceptance speech.

Syracuse is located in the 25th congressional district in New York. This is another congressional seat the tea party has an opportunity to win. Dan Maffei, the incumbent democratic congressman, is facing opposition from Ann Marie Buerkle, a tea party candidate. Before Maffei was elected in 2008, Republican Jim Walsh held the congressional seat for 16 years. The 25th district has been trending democratic in the last 10 years, but Buerkle still poses a legitimate threat to Maffei’s re-election.

Since his election, President Barack Obama has been unable to accomplish much of what he promised. The economy is still suffering, people remain unemployed, and the war efforts abroad continue to be a struggle. People are frustrated and upset with their government.

The tea party provides another option and, more importantly, represents

a change in political leadership. With a growing following, the tea party has

warranted national attention and has a legitimate chance to alter the balance of power in Congress, come November. Unfortunately, by making enemies with both the Democratic and Republican parties, the tea party has all but guaranteed that Washington, D.C., will not become anymore cohesive any time soon.

Benjamin Klein is a junior political science and magazine journalism major. His column appears weekly, and he can reached at btklein@syr.edu.

 

 

Published on September 22, 2010 at 12:00 pm