The recent NYT/CBS poll comparing the opinions of tea party activists with those of the general public asked respondents whether they agree with those who support third party and independent alternatives to the ruling Democratic-Republican two-party state. 46% of all respondents answered in the affirmative, compared with 40% of tea partisans. The poll inquired:

Some people say the country needs a third political party – a new party to compete with the Democratic and Republican parties. Do you agree or disagree? Tea Party: Agree 40%, Disagree 52%, Don’t Know 8%

General: Agree 46%, Disagree 48%, Don’t Know 6%

To reiterate: among the general public, only 48% of those surveyed support the Democratic-Republican two-party state and duopoly system of government. Cross-posted from Poli-Tea, where you can read the accompanying rant.