On the Tea Party There is widespread belief among Tea Party supporters that their movement generally reflects the views of most Americans. Half said the Tea Party is active in their communities but few attend a meeting or rally themselves. Most supporters see at least some difference between their movement and the Republican party. Tea

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dents Difference Do the views of the people involved in the Tea Party movement generally reflect the views of most Americans? Reflect most Americans 84 % 25 % +59 Do not reflect most Americans 8 36 –28 Both/Some 3 2 +1 Don’t know or no answer 4 38 –34 How much difference is there between the Republican Party and the Tea Party movement? A lot 19 % 11 % +8 Some 61 29 +32 Not much 13 18 –5 None at all 4 8 –4 Don’t know or no answer 3 34 –31 Is the Tea Party movement politically active in your community? Yes 50 % 21 % +29 No 40 51 –11 Don’t know or no answer 10 28 –18 Tea

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dents Difference What should be the goal of the Tea Party movement? Reduce federal government 45 % — — Cutting budget 6 — — Lowering taxes 6 — — Electing their own candidates 7 — — Creating jobs 9 — — Something else 7 — — All of them 18 — — Don’t know or no answer 3 — — Have you supported the Tea Party movement by ... Donated money 2 % — — Attended rally or meeting 13 — — Both 5 — — Neither 78 — — Don’t know or no answer 2 — — Where do you get most of your information about the Tea Party movement? Internet 24 % — — E-mail 4 — — Meetings 1 — — Phone calls 1 — — Television 47 — — Newspapers 8 — — Other source 11 — — Don’t know or no answer 3 — — Tea

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dents Difference Are you more likely to trust information from ... Other supporters 45 % — — Television or newspapers 37 — — Both 5 — — Neither 7 — — Don’t know or no answer 6 — —

President Obama and Congress There is striking agreement among supporters of the Tea Party in their negative views toward President Obama and Congress. Mr. Obama is doing a dismal job as president, he expanded the role of government too much, and his policies are moving the country toward socialism, according to the Tea Party supporters, and most members of Congress do not deserve re-election. Tea

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dents Difference Do you approve of the way Barack Obama is handling his job? Approve 7 % 50 % –43 Disapprove 88 40 +48 Don’t know or no answer 5 10 –5 Do you approve of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy? Approve 6 % 43 % –37 Disapprove 91 46 +45 Don’t know or no answer 3 11 –8 Do you approve of the way Barack Obama is handling health care? Approve 6 % 41 % –35 Disapprove 93 51 +42 Don’t know or no answer 2 9 –7 Tea

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dents Difference Do you approve of the way Barack Obama is handling the federal budget deficit? Approve 5 % 29 % –24 Disapprove 91 53 +38 Don’t know or no answer 4 18 –14 What is your opinion of Barack Obama? Favorable 7 % 43 % –36 Not favorable 84 33 +51 Undecided 7 17 –10 Haven’t heard enough 2 7 –5 Refused 0 1 –1 In trying to solve the economic problems facing the country, do you think Barack Obama has expanded the role of government too much? Too much 89 % 37 % +52 Not enough 3 18 –15 About right 6 36 –30 Don’t know or no answer 2 9 –7 Tea

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dents Difference Do Barack Obama’s policies are moving the country more toward socialism? Toward socialism 92 % 52 % +40 Not toward socialism 6 38 –32 Don’t know or no answer 2 10 –8 Is Barack Obama a liberal, a moderate, or a conservative? Very liberal 77 % 31 % +46 Somewhat liberal 9 18 –9 Moderate 7 28 –21 Somewhat conservative 0 6 –6 Very conservative 1 4 –3 Don’t know or no answer 5 13 –8 Do you think Barack Obama was born in the United States? Born in U.S. 41 % 58 % –17 Another country 30 20 +10 Don’t know or no answer 29 23 +6 Tea

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dents Difference Do the policies of the Obama Administration favor the rich, favor the middle class, favor the poor, or do they treat all groups equally? Favor the rich 16 % 17 % –1 Favor the middle class 6 19 –13 Favor the poor 56 27 +29 Treat all equally 9 27 –18 Don’t know or no answer 13 9 +4 Do you approve of the way Congress is handling its job? Approve 1 % 17 % –16 Disapprove 96 73 +23 Don’t know or no answer 3 10 –7 Do you approve of the way your Congressional representative is handling his or her job? Approve 40 % 46 % –6 Disapprove 49 36 +13 Don’t know or no answer 10 18 –8 Tea

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dents Difference In general, is your opinion of the Republican Party favorable? Favorable 54 % 38 % +16 Not favorable 43 53 –10 Don’t know or no answer 4 9 –5 In general, is your opinion of the Democratic Party favorable? Favorable 6 % 42 % –36 Not favorable 92 50 +42 Don’t know or no answer 2 8 –6 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? Agree 40 % 46 % –6 Disagree 52 48 +4 Don’t know or no answer 8 6 +2

The Economy and the Deficit Backers of the Tea Party movement view the national economy much more negatively than does the general public. Most say the government’s stimulus package has had no impact on the economy and the bank bailout was unnecessary. They are less likely compared with other Americans to regard their income tax bill as fair. Most supporters did not want the government to spend money to create jobs if that will increase the deficit. But they are divided over whether they would prefer a reduction in the deficit or a tax cut.

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dents Difference How would you rate the condition of the economy these days? Very good 0 % 1 % –1 Fairly good 6 22 –16 Fairly bad 39 43 –4 Very bad 54 34 +20 Don’t know or no answer 1 1 0 Do you think the economy is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same? Better 14 % 33 % –19 Worse 42 23 +19 Same 42 43 –1 Don’t know or no answer 1 1 0 Who do you think is mostly to blame for the current state of the nation’s economy? Bush administration 5 % 32 % –27 Obama administration 10 4 +6 Wall Street and financial institutions 15 22 –7 Congress 28 10 +18 Someone else 6 7 –1 All of the above 15 9 +6 Combination 20 13 +7 Don’t know or no answer 1 2 –1 Tea

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dents Difference So far, do you think the government’s stimulus package has made the economy better, worse, or has it had no impact so far? Better 10 % 32 % –22 Worse 36 18 +18 No impact 52 44 +8 Don’t know or no answer 2 6 –4 Do you think providing government money to banks and other financial institutions was necessary to get the economy out of recession? Necessary 17 % 39 % –22 Economy will improve without it 74 51 +23 Don’t know or no answer 9 10 –1 Do you regard the income tax which you will have to pay this year as fair? Yes, fair 52 % 62 % –10 No, not fair 42 30 +12 Don’t know or no answer 5 8 –3 Tea

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dents Difference Who do you think is mostly to blame for most of the current federal budget deficit? Bush administration 6 % 39 % –33 Obama administration 24 8 +16 Congress 37 19 +18 Someone else 5 13 –8 All of the above 10 8 +2 Combination 16 9 +7 Don’t know or no answer 1 3 –2 Should the government spend money to create jobs, even if it increases the budget deficit, or should it focus instead on reducing the budget deficit? Create jobs 17 % 50 % –33 Reduce budget deficit 76 42 +34 Don’t know or no answer 7 7 0 If you had to choose, would you prefer reducing the federal budget deficit or cutting taxes? Reducing deficit 42 % 45 % –3 Cutting taxes 49 47 +2 Don’t know or no answer 9 8 +1

Government The public’s trust in government is near historic lows, and Tea Party supporters are even more intense in their distaste for the government. A majority of those affiliated with the Tea Party are angry with the way things are going in Washington. Most would prefer smaller government even if domestic spending would be cut. Tea

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dents Difference How much of the time do you think you can trust the government in Washington to do what is right? Always 0 % 4 % –4 Most 6 16 –10 Some 75 70 +5 Never 19 8 +11 Don’t know or no answer 0 2 –2 Which comes closest to your feelings about the way things are going in Washington? Enthusiastic 1 % 5 % –4 Satisfied but not enthusiastic 4 26 –22 Dissatisfied but not angry 41 48 –7 Angry 53 19 +34 Don’t know or no answer 0 2 –2 If you had to choose, would you rather have a smaller government providing fewer services, or a bigger government providing more services? Smaller government, fewer services 92 % 50 % +42 Bigger government, more services 4 37 –33 Depends 2 5 –3 Don’t know or no answer 2 8 –6 Tea

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dents Difference Are you, or is any member of your family, receiving Social Security benefits? Yes, self 17 % 12 % +5 Yes, other 13 12 +1 Yes, self and other 18 8 +10 No 51 67 –16 Don’t know or no answer 0 1 –1 Are you, or is any member of your family, covered by Medicare? Yes, self 16 % 13 % +3 Yes, other 12 12 0 Yes, self and other 16 9 +7 No 56 66 –10 Don’t know or no answer 1 1 0 Are the benefits from government programs such as Social Security and Medicare worth the costs of those programs? Worth it 62 % 76 % –14 Not worth it 33 19 +14 Don’t know or no answer 6 5 +1 Tea

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dents Difference How much have you heard or read about the Federal Reserve? A lot 25 % 17 % +8 Some 45 33 +12 Not much 25 37 –12 Nothing 5 12 –7 Don’t know or no answer 1 0 +1 How much confidence do you have in the Federal Reserve’s ability to promote financial stability? A lot 5 % 8 % –3 Some 38 31 +7 Not much 28 19 +9 None 9 6 +3 Don’t know enough 20 33 –13 Don’t know or no answer 1 2 –1

Political Figures Most Tea Party supporters have a favorable opinion of Sarah Palin, but less than half say she would be an effective president. Most have a favorable opinion of Former President George W. Bush and Glenn Beck. but about a third hold a favorable opinion of 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Tea

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dents Difference Is your opinion of the Tea Party movement favorable? Favorable 85 % 21 % +64 Not favorable 1 18 –17 Undecided 9 14 –5 Haven’t heard enough 4 46 –42 Refused 0 2 –2 Would Sarah Palin have the ability to be an effective President? Yes 40 % 26 % +14 No 47 63 –16 Don’t know or no answer 13 11 +2 Is your opinion of George W. Bush favorable? Favorable 57 % 27 % +30 Not favorable 27 58 –31 Undecided 14 14 0 Haven’t heard enough 1 1 0 Refused 1 1 0 Tea

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dents Difference Is your opinion of John McCain favorable? Favorable 35 % 23 % +12 Not favorable 37 36 +1 Undecided 24 27 –3 Haven’t heard enough 3 12 –9 Refused 0 2 –2 Is your opinion of Glenn Beck favorable? Favorable 59 % 18 % +41 Not favorable 6 17 –11 Undecided 17 17 0 Haven’t heard enough 17 47 –30 Refused 0 1 –1 Have you purchased gold coins or bars in the last twelve months? Yes 5 % — — No 93 — — Don’t know or no answer 3 — —

Racial Attitudes Most supporters of the Tea Party movement say black and white people have an equal chance of getting ahead in today’s society. Tea Party supporters are significantly more likely than all adults to say that too much has been made of the problems of black people. Tea

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dents Difference In general, who do you think has a better chance of getting ahead in today’s society? White people 16 % 31 % –15 Black people 7 4 +3 Equal 73 60 +13 Don’t know or no answer 4 5 –1 In recent years, has too much been made of the problems facing black people? Too much 52 % 28 % +24 Too little 6 16 –10 Just right 36 44 –8 Don’t know or no answer 6 11 –5 Do the policies of the Obama administration favor whites over blacks, favor blacks over whites, or do they treat both groups the same? Favor whites over blacks 1 % 2 % –1 Favor blacks over whites 25 11 +14 Treat both the same 65 83 –18 Don’t know or no answer 9 5 +4

Social Issues Tea Party backers are more concerned with economic issues than social issues. They are divided over the issue of legal immigration, while calling illegal immigration a serious problem. Tea Party supporters are divided over the issue of same-sex marriage. Most say the Roe v. Wade decision was a bad thing. Most Tea Partiers say either global warming will never have a serious impact on the environment or it doesn’t exist.

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dents Difference When thinking about important issues facing the country which concerns you more right now? Economic issues 78 % 80 % –2 Social issues 14 13 +1 Both 7 4 +3 Don’t know or no answer 0 2 –2 Should legal immigration be kept at its present level? Present level 39 % 35 % +4 Increased 14 16 –2 Decreased 42 41 +1 Don’t know or no answer 5 7 –2 How serious a problem do you think the issue of illegal immigration is for the country right now? Very serious 82 % 60 % +22 Somewhat serious 15 23 –8 Not too serious 2 12 –10 Not at all serious 1 3 –2 Don’t know or no answer 1 2 –1 Tea

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dents Difference Gay couples should be allowed to ... Allowed to legally marry 16 % 39 % –23 Civil unions 41 24 +17 No legal recognition 40 30 +10 Don’t know or no answer 3 7 –4 Abortion should be ... Generally available 20 % 36 % –16 Available but limits 45 38 +7 Should not be permitted 32 23 +9 Don’t know or no answer 2 3 –1 Do you think the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade was a good thing? Good thing 40 % 58 % –18 Bad thing 53 34 +19 Both good/bad 3 3 0 Don’t know or no answer 4 5 –1

Health Insurance Tea Party supporters are firmly against the recent health care legislation. Most say the government should not require all Americans to have health insurance, and do not think upper-income Americans should be taxed to pay for the uninsured. Most Tea Partiers do agree that health insurance companies should be required to cover anyone regardless of pre-existing conditions.

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dents Difference As long as the federal government provides financial help to those who cannot afford health insurance, should the federal government require nearly all Americans to have health insurance? Should 12 % 49 % –37 Should not 85 45 +40 Don’t know or no answer 3 7 –4 Do you think it is a good idea to raise income taxes on households that make more than $250,000 a year to provide health insurance for people who do not have it? Good idea 17 % 54 % –37 Bad idea 80 39 +41 Don’t know or no answer 3 7 –4 Do you approve of requiring health insurance companies to cover anyone who applies for health insurance regardless of whether or not they have an existing medical condition or a prior illness? Approve 59 % 81 % –22 Disapprove 32 15 +17 Don’t know or no answer 9 4 +5

Guns A majority of Tea Party supporters think gun control laws should be kept as they are now. They are are more likely than Republicans nationwide to say gun control laws should be less strict.

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dents Difference Do you or anyone in your household own a gun? Respondent does 31 % 21 % +10 Someone in household does 12 13 –1 Both do 15 7 +8 No gun in household 32 56 –24 Gun control laws should be ... More strict 13 % 40 % –27 Less strict 30 16 +14 Kept as they are now 55 42 +13 Don’t know or no answer 2 3 –1